DJI Unveils the RS 5: A Gimbal With Touchscreen AI Tracking and Z-Axis Stabilization

DJI launched the RS 5 gimbal in China on January 15, 2026, with a global rollout on January 29, priced at $569 for the Standard Kit and $719 for the Combo Kit. The gimbal weighs 1.46 kg, supports payloads of up to 2.97 kg, and introduces Z-axis stabilization for the first time in the base Ronin series, alongside a new AI tracking module that operates from a built-in touchscreen.

A Fourth Axis Enters the Picture

Until now, gimbals in DJI's base Ronin series handled only three axes: pan, tilt, and roll. The RS 5 breaks that pattern by adding Z-axis stabilization, designed to eliminate the vertical bounce that occurs when an operator walks or runs with a camera on their shoulder or in hand. It's a feature previously reserved for pricier flagship models, and it's now trickling down to the product that serves as the company's default option for independent creators.

Alongside the new axis, DJI is touting a fifth-generation stabilization algorithm that it says delivers 50% more peak motor torque compared to the previous RS 4. In practice, this should show up in fast pans and vertical shooting, a format that has become the standard for online content.

A Touchscreen Instead of a Paired Smartphone

The most significant operational upgrade is the RS Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module, included as part of the Combo package. Unlike earlier solutions that required connecting a mobile phone or external monitor to select a tracking subject, the entire process here happens directly through a touchscreen mounted on the gimbal body itself.

• Subject lock-on range: up to 10 meters
• Supported subject types: people, vehicles, and pets
• Operation method: selection and tracking directly from the built-in screen, no paired phone required

Removing the middle step, meaning the need for a phone or separate monitor, should shorten setup time in the field. The open question is how reliable the tracking is in difficult lighting conditions or when several similar subjects appear in frame simultaneously, a detail that hasn't been published and requires hands-on testing against competing models.

A Battery That Lasts a Full Shooting Day?

One of the most common field pain points with gimbals is a battery dying mid-shoot. DJI addresses this directly with an upgraded companion battery grip, plus an additional upgrade option for production crews that need more continuous runtime.

• BG33 battery grip (included): 14 hours of operation on a single charge, a 15% improvement over the RS 4
• BG70 battery grip (optional): up to 30 hours of operation
• Full charge time with a 65W charger: about one hour, 60% faster than the RS 4
• Gimbal weight with grip and quick-release plates: 1.46 kg
• Supported payload capacity: up to 2.97 kg

The payload range is designed to cover most mirrorless cameras and quite a few compact cinema camera setups, meaning the product isn't limited to hobbyist shooters but also targets professional production teams working with a mid-size budget.

How Does the Pricing Stack Up Against Rivals?

DJI continues to position the Ronin line as a relatively accessible option compared to far pricier industrial gimbals, but the addition of the Z-axis and a standalone tracking module brings the RS 5 feature-wise closer to studio-grade equipment.

• Standard Kit: $569
• Combo Kit (includes AI tracking module and electronic briefcase handle): $719
• China launch: January 15, 2026
• Global launch: January 29, 2026

The relatively steep price of the Combo Kit raises a practical question: how many independent shooters will actually need the tracking module, versus those who'll settle for the Standard Kit and skip the new feature. In a market where vertical content for social platforms already accounts for a significant share of many creators' income, DJI's bet on the Z-axis and autonomous tracking looks well targeted, but competition from manufacturers like Zhiyun and SmallRig isn't expected to let up.