DJI Mini 5 Pro Launches as Sub‑250g Beginner Drone with 1‑Inch Sensor
Key Points
- First Mini‑series drone with a 1‑inch sensor
- Camera rotates 225° for vertical shooting
- Up to 4K/120 fps video, 50 MP stills, 10‑bit D‑Log M
- Flight time up to 36 minutes per charge
- Front‑facing LiDAR improves nighttime return‑to‑home
- Enhanced 360° ActiveTrack and QuickShots modes
- Officially under 250 g, fits Europe’s C0 category
- Base price £679 (AU$1,119); Fly‑More combos available
- No official U.S. launch; may appear via independent sellers
- Marketed as the top beginner drone on the market
DJI has introduced the Mini 5 Pro, the first sub‑250‑gram Mini drone to feature a 1‑inch sensor. Weighing officially under 250 g, the drone offers 4K video at up to 120 fps, 50 MP stills, a 225‑degree roll‑rotation camera for vertical shooting, and enhanced safety with front‑facing LiDAR. Flight time reaches 36 minutes, and the new 360° ActiveTrack and QuickShots modes improve subject tracking. Priced at £679 (AU$1,119) for the base bundle, the Mini 5 Pro is not slated for an official U.S. launch, though independent retailers may carry it later. DJI positions the model as the top beginner drone on the market.
Design, Weight and Regulatory Category
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is officially classified in Europe’s C0 category, meaning it is restriction‑free for pilots. DJI states the drone’s weight is under 250 g, although batch variations can add up to 4 g, potentially reaching 254 g. This sub‑250 g status allows the Mini 5 Pro to retain the regulatory advantages of earlier Mini models while delivering new hardware.
Camera and Imaging Capabilities
For the first time in the Mini line, the Mini 5 Pro houses a 1‑inch sensor. The camera supports 4K video at up to 120 fps, 50‑megapixel still photographs, and 10‑bit D‑Log M color profiling, delivering a 14‑EV dynamic range. A distinctive 225‑degree roll‑rotation gimbal enables true vertical shooting, expanding creative options for social‑media content. QuickShots one‑click modes and improved 360° ActiveTrack further simplify cinematic capture.
Flight Performance and Safety Features
DJI reports a maximum flight time of 36 minutes on a full charge. Safety upgrades include omnidirectional object sensing enhanced by front‑facing LiDAR, which improves nighttime return‑to‑home performance. The drone also benefits from refined 360° ActiveTrack for more reliable subject tracking.
Pricing, Bundles and Availability
The Mini 5 Pro launches with a base price of £679 (AU$1,119). DJI offers a Fly‑More Combo featuring the RC‑N3 controller for £869 (AU$1,419) and a higher‑priced combo with the newer RC2 controller for £979 (AU$1,699). U.S. pricing and official availability are pending; DJI has indicated that the drone will not be sold through its official U.S. store at launch due to ongoing regulatory and tariff considerations. Independent retailers may eventually stock the model.
Market Position and Competitors
DJI positions the Mini 5 Pro as the best beginner drone available, combining advanced imaging, extended flight time, and robust safety in a lightweight package. The article references niche competitors such as Insta360’s Antigravity A1 and the HoverAir Aqua, but concludes that the Mini 5 Pro offers the most complete solution for entry‑level pilots.