The DJI Mini 5 Pro has officially launched on September 17, 2025, and it’s already making waves in the drone community as a flagship ultralight drone. Packed with professional-grade features in a sub-250g package, this drone redefines what compact drones can achieve. Whether you’re a content creator, travel enthusiast, or professional filmmaker, the Mini 5 Pro promises to elevate your aerial photography and videography. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this drone a standout, based on the latest reviews and specifications.
Key Specifications
Camera and Imaging
At the heart of the DJI Mini 5 Pro is its 1-inch 50MP CMOS sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, a significant upgrade from the Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch sensor. This larger sensor delivers exceptional low-light performance and up to 14 stops of dynamic range, making it ideal for capturing vibrant photos and videos during sunrise, sunset, or night shoots. The drone supports 4K/60fps HDR video, 4K/120fps slow-motion recording, and 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color modes for professional-grade color grading. The 3-axis gimbal offers 225° roll rotation and true vertical shooting, perfect for social media content creators. Additionally, the Mini 5 Pro can capture 50MP JPEG or DNG RAW photos and supports burst shooting, AEB, and timed modes for versatile photography.
Flight Performance
Weighing just 249.9g, the Mini 5 Pro falls under the 250g regulatory threshold, making it exempt from registration in many regions like the US, UK, and EU. It offers a standard flight time of 36 minutes, extendable to 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (though this pushes the weight above 250g). The drone uses DJI’s OcuSync 4.0+ or potentially 5.0 transmission system, boasting a range of up to 25km in ideal conditions, though real-world usage typically allows 6–8km round-trip flights. Its improved aerodynamics and vented motors enhance wind resistance and flight stability, ensuring smooth operation even in challenging conditions.
Safety and Intelligent Features
The Mini 5 Pro introduces forward-facing LiDAR sensors alongside omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, a first for a sub-250g drone. This combination ensures reliable object detection in low-light environments, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing features like ActiveTrack 360°, which can lock onto subjects moving up to 15m/s. Intelligent flight modes include MasterShots, QuickShots (Rotate, Dronie, Circle, Helix, Rocket, Boomerang, Asteroid), and Free Panorama for seamless, professional-grade shots. The drone also supports one-button takeoff and remote wake-up via the DJI Fly app within Bluetooth range, simplifying operation for beginners and pros alike.
Storage and Connectivity
With 42GB of internal storage (a massive jump from the Mini 4 Pro’s 2GB) and a MicroSD slot for additional capacity, the Mini 5 Pro ensures you can capture extended shoots without worrying about space. It also offers Wi-Fi transfers at up to 100MB/s, making it easy to share content quickly.
Pricing and Availability
The DJI Mini 5 Pro starts at €799 (~£689 in the UK) for the standard package. The Fly More Combo, including three batteries, a charging hub, ND filters, and the RC-N3 controller, retails for €1,029 (~£869), while the premium Fly More Combo with the DJI RC2 controller (featuring a built-in screen) costs €1,159 (~£979). Unfortunately, due to trade restrictions, the drone is not officially available in the US at launch, though third-party retailers may offer limited stock. Pricing in India is speculated to start around $800–900 for the base model, with premium bundles potentially exceeding $1,000.
Why the Mini 5 Pro Stands Out
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is a marvel of miniaturization, cramming high-end features into a drone that fits in your pocket. Its 1-inch sensor rivals the imaging quality of larger drones like the DJI Air 3S, while the sub-250g weight ensures hassle-free flying in many regions. The addition of LiDAR and enhanced obstacle avoidance makes it safer and more reliable, especially for beginners or those flying in complex environments. Reviewers have praised its versatility, with TechRadar calling it “the perfect drone for most people” due to its balance of performance and portability.
Compared to its predecessor, the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 5 Pro offers a larger sensor, longer flight time, and superior obstacle avoidance, making it a worthwhile upgrade for those needing advanced video capabilities or low-light performance. However, casual users may find the Mini 4 Pro sufficient for basic travel videos or social media content.
Who Should Buy It?
Content Creators: The vertical shooting mode, 4K HDR video, and 50MP photos make it ideal for social media and professional content.
Travel Enthusiasts: Its ultralight, foldable design is perfect for globetrotters who need a portable yet powerful drone.
Real Estate Professionals: High-resolution imaging and stable hover capabilities are great for capturing property overviews.
Drone Hobbyists: Beginners will appreciate the ease of use, while advanced pilots can leverage features like D-Log M and ActiveTrack.
Early Reviews
Early hands-on reviews highlight the Mini 5 Pro’s impressive performance. Digital Camera World notes that it “lives up to its promises,” surviving tough weather conditions and delivering stunning image quality. TechRadar’s reviewer, after limited flight sessions, declared it the “top performer for beginner drones” due to its class-leading features. A YouTube unboxing video from India showcased its sleek design and smooth first flight, generating excitement among enthusiasts. However, some Reddit users speculate that the standard battery may offer shorter real-world flight times (10–12 minutes) compared to the extended battery, which could push the drone into a higher regulatory category.
The Competition
With Autel exiting the consumer drone market and other competitors like Skydio and Hubsan struggling to match DJI’s innovation, the Mini 5 Pro faces little direct competition in the sub-250g category. The Insta360 Antigravity A1, a 360-degree camera drone, is an emerging rival, but its focus on panoramic footage makes it less versatile for traditional aerial photography. The HoverAir Aqua, a waterproof drone, is another alternative, but it lacks the Mini 5 Pro’s advanced camera and safety features.
Final Thoughts
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is a groundbreaking release that sets a new standard for ultralight drones. Its 1-inch sensor, LiDAR-enhanced safety, and extended flight time make it a top choice for creators and hobbyists who want professional results without regulatory headaches. While its US availability is limited, global markets like Europe and India are already buzzing with excitement. If you’re looking for a compact drone that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Mini 5 Pro is worth the investment. Keep an eye on DJI’s official channels for updates on availability and additional features.
For the latest news and deals, check out trusted retailers like Everse India or DJI’s official website. Happy flying!
