DJI has officially launched its latest compact drone, the DJI Mini 5 Pro, integrating a larger camera sensor into its sub-250g category for the first time.
The new model is equipped with a 50-megapixel, 1-inch sensor, a feature previously reserved for the company's larger and heavier drones. According to DJI, this upgrade is designed to improve image quality, particularly in low-light conditions such as sunrise, sunset, and nighttime photography. The drone also includes a new 48mm equivalent telephoto mode with digital zoom.
Video capabilities have been expanded to include 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with High Dynamic Range (HDR). For slow-motion capture, the drone supports 4K at 120 frames per second. The Mini 5 Pro records 10-bit video in D-Log M and HLG colour profiles, with a maximum ISO of 12800 in standard modes and 3200 in Log modes.
Flight safety systems have been updated with an omnidirectional vision sensing system, which now includes a forward-facing LiDAR sensor. This addition is intended to enhance obstacle detection and avoidance during night flights and enable a safer return-to-home function in low-light environments. The drone can also map flight routes for returning to its takeoff point in areas without a strong satellite signal, supported by an L1 + L5 dual-band GNSS for improved positioning.
The gimbal mechanism has been redesigned to allow for 225-degree roll rotation and native vertical shooting without cropping the image, catering to content creation for social media platforms. The drone’s subject tracking software, ActiveTrack 360°, has also been upgraded for more stable performance across various scenarios.
The standard Intelligent Flight Battery provides a quoted flight time of up to 36 minutes. An optional 'Plus' battery is available, extending the maximum flight time to 52 minutes. For data handling, the Mini 5 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster file transfers. Automated flight patterns, including MasterShots and QuickShots, are also included in the drone's software.
It is currently listed online in various flight kits ranging from $1,119 to $1,949.
You can find out more about the Mini Pro 5 on the DJI website.