DJI RS 4 Pro vs. RS 5: Same Game, Different League?




Choosing between the DJI RS 4 Pro and the DJI RS 5 comes down to one question: how complex is your production setup? Both are professional-grade camera gimbals, but they're built for different workflows. Here's a straight comparison.

At a Glance


DJI RS 4 Pro

DJI RS 5

Payload capacity

4.5 kg (10 lbs)

3 kg (6.6 lbs)

LiDAR focusing

Yes — 76,800 ranging points, 20m

No

Dual focus & zoom motor support

Yes

No

Native vertical shooting

2nd-gen (no accessories needed)

2nd-gen (no accessories needed)

Automated axis locks

2nd-gen

2nd-gen

Electronic Briefcase Handle

Included (non-electronic)

Available separately

Battery runtime

Up to 13 hrs standard / 29 hrs with BG70

~14 hrs standard (with BG33)

Charging time

~1.5 hrs

~1 hr (with 65W PD charger)

Intelligent tracking

Via RS Intelligent Tracking Module (add-on)

Via RS Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module (add-on)

Fine-tuning knobs

Yes

Yes — on each axis arm

Axis Arm Material

Carbon fiber, Teflon™ Interlayers

Yes

Aluminum alloy, Teflon™ Interlayers

Z-Axis Indicator

No

Yes

What the RS 4 Pro Does That the RS 5 Doesn't

The RS 4 Pro is built for productions that need deep camera control integration. Its standout capabilities:

  • LiDAR Focusing — With 76,800 ranging points and 20-meter subject focusing, the RS 4 Pro supports intelligent LiDAR autofocus when paired with the DJI Focus Pro Motor. The next-gen ActiveTrack Pro can lock onto a moving subject with precision that manual pulling can't reliably match.
  • Dual Focus & Zoom Motor Support — Install two Focus Pro Motors and the RS 4 Pro can handle focus and zoom simultaneously via remote control. Pair it with the Focus Pro Hand Unit and High-Bright Remote Monitor for refined remote gimbal and lens control across a full production chain.
  • LiDAR & Transmission Interconnectivity — The RS 4 Pro can power a DJI Focus Pro LiDAR and DJI Video Transmitter simultaneously using the Focus Pro LiDAR to DJI Transmission Cable Hub, enabling fully integrated stabilization, transmission, and focusing in one setup.
  • Extended Battery Runtime — With the optional RS BG70 High-Capacity Battery Grip, the RS 4 Pro can run for up to 29 hours. The standard BG30 Battery Grip delivers approximately 13 hours.

These features make the RS 4 Pro the right choice for scripted productions, documentary work with remote operators, or any setup requiring a connected, multi-operator production chain.

What the RS 5 Does Differently

The RS 5 doesn't have LiDAR or dual motor support, but it brings meaningful ergonomic and workflow upgrades over previous RS models:

  • Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module — The RS 5 pairs with the Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module, which expands subject tracking beyond people to include vehicles and pets, and displays the tracking view directly on the gimbal touchscreen. The RS 4 Pro pairs with the standard Intelligent Tracking Module, which is limited to human subjects and cannot show the tracking view on screen.
  • Electronic Briefcase Handle — The RS 5's Electronic Briefcase Handle gives you single-handed control of the gimbal and camera via a joystick and buttons, enabling creative low-angle and unconventional shots without repositioning your grip. On the RS 4 Pro, the included briefcase handle is non-electronic.
  • Aluminum Alloy Axis Arms and Fine-Tuning Knobs — The RS 5 features aluminum alloy axis arms with Teflon™ interlayers and dedicated fine-tuning knobs on each axis arm for smoother, more precise balancing.
  • Z-Axis Indicator — A new addition on the RS 5 that gives instant feedback when adjusting your footsteps for steadier, more professional walking shots.
  • Faster Charging — The RS 5 fully charges in approximately 1 hour with a 65W PD charger, compared to approximately 1.5 hours for the RS 4 Pro.

Who Should Choose the RS 4 Pro

  • You work on film or TV productions with a dedicated focus puller or remote operator
  • You need LiDAR autofocus for precise, hands-free subject tracking at distance
  • You want dual focus and zoom motor support for full lens control
  • You need long battery runtime for extended shooting days — especially with the BG70 grip

Who Should Choose the RS 5

  • You work solo or in small crews and want smarter tracking with broader subject support
  • You want the Electronic Briefcase Handle for intuitive single-handed camera control
  • You value easier, more precise balancing with Teflon-coated arms and fine-tuning knobs
  • You don't need LiDAR or dual motor integration

The Verdict

The RS 4 Pro and RS 5 aren't really competing for the same buyer. The RS 4 Pro is a production tool — built for complex, multi-component setups where LiDAR focusing, dual motor control, and long runtime are essential. The RS 5 is the smarter, more ergonomic everyday gimbal — better for solo operators, run-and-gun shooting, and crews that want intuitive tracking and handling without the production chain complexity.

Browse the full DJI RS Series at DJIUSA, with fast US shipping, 30-day returns, and a 1-year warranty on every product.