DJI Mini 5 Pro: The New Standard for Beginner Drones
▼ Summary
– The DJI Mini 5 Pro is the first Mini series drone with a 1-inch sensor, enabling improved 4K video, 50MP stills, and 10-bit cinematic video.
– It features a camera that rotates up to 225 degrees for vertical shooting and includes enhanced tracking and safety features like omnidirectional sensing and LiDAR.
– The drone maintains a weight under 250g, placing it in the restriction-free C0 category in Europe, though actual weight may vary slightly by batch.
– Pricing starts at £679 or AU$1,119, but it will not be officially available in the US upon launch due to evolving local conditions and potential restrictions.
– It is positioned as a top beginner drone with advanced capabilities, combining performance, safety, and affordability in a compact design.
Soaring into the market with groundbreaking features, the DJI Mini 5 Pro redefines what a beginner-friendly drone can achieve. Despite its compact form, this model introduces a 1-inch sensor, a first for the Mini series, delivering exceptional 50MP stills, 4K video at up to 120fps, and cinematic 10-bit recording with D-Log M color support. Remarkably, it maintains a weight under 250g, placing it in Europe’s restriction-free C0 category, though slight batch variations may bring it to around 254g.
A standout innovation is the camera’s ability to rotate up to 225 degrees, enabling smooth vertical shooting ideal for social media content. Paired with intelligent QuickShots and upgraded 360° ActiveTrack, the drone offers professional-grade tracking and automated flight maneuvers. Pilots also benefit from enhanced safety, including omnidirectional obstacle sensing and front-facing LiDAR for improved low-light navigation. Flight time reaches an impressive 36 minutes on a single charge.
Pricing begins at £679 or AU$1,119 for the standard package. The Fly More Combo with the DJI RC-N3 controller is priced at £869 (AU$1,419), while the version with the advanced DJI RC2 remote sells for £979 (AU$1,699). These bundles include extra batteries, a charging hub, and other accessories designed to extend creative possibilities.
Unfortunately, prospective buyers in the United States face uncertainty. Due to ongoing regulatory challenges and potential tariffs, DJI has confirmed the Mini 5 Pro will not be officially available in the U.S. at its global launch on September 17. The company expressed its commitment to the market but noted it is adapting its strategy under evolving conditions. While third-party retailers may eventually stock the model, its official stateside release remains unclear.
Even with niche competitors emerging, like the Insta360 Antigravity A1 with its 360-degree camera or the water-landing HoverAir Aqua, the Mini 5 Pro stands out as a comprehensively equipped device. It builds meaningfully on the Mini 4 Pro’s foundation, offering superior imaging, smarter tracking, and reinforced safety, all within a remarkably light frame. For now, it represents the pinnacle of accessible drone technology, leaving little obvious room for improvement without sacrificing its sub-250g advantage.
(Source: techradar)
