The DJI Mini 5 Pro is the latest addition to DJI’s ultra-lightweight drone family, pushing the boundaries of what a compact drone can achieve. Building upon the success of the Mini 4 Pro, this new model introduces a larger sensor, improved video capabilities, stronger safety systems, and longer flight times, all while remaining small, foldable, and regulation-friendly. It is designed to meet the needs of hobbyists, travelers, content creators, and even professional filmmakers who want high-end performance in a portable form.
Camera and Imaging
At the heart of the Mini 5 Pro lies a 1-inch CMOS sensor, a major upgrade from the smaller 1/1.3-inch sensor found in its predecessor. The larger sensor captures more light, which results in better clarity, reduced noise, and richer detail in both bright and low-light conditions. With a resolution of 50 megapixels, the Mini 5 Pro delivers photographs that rival professional cameras, producing crisp landscapes, portraits, and aerial perspectives with natural color reproduction.
The camera features a wide f/1.8 aperture, allowing for impressive performance even during early morning, late evening, or indoor flights. For video enthusiasts, the Mini 5 Pro sets new standards in the Mini series. It records 4K HDR footage at up to 60 frames per second, balancing highlights and shadows for realistic images. For action sequences or dramatic slow motion, the drone supports 4K/120 fps, enabling creators to capture every detail of fast-moving subjects.
Color flexibility is another strong point. With 10-bit recording and professional modes like D-Log M and HLG, the drone supports cinematic workflows, offering up to 14 stops of dynamic range. This means greater control in post-production and the ability to color grade footage for professional use, whether for social media content or commercial film projects.
Gimbal and Orientation
The camera is stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal, ensuring smooth footage even in challenging flying conditions. DJI has also introduced a 225-degree rotation range, enabling true vertical shooting without cropping. This is especially useful for vertical platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, where portrait-oriented content is now in high demand. Creators can seamlessly switch between horizontal and vertical capture, saving time and preserving image quality.
Another innovative addition is the Med-Tele mode, which simulates a 48mm equivalent focal length using smart cropping. This gives users the ability to achieve tighter shots without physically moving closer, ideal for portraits, wildlife, or cinematic framing. Combined with the wide lens, this dual approach provides a versatile toolkit for storytellers.
Obstacle Avoidance and Safety
DJI has equipped the Mini 5 Pro with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, a significant leap for the Mini line. Using a mix of vision sensors placed on all sides and front-facing LiDAR technology, the drone can detect and avoid obstacles in every direction. This makes it safer to fly in complex environments such as forests, urban areas, or narrow pathways.
One of the standout innovations is the Night Return-to-Home (Night RTH) function. With LiDAR and downward vision assistance, the drone can safely navigate back to its takeoff point even in low-light conditions, reducing the risks of night flying.
The drone also introduces an enhanced ActiveTrack 360° system, allowing it to follow subjects more intelligently. It can circle, reposition, and maintain focus while automatically avoiding obstacles. For those capturing action sports, vehicles, or moving people, this delivers professional tracking shots with minimal manual control.
Transmission and Connectivity
The Mini 5 Pro uses DJI’s latest O4+ transmission system, providing a more stable connection and low-latency video feed. Under FCC conditions, the drone can achieve a maximum range of up to 20 kilometers, though legal restrictions in many regions limit practical distances. The important benefit is the strengthened signal and reduced risk of disconnection, even in areas with high interference. Pilots receive a 1080p/60fps live feed on their controller, ensuring smooth monitoring and precise framing in real time.
Flight Time and Batteries
Battery performance has also seen a major improvement. With the standard Intelligent Flight Battery, the Mini 5 Pro achieves up to 36 minutes of flight time under ideal conditions. For extended operations, the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus boosts endurance to around 52 minutes, giving creators nearly an hour of aerial shooting without landing.
It’s worth noting that while the standard battery keeps the drone under 250 grams—important for compliance with lightweight drone regulations—the Plus battery may push it over that threshold in certain regions. Still, this flexibility allows users to choose between maximum portability or maximum endurance depending on their needs.
