DJI Mini 5 Pro: The Latest Low-Light Capable Drone
DJI has unveiled the Mini 5 Pro, its newest consumer drone now featuring a significant upgrade—a 1-inch sensor that enhances low-light performance. This drone appears to be a substantial improvement over its predecessor, the Mini 4 Pro, offering a range of refined features while maintaining a similar price point.
Key Features and Upgrades
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Size and Design: The Mini 5 Pro has a slightly larger build but stays under the 250-gram threshold, eliminating the need for flight permits. The drone is equipped with LiDAR sensors that help with obstacle avoidance during low-light flying.
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Camera Improvements: The new 50MP camera with a 1-inch sensor promises better image clarity and reduced noise even in dim settings. While video quality is enhanced with a resolution bump to 4K at 120 fps, it allows for effective zoom capabilities without compromising resolution.
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Advanced Tracking and Modes: Featuring enhanced ActiveTrack 360 capabilities, the Mini 5 Pro can follow subjects seamlessly, making it ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios like cycling. The gimbal can tilt up to 225 degrees, accommodating stylish vertical video captures.
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Battery Life and Charging: Battery longevity has improved to 36 minutes, extendable to 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. Furthermore, charging time has decreased significantly with the new two-way charging hub.
User Experience and Capabilities
Initial testing reveals that the Mini 5 Pro excels in video quality with less noise and sharper images. It performs particularly well in low-light situations, showing promise even at high ISO settings. Users can expect enhanced footage clarity in urban nightscapes compared to previous models.
The drone’s safety features, including the LiDAR and upgraded tracking algorithms, perform reliably, ensuring a smooth flying experience. However, minor initial issues with cautionary behavior have been noted, prompting careful handling in certain conditions.
Availability and Pricing
Although the Mini 5 Pro is yet to launch officially in the U.S., it is already available in Europe, priced at €799 for the standard model. Users are encouraged to keep an eye on announcements regarding U.S. pricing as DJI prepares for broader distribution.
Conclusion
With improved specifications and features, the DJI Mini 5 Pro stands out as a formidable successor to the Mini 4 Pro. It caters to not just enthusiasts but also amateur filmmakers looking for a compact and efficient drone capable of producing high-quality footage in various conditions. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive review in the coming weeks, as more extensive testing occurs.

