Introduction
DJI has long been the market leader in consumer drones, and with the release of the Mini 5 Pro in February 2025, they’ve once again raised the bar for what’s possible in a sub-250g drone. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the Mini 5 Pro introduces several key upgrades that make it an even more compelling option for both beginners and experienced pilots. In this review, we’ll examine how DJI has managed to pack professional-grade features into this ultralight package.
Review
The most striking aspect of the DJI Mini 5 Pro is how much technology DJI has managed to cram into its tiny frame while still keeping it under the crucial 250g weight limit. This weight class is significant as it exempts the drone from certain regulations in many countries, making it more accessible to a wider range of users.
The camera system on the Mini 5 Pro has seen a substantial upgrade. It now features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 48MP stills and recording 4K video at up to 60fps. The larger sensor size results in improved low-light performance and better dynamic range compared to its predecessor. DJI has also introduced a variable aperture (f/1.7 to f/4) on this model, giving users more control over exposure and depth of field – a feature previously reserved for larger, more expensive drones.
One of the most significant improvements in the Mini 5 Pro is its enhanced obstacle avoidance system. Unlike previous Mini models that only had downward sensors, the Mini 5 Pro now features omnidirectional obstacle sensing. This 360-degree protection makes the drone much safer to fly, especially for beginners or when operating in complex environments. The system is complemented by DJI’s Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 5.0, which can autonomously navigate around obstacles in real-time.
Despite its small size, the Mini 5 Pro boasts an impressive flight time of up to 35 minutes. This extended flight time allows for longer shooting sessions and more complex flight paths. The drone’s top speed has also been increased to 35 mph in sport mode, providing more dynamic shooting possibilities.
DJI has introduced a new intelligent flight battery for the Mini 5 Pro, which not only offers better performance but also includes a built-in LED display that shows real-time battery information. This feature is particularly useful for quickly checking battery status without powering on the drone or controller.
The Mini 5 Pro comes with DJI’s latest RC 2 Pro controller, which features a bright, 5.5-inch built-in touchscreen. This eliminates the need to use a smartphone for flight control and monitoring, streamlining the overall user experience. The controller offers a transmission range of up to 12km, ensuring stable connectivity even at long distances.
On the software side, DJI has introduced several new intelligent flight modes and creative features. The updated ActiveTrack 5.0 provides more accurate subject tracking, while the new MasterShots mode automatically captures and edits professional-looking videos. A notable addition is the HyperLight mode, which uses computational photography techniques to dramatically improve low-light performance, allowing for high-quality night shots that were previously impossible with such a small drone.
Conclusion
The DJI Mini 5 Pro represents a significant evolution in the sub-250g drone category. By incorporating features previously found only in larger, more expensive models, DJI has created a drone that offers professional-grade capabilities in an ultraportable package. While the price has increased compared to previous Mini models, the added features and improved performance more than justify the cost. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a safe and easy-to-fly drone or a professional seeking a compact secondary unit, the DJI Mini 5 Pro offers exceptional value and versatility. As we progress through 2025, it’s clear that DJI continues to set the standard in consumer drone technology.
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