Full Breakdown of Features, Camera, Flight Performance, and Smart Modes
DJI has officially introduced the DJI Mini 5 Pro, the newest addition to its Mini series. Building on the popularity of the Mini 4 Pro, this drone delivers major upgrades in design, imaging, flight performance, and intelligent features. Below is an in-depth look at what makes the Mini 5 Pro one of the most advanced sub-250g drones available today.
Design and Hardware Upgrades
Compared to the DJI Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 5 Pro brings a refined darker gray finish and a newly engineered gimbal and camera system. Like the Mavic 4 Pro, the drone now powers on automatically when unfolded, and powers off within five seconds when folded—though this setting can be adjusted.
| Feature | DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 249.9g (sub-250g) | 249g (sub-250g) |
| Image Sensor | 1-inch CMOS, 50MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48MP |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K @ 120fps (10-bit HDR) | 4K @ 100fps (10-bit HDR) |
| Max Flight Time | Up to 36 min (standard) up to 52 min (Plus) | Up to 34 min (standard) up to 45 min (Plus) |
| Max Transmission Distance | Up to 20 km (FCC) | Up to 20 km (FCC) |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional (with Front LiDAR) | Omnidirectional |
| Internal Storage | 42GB | None |
| ND Filters | Included (Fly More Combo Plus) | Optional/Sold Separately |
| Max Horizontal Speed | Up to 19 m/s | Up to 16 m/s |
| Gimbal Rotation | 225° roll, 3-axis mechanical | 3-axis mechanical |
| App Support | DJI Fly (RC 2 or smartphone) | DJI Fly (RC 2 or smartphone) |
| Main Use Case | Travel, easy flying, highest Mini specs | Travel, ease of use, creative shots |
| Price | Starts at PhP40,690 | Starts at PhP38,990 |
A new highlight is the front-facing lidars, improving obstacle sensing. The redesigned gimbal allows smoother motion, while a new side button hints at potential future features via firmware updates.
| Feature | DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Air 3s |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 249.9g (sub-250g) | ~720g |
| Image Sensor | 1-inch CMOS, 50MP | 1/1.3-inch Dual Primary (Wide + Tele) |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K @ 120fps (10-bit HDR) | 4K @ 100fps (Wide), 4K @ 60fps (Tele) |
| Max Flight Time | Up to 36 min (standard) up to 52 min (Plus) | Up to 46 min |
| Max Transmission Distance | Up to 20 km (FCC) | Up to 20 km (O4, FCC) |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional (with Front LiDAR) | Omnidirectional |
| Internal Storage | 42GB | None |
| ND Filters | Included (Fly More Combo Plus) | Optional/Sold Separately |
| Max Horizontal Speed | Up to 19 m/s | Up to 21 m/s |
| Gimbal Rotation | 225° roll, 3-axis mechanical | 3-axis mechanical |
| App Support | DJI Fly (RC 2 or smartphone) | DJI Fly (RC 2, RC-N2, or smartphone) |
| Main Use Case | Travel, easy flying, portability | Professional, higher-end content |
| Price | Starts at PhP40,690 | Starts at PhP57,990 |
Camera and Imaging: A 1-Inch Sensor in a Mini Drone
One of the biggest changes is the camera upgrade. The Mini 5 Pro now features a 1-inch, 50MP sensor with an 84° field of view. This sensor dramatically improves low-light performance, offering up to 14 stops of dynamic range.
Key imaging features include:
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10-bit DLOG-M and standard color profile support (great for creators who don’t want heavy post-production).
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True vertical shooting for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
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225° manual gimbal rotation for creative perspectives.
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48mm portrait mode with 2x zoom, ideal for capturing detailed portraits without flying closer.
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42GB internal storage, allowing you to shoot even without an SD card.
Flight Performance and Battery Options
The Mini 5 Pro has stronger flight specs compared to its predecessor:
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Propellers now feature a quick-release design—no tools required.
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Battery choices:
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Standard: keeps weight under 249g, with 36 minutes of flight time.
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Plus: extends flight to 52 minutes, but goes over the 249g limit.
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Speed and resistance: up to 19 m/s flight speed and 12 m/s wind resistance, making it more stable in challenging conditions.
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Obstacle avoidance: enhanced by lidars and low-light sensors, enabling omnidirectional sensing even at night.
Smart Features and Intelligent Flight Modes
DJI has packed the Mini 5 Pro with its most advanced AI-driven features yet:
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NextG Smart Return-to-Home: Builds a real-time environment map, allowing safe return even without GPS.
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ActiveTrack 360 upgrades: New modes for biking, skiing, and more, with adaptive drone response.
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Auto subject framing: Drone automatically frames your subject, or you can switch to manual control.
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O4 Plus transmission system: Delivers 20 km range with 10-bit HDR live video. Compatible with DJI RC2, RCN3, and RC Pro 2 controllers.
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Offstate Quick Transfer: Lets you move footage directly to your phone without powering the drone fully on.
As expected, it includes all the core intelligent modes: Waypoints, MasterShots, QuickShots, Panorama, FocusTrack, Spotlight, and Point of Interest.
Final Verdict: Is the DJI Mini 5 Pro Worth It?
The DJI Mini 5 Pro sets a new standard for compact drones. With its professional-grade 1-inch camera, extended battery options, and advanced smart features, it offers creators, travelers, and professionals a powerful yet portable aerial tool.
For those flying in restricted regions (like Canada), its lightweight design ensures minimal regulations while still delivering premium performance. After extended testing, the Mini 5 Pro proves to be one of DJI’s most flexible and capable drones in the Mini lineup.
✅ Best For: Travelers, content creators, and professionals needing a compact drone with pro-level imaging.
✅ Upgrade Pick: If you own a Mini 4 Pro, the camera, battery life, and obstacle avoidance upgrades make the Mini 5 Pro worth the jump.
