DJI Mini 5 Pro — first Mini with a 1-inch sensor: Quick hands-on impressions

DJI’s new Mini 5 Pro brings pro-level imaging to the sub-250g class. Key standouts from an early hands-on:

• 1-inch 50MP sensor — a major jump from the Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3″ sensor for much better low-light performance.
• Weight: 249.9 g — still under the 250g limit in many regions (no permit required in those areas).
• Video: up to 4K at 120 fps, 10-bit D-LogM, ~14 stops dynamic range for grading.
• Obstacle avoidance: nose-mounted LiDAR for low-light/night detection plus six omnidirectional sensors for ActiveTrack 360 and tight‑space flying.
• Gimbal: 225° roll for true vertical/rotating footage and support for QuickShot Rotate, Timelapse, Spotlight, Waypoint Flight.
• ActiveTrack 360: improved tracking and smoother, safer trajectories (better at following cyclists and moving subjects).
• Battery: ~36 minutes standard, up to 52 minutes with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (availability varies by region).
• Controllers: ships with RC-N3 or optional RC-2 screen controller (RC-2 recommended if you want an integrated bright display).

Early impressions

Image quality is noticeably improved — cleaner low-light video (usable up to ISO 3200–6400 in many conditions), sharper detail and richer color compared with the Mini 4 Pro. LiDAR improves night obstacle avoidance and keeps the drone safer, though in some cases it can be conservative and limit movement near walls or tight obstacles.

Transmission range (O4+) and charging speeds are similar to DJI’s current small-drone lineup; details on exact US pricing and rollout were still pending at initial launch. The drone is already listed for sale in parts of Europe; US availability may follow soon via DJI or major retailers.

Where to check for availability

DJI’s official site and major retailers (Amazon, B&H, Best Buy) are the best places to watch for US availability. You can pre-search Amazon here (US affiliate search link): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=DJI+Mini+5+Pro&tag=f1rede-20

Would you upgrade?

For shooters who frequently fly at dusk or night, or want the best image quality without stepping up to a larger drone, the Mini 5 Pro looks like a compelling upgrade. If you want a comparison or tests (battery life, noise, obstacle avoidance edge cases), I’ll follow up with a full review once more tests are complete.

Reply on X with what shot you’d try first — city nightscapes, dusk timelapses, or sports tracking?