DJI Mini 5 Pro Sets New Benchmark for Sub‑250g Drones

The DJI Mini 5 Pro delivers a powerful mix of a 1‑inch sensor, LiDAR‑enhanced safety, and 4K video up to 120 fps while staying under the 250‑gram weight limit. Reviewers praised its image quality, versatile 225‑degree roll gimbal, 360° ActiveTrack, and up to 36‑minute flight time. The drone ships with a 2,788 mAh battery, optional RC‑2 screen controller, and a range of ND filters. Pricing starts at £679 for the base kit, with Fly More Combo options that add extra batteries and a controller. No U.S. pricing was available at launch.

Overview

The DJI Mini 5 Pro arrives as the latest entry in DJI’s sub‑250‑gram drone lineup, officially weighing 249.9 g and classified as a C0 category drone. Despite pushing the weight envelope, the Mini 5 Pro retains the compact dimensions that make the Mini series popular among hobbyists and content creators. It offers a suite of advanced features previously found only in larger, heavier models, positioning it as a premium option for users who need top‑tier performance without the regulatory burden of heavier drones.

Camera and Imaging

At the heart of the Mini 5 Pro is a 1‑inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 50 MP stills and 4K video at up to 120 fps, with a slower‑motion mode of 240 fps at 1080p. The camera sits on a 3‑axis gimbal that provides a 225‑degree roll rotation, allowing seamless switching between horizontal and vertical shooting with a single button press. Users can choose between standard color profiles or DJI’s D Log M 10‑bit profile, which promises up to 14 EV of dynamic range for greater tonal detail in post‑production. The drone also includes a 3× digital zoom for added framing flexibility.

Safety and Sensors

DJI has equipped the Mini 5 Pro with omnidirectional object sensing and a front‑facing LiDAR unit, enhancing low‑light obstacle detection and return‑to‑home (RTH) reliability. The LiDAR sensor works in tandem with the existing vision system to deliver class‑leading safety features for a sub‑250‑gram drone. The 360° ActiveTrack system has been refined, keeping subjects centered even in complex environments such as wooded trails.

Flight Performance

The drone is powered by a 2,788 mAh Intelligent Flight Battery, offering a quoted flight time of up to 36 minutes. Real‑world testing in moderate wind and while using power‑hungry features like 4K 60 fps video and ActiveTrack resulted in closer to 20 minutes of airtime. The Mini 5 Pro supports multiple flight modes—Cine, Normal, and Sport—and includes DJI’s QuickShots such as Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang for automated cinematic shots. The RTH function performed flawlessly even when navigating through tree cover and over water.

Controller Options and Accessories

Two controller bundles are available. The Fly More Combo with the screen‑less DJI RC‑N3 controller requires a smartphone for the live view, while the premium Fly More Combo includes the DJI RC 2 controller with an integrated screen. Both bundles add a charging hub and two extra batteries, extending flight time across multiple sorties. A set of three ND filters (ND 8, ND 16, ND 32) is supplied to help manage exposure in bright conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The base Mini 5 Pro package is priced at £679. The Fly More Combo with the RC‑N3 controller is listed at £869, and the version with the RC 2 controller is £979. No pricing or availability information was provided for the United States at launch, with expectations that independent retailers might stock the drone later.

Conclusion

Reviewers concluded that the DJI Mini 5 Pro delivers the best image quality and feature set seen in any sub‑250‑gram drone. Its combination of a large sensor, LiDAR‑enhanced safety, robust flight performance, and versatile shooting options makes it a compelling upgrade over previous Mini models and a strong contender against larger drones like the DJI Air 3S for users who prioritize portability and regulatory ease.