The next evolution in mini drones is here, and it comes in the form of a 1-inch camera sensor on a tiny, ultra-portable drone. I’ve done the DJI Mini 5 Pro Real Test & Honest Review to share my genuine experience with the newly released drone and this little powerhouse is extremely impressive. I’m blown away that DJI has managed to fit a 1-inch camera sensor onto a drone that weighs under 250 grams.
Design and Build Quality
In terms of design, the Mini 5 Pro looks quite similar to the Mini 4 Pro. The Mini 4 Pro wasn’t seen as a major upgrade for many users who owned the Mini 3 Pro. However, the Mini 5 Pro is the complete opposite it represents a significant leap forward, especially in its camera system.
Battery Options and Weight
Depending on which batteries you choose, both the flight time and the overall weight of the drone will vary.
- With the Plus batteries, I get 52 minutes of flight time, but the drone goes over 250 grams.
- With the standard batteries, you get 36 minutes of flight time, keeping the drone under the 250-gram limit.
Mini drones have always been valuable because of this specific feature. In many countries with strict flight regulations, staying under 250 grams makes flying much easier.
For most users, the standard combo will be ideal. But the fact that DJI gives you a choice is fantastic. You could use standard batteries to stay under the 250-gram threshold, and when needed depending on your location or flight conditions switch to the Plus batteries for extended flight time. I love that DJI offers this flexibility, something that has carried over from the previous Mini drones to the Mini 5 Pro.
Upgraded Camera and Sensor System
The Mini 5 Pro features:
- A 1-inch sensor, phenomenal for low-light performance and capturing high-detail photos and videos.
- A rotating camera with 225 degrees of rotation, allowing for fully unique perspectives.
- LAR sensors on the front and nightscape omnidirectional obstacle avoidance for improved safety and performance.
Overall, the drone feels similar in flight to the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 3 Pro, but the upgrades are noticeable and impressive.
The New Button and Smart Operation
There’s a new button on the drone that, at the time of this review, doesn’t function yet. However, DJI plans for it to work similarly to what we saw with the Flip and the Neo.
This means you’ll eventually be able to use the Mini 5 Pro without a controller or phone. By simply pressing that button, you can toggle between modes, with an indicator light showing the current mode.
This feature will be a game-changer for solo creators, allowing the drone to track you automatically using its sensors and 1-inch camera no phone or controller required.
Auto Power-On and Body Adjustments
Another trend that’s made its way to this drone is automatic power-on when unfolding or swapping batteries. It’s a small touch but makes setup faster and more convenient. The drone’s rear arms now angle upward slightly, and the legs prop the gimbal a bit higher, preventing it from hitting the ground.
The most noticeable design changes are the LAR sensors on the front and the new gimbal system. The underside now indicates a noise level of 81 decibels, making it a relatively quiet drone.
However, I did notice that birds were occasionally attracted or irritated by the sound possibly due to its tone. If this happens, increase altitude to avoid any issues.
- Ultra-Light, Palm-Sized Foldable Design – Compact and foldable, this palm-sized drone slips easily into a pocket and off…
- 1-Inch CMOS With 4K/60fps HDR Video – 1-inch CMOS sensor captures 4K/60fps HDR video with sharp detail and vibrant color…
- True Vertical Filming & 225° Flexible Gimbal Rotation – Capture creative footage with a gimbal that offers true vertical…
Camera Capabilities and Imaging Power
Let’s dive deeper into what makes this drone a standout the 1-inch sensor. This is the first time DJI’s Mini series has featured such a large sensor, and the results are as impressive as you’d expect. It allows more light in, which means better image quality in any lighting condition especially low light. Even on overcast days or at sunset, footage looked crisp and vibrant.
Camera Specs
- 50MP stills with the 1-inch sensor
- 4K 60fps HDR video
- 4K 120fps slow-motion
- Up to 14 stops of dynamic range
The 48mm Medium Tele Mode
A feature I love is the 48mm Medium Tele mode, a 2x zoom that creates smooth, cinematic shots. Unlike typical digital zooms that degrade quality, this mode maintains clarity and dynamic range beautifully. Even in Active Track mode, the zoom transitions are smooth and gradual, enhancing creative possibilities.
Redesigned Gimbal System
The new gimbal system is a major advancement. With 225° rotation, you can tilt and pan freely whether the camera is facing up, down, or straight ahead. Compared to the Mavic 4 Pro, which had limitations in its downward rotation, the Mini 5 Pro’s gimbal offers full flexibility regardless of camera position.
This opens a whole new creative playground, enabling FPV-style shots, horizon banking, and dynamic motion perspectives. For me, combining the 48mm Medium Tele mode with the rotating gimbal was a revelation, it created an entirely new flying and filming experience.
LAR Sensors and Safety Improvements
The Mini 5 Pro introduces Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance, supported by dual LAR sensors on the front. These sensors provide enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, making it safer to fly at dawn, dusk, or indoors. The system also improves Return-to-Home (RTH) with augmented reality path visualization, allowing the drone to avoid obstacles intelligently as it returns.
ActiveTrack 360 and Intelligent Modes
ActiveTrack 360 has been upgraded with three modes:
- Standard
- Cycling
- Skiing
Each mode adjusts the drone’s tracking behavior for the activity whether following a person, vehicle, or athlete. During my tests, the Cycling mode seemed to track more closely and maintain focus better, though differences were subtle. Still, this customization is a great addition.
Storage, Transmission, and Range
The Mini 5 Pro comes with 42 GB of built-in storage a welcomed feature from DJI.
- Flight time: 36 minutes (standard) or 52 minutes (Plus battery)
- Video transmission: DJI OcuSync 4+
- Range: Up to 20 km
- 10-bit video transmission for higher color depth
- Blazing Fast Data Transfers: Powered by UHS-I tech, the Lexar Blue microSD card achieves read speeds topping 160MB/s. Ef…
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Article Summary
I can easily see the Mini 5 Pro becoming a top seller. Many drone enthusiasts held onto their Mini 3 Pro or Air 2S, but this model offers enough innovation to justify the upgrade. The combination of a 1-inch sensor, powerful new gimbal, advanced obstacle avoidance, and flexible weight options makes it a compelling choice for creators. It’s perfect for travelers, filmmakers, and content creators who want high-quality footage in a lightweight form factor. The Mini 5 Pro is a phenomenal upgrade, an impressive evolution that many will be obsessed with.
Read More: Top 10 DJI Mini 5 Pro Accessories
