Review: DJI Ronin RS5 – A Workhorse Built for Live Event

By: Kim Elexis Delos Reyes, Director of Photography, ChinoyTV

Having used every iteration of the Ronin series—from the original to the RS4 Pro—I walked into the production of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global Year 2 with a pretty high bar for what a gimbal should deliver. Our shoot ran from January 28 to February 10, covering a high-energy, fast-paced live event with dozens of candidates, complex lighting, and zero room for downtime.

After two weeks of heavy use, here is my honest take on the new DJI RS5.

The Tracking Game Changer

The most significant upgrade for our specific workflow was the new and improved subject tracking sensor. In previous generations, relying solely on smartphone connectivity for ActiveTrack was sometimes a liability in crowded environments.

During the Mr. and Ms. Chinatown finals, we were navigating through crowds, following candidates through backstage chaos, and capturing walk-and-talks. The RS5’s native tracking sensor locked onto subjects faster and held them significantly better than the RS4 Pro. It identified our candidates immediately, even when they were wearing similar sashes and outfits. It felt like having a dedicated camera operator for every single run-and-gun moment.

Battery Life That Keeps Up

Event coverage is a marathon, not a sprint. We were shooting 12+ hour days, and I didn’t have time to babysit batteries. The improved battery life on the RS5 genuinely got us through full days without scrambling for a charge.

Even better? Backward compatibility. We still have a stable of batteries from our RS2 and RS4 Pro, and swapping them into the RS5 worked seamlessly. For a production house like ChinoyTV, this isn’t just a convenience—it’s a cost-saving feature that makes the RS5 an easy sell for studio upgrades.

Handling the Payload

Our primary A-cam setup was the Sony FX3 paired with the 24-70mm GM f/2.8. This isn’t a heavy cine rig, but it’s a dense, front-heavy combo that can overwhelm smaller gimbals. With a payload capacity of 3kg, the RS5 handled this setup with zero strain on the motors. We never experienced any drift or lag, even during rapid whip pans to catch reactions from the audience.

Faster Setup, Less Headache

One of my biggest pet peeves on set is balancing time. The new knob-style adjustment system for balancing is a massive quality-of-life improvement. Instead of fiddling with tiny locking levers that never feel “tight” enough, the knobs provide precise control. I was able to switch lenses or rebalance in under a minute—crucial when you have a stage manager counting down from ten.

Pricing and Availability

For Filipino creatives looking to upgrade, the DJI RS5 is now available in DJI Stores nationwide. The standard unit is priced at ₱26,390, while the Combo Version—which includes the focus motor, Ronin Image Transmitter, and carry case—retails for ₱32,990.

If you’re planning to purchase, keep an eye out for store-specific promo discount codes that can sweeten the deal. At this price point, the RS5 offers incredible value, especially considering the pro-level tracking features you’re getting that were previously reserved for much higher-end systems.

The Verdict

The DJI RS5 isn’t just an incremental update. It takes the rock-solid foundation of the Ronin series and adds intelligent, user-focused refinements.

Is it for everyone?

For high-end cinema shooters using massive RED or Venice rigs, the 3kg payload might feel limiting compared to the RS4 Pro’s higher capacity. But for beginners and starting creatives, this is the perfect entry point. It offers pro-level features (specifically the native tracking) in a package that forgives rookie mistakes.

For us at ChinoyTV, it bridged the gap between reliability and innovation. It didn’t just perform; it made our jobs easier.

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros: Native Tracking Sensor, Battery Life & Backward Compatibility, Precision Balancing Knobs, Lightweight Form Factor.

Cons: Payload cap may not suit full cinema builds.