DJI Unveils the Ronin RS 5 Globally, But With a Surprising Omission for US Filmmakers

The RS 5 comes in a single black finish.

The world of camera stabilization just got a significant, if slightly puzzling, upgrade. DJI has officially launched its highly anticipated DJI Ronin RS 5 for global markets, following a two-week exclusive period in its home market of China. Touted as the company's sole fifth-generation gimbal, the RS 5 promises the next leap in stabilization tech, though its rollout comes with a notable feature change and one major market exclusion that has creators talking.

Positioned as the successor to the popular RS 3 series, the RS 5 is not a direct replacement for the heavier-duty RS 4 Pro, which remains in the lineup. This leaves the compact RS 4 Mini as the go-to for those seeking a ultra-portable solution, currently holding its ground at around $349.

What’s New in the DJI RS 5? Smarter Stabilization Meets Practical Trade-Offs

As leaked and rumored in prior months, the core advancements of the RS 5 center on intelligence and efficiency. The headline upgrade is the integration of DJI’s proprietary 5th Generation Stabilization Algorithm. This promises smoother, more responsive motion correction, better handling of complex walking movements, and overall more cinematic results with less manual tweaking.

Furthermore, DJI has addressed a common pain point: battery life. The RS 5 boasts improved battery performance and faster charging speeds, meaning less downtime on shoots and more time capturing the perfect shot. This is a welcome practical upgrade for any working professional or dedicated enthusiast.

However, a key specification has seen a reduction. Where the previous RS 4 Pro supported a robust 4.5 kg (10 lbs) payload, the new RS 5’s capacity is listed at 3 kg (6.6 lbs). This carefully positions it between the consumer-focused models and the Pro, ensuring it handles flagship mirrorless cameras and cine lenses with ease, but may push filmmakers with the heaviest rigs toward the Pro model.

Ready to get your hands on the latest stabilization tech? Explore the official DJI RS 5 combo packages and see detailed specs on the DJI UK Store.

The Pricing and Availability Puzzle: Where Can You Buy the RS 5?

Here’s where the story gets intriguing for global customers. DJI has confirmed the RS 5 will not be sold in the United States, at least for now. The company has not provided a reason for this omission, leaving American filmmakers to watch from the sidelines or seek import options. It remains entirely unclear if a US launch is planned for a later date.

The gimbal is, however, available elsewhere in North America. In Canada, the RS 5 body alone starts at $479 CAD (approx. $648 CAD), with comprehensive combo packages—including handles, focus modules, and transmission systems—reaching up to $1,539 CAD.

Across the Atlantic, European videographers can now place their orders. In the UK, the entry price is set at £485, while in the Eurozone, it starts at €569. For those wanting the full ecosystem experience, DJI offers a popular bundle with the RS Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module and the Electronic Briefcase Handle for £619 / €719. Higher-tier combos incorporate the professional SDR Transmission Combo for wireless video control, significantly expanding the gimbal's utility on professional sets.

The Verdict: A Powerful Upgrade with a Strategic Gap

The DJI Ronin RS 5 shapes up to be a compelling upgrade for filmmakers ready to leverage smarter stabilization and better battery management. Its refined algorithm represents the true generational leap. However, the reduced payload compared to the RS 4 Pro creates a clearer distinction in DJI's lineup, and the complete absence of a US launch strategy is a confounding move that will frustrate a massive creator market.

For international filmmakers and those in eligible countries, the RS 5 is now the new benchmark in its class. For everyone else, the existing RS 4 Pro, RS 3, or the handy RS 4 Mini—which you can check the latest price for on Amazon here—remain the most accessible and powerful options. The ball is now in DJI's court to explain its roadmap for the US, a market it has traditionally dominated.