DJI Mini 5 Pro
VERDICT
DJI continues to defy physics. The Mini 5 Pro packs omnidirectional obstacle sensing, 4K slow motion, and a battery that lasts 35 minutes into a package that fits in the palm of your hand. It is practically crash-proof thanks to the improved AI tracking, making it the best drone for beginners and pros alike who want to travel light.
The Big Picture
The "Mini" line used to mean "compromise." Not anymore. The Mini 5 Pro features O4 video transmission, giving you a crystal-clear feed from up to 20km away. It supports "Waypoints" (pre-programmed flight paths) and "Cruise Control," features previously reserved for the expensive Mavic series.
🛡️ Omnidirectional Sensing
Safety First: Eyes in the back of its head.
Performance: Sensors on the front, back, sides, and bottom build a 3D map of the environment. If you try to fly it into a tree, it will refuse to go or automatically fly around it. This works even in complex environments like forests.
🎥 True Vertical Shooting
Social Media ready.
The Mechanism: The camera gimbal physically rotates 90 degrees. This allows you to shoot full-resolution vertical videos for TikTok or Reels without cropping the image and losing quality. It’s a game-changer for content creators.
✅ The Pros
- Weight: Under 249g means fewer regulations in US/EU/UK.
- ActiveTrack 360: Can follow you from any angle automatically.
- Night Mode: Improved sensor processing for cleaner city night shots.
- Controller: Comes with the RC 2 controller (built-in screen), so you don't need your phone.
❌ The Cons
- Wind Resistance: Being so light, it struggles more in high winds than the heavier Mavic 3.
- Price: The "Pro" price tag is creeping up (around $950 for the combo).
- No Variable Aperture: You can't adjust the aperture (fixed f/1.7), so you need ND filters for cinematic motion blur.
🤔 Should you buy it?
YES if you want the best portable drone on the market that doesn't require a license in most places.
NO if you are a professional photographer who needs a telephoto zoom lens (get the DJI Mavic 3 Pro).
See the showdown: DJI Mini 5 Pro vs. DJI Air 3 Comparison