DJI Mini 5 Pro: My unfiltered opinion after testing

Are you still hesitating to pull out your credit card and wondering if this drone really offers enough new features to justify its rather high price? We’ve thoroughly examined this new model to give you an unfiltered DJI Mini 5 Pro review and help you make the best choice based on your actual piloting needs. Get ready to see how the 1-inch sensor enhances your images, but beware of potential disappointments regarding obstacle detection, which we’ll finally reveal in this article.

  1. Image quality: the real leap forward
  2. Security and intelligent tracking: promises that are sometimes fragile
  3. The little extras that make everyday life easier
  4. The sticking points: what nobody talks about
  5. Verdict: Should you go for the DJI Mini 5 Pro?

Image quality: the real leap forward

Comparison of the image quality of the DJI Mini 5 Pro with its 1-inch sensor

The 1-inch sensor that changes everything

Now we’re getting down to business with this 1-inch sensor. It’s unprecedented for a 249-gram drone. It propels the DJI Mini 5 Pro into a class of its own.

Remember this: a larger sensor captures more light. This is the absolute foundation for successful photos and videos.

For me, this is the clincher and the deciding factor that justifies the purchase. You get sharp images, with a 50MP resolution, and above all, much less grain when the sun sets. It’s a powerful tool for creators.

D-log m and 10 bits: jargon that really matters

Don’t shy away from these technical terms. D-Log M and 10-bit are just “flat” profiles that record a massive amount of color information.

If you enjoy editing your videos, this is a goldmine. It’s called color grading, and it changes everything.

In post-production, you have complete freedom. You can recover shadows or tone down overly bright skies without damaging the image. The result remains clean; it’s clearly a professional-quality finish.

So, what does that actually look like in low light?

Let’s talk frankly about the bane of older Mini models: image quality when light is lacking.

With this 1-inch sensor, the leap forward is striking. Your shots at dusk are sharp, and digital noise is much better controlled than on the Mini 4 Pro. It’s truly impressive.

  • Significantly superior noise management in low light.
  • A wider dynamic range to capture the entire spectrum.
  • More detail is visible in both dark and light areas.
  • Richer and more nuanced colors on screen.
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DJI Mini 5 Pro

Security and intelligent tracking: promises that are sometimes fragile

But a beautiful image is useless if the drone crashes. Let’s see what DJI has done regarding safety and whether it’s truly reliable.

Is omnidirectional obstacle detection finally mature?

We know the drill: 360-degree detection isn’t exactly new for this manufacturer. Yet, each generation promises to refine this invisible protective bubble to reassure overly daring riders.

The real innovation here is the addition of front-facing LiDAR. This technology is a game changer, mapping the environment with surgical precision, even in extremely low light, theoretically making night flights much less risky.

In practical terms? It’s a lifesaver when faced with thick walls or obvious obstacles. But keep a sharp eye out for thin electrical wires.

ActiveTrack 360°: the system’s limitations

For filming yourself without a cameraman, ActiveTrack 360° remains the standout feature of this DJI Mini 5 Pro. Its effectiveness is often astonishing, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.

However, don’t think that the drone has become infallible or magical. It can still lose track of the subject or hesitate foolishly if the environment becomes too cluttered, leaving your sequence shot completely unresolved.

Here are the specific cases where the system reveals its weaknesses:

  • Dense forests filled with thin, intertwined branches.
  • A subject wearing clothes of the same color as the background (low contrast).
  • Abrupt or unpredictable movements of the subject being monitored.

Our tips to avoid disaster

A word of advice: never blindly trust onboard electronics, no matter how advanced they may be. Always keep your machine within sight so you can take manual control in a fraction of a second.

If the plan is complex, forget about pure automatic tracking. Opt instead for Spotlight or POI (Point of Interest) modes; they often offer a cleaner result while allowing you to control the trajectory.

Remember that these assistants are there to help, not to replace your pilot’s brain or your reflexes.

DJI Mini 5 Pro

The little extras that make everyday life easier

Beyond image and security, it’s often the small, practical improvements that make the difference. And on this point, the Mini 5 Pro has a few advantages to offer.

Finally, decent internal storage

This new model finally boasts 42GB of internal storage. This is a real relief compared to previous versions, which were far too limited for content creators.

In practical terms, this changes everything for your impromptu flights. You can now go film a short session without an SD card. No more stressing about forgetting your memory card just before takeoff.

But be aware, this doesn’t mean you can skip choosing the right microSD card for large projects . Internal storage fills up quickly.

The gondola that sees further (and higher)

The new gimbal offers an impressive 225° rotation range. This technical range finally opens up unprecedented creative possibilities for your framing.

The benefit is simple: it allows you to effortlessly capture shots from a low angle. No more acrobatic piloting to get the perfect upward angle.

Let’s not forget the ability to film in native vertical orientation. This is perfect for content intended for social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram, without any loss of image quality.

Autonomy: a promise kept?

DJI announces a theoretical battery life of 36 minutes. This is a promising figure on paper for a drone in this category.

Let’s compare this figure to the reality on the ground. It’s an ideal value that’s often unattainable. In practice, with wind or using sport mode, we’re much closer to 25 to 28 minutes of flight time.

It’s perfectly adequate for its size, but don’t expect a full 36-minute flight. For a complete DJI Mini 5 Pro review, the Fly More Pack remains essential.

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DJI Mini 5 Pro

DJI Mini 5 Pro

DJI’s new high-end compact drone: exceptional video quality, 3-axis gimbal, intelligent tracking and latest generation sensors.

See the DJI Mini 5 Pro

The sticking points: what nobody talks about

Now, let’s move on to the less glorious aspects. Because no, the Mini 5 Pro isn’t perfect, and some details can be annoying.

Weight: A Dangerous Game with Regulations

This drone is marketed as a featherweight, weighing under 250g, the key to C0 class in Europe. That’s the number one selling point for worry-free flying without any major restrictions. It’s tempting.

However, the reality shown on the scale proves to be far more complex than it appears. Digging a little deeper, one realizes that the drone approaches or exceeds the critical limit with certain accessories.

This point therefore needs to be monitored very closely. DJI is clearly pushing the boundaries to maximize its options.

Verdict: Should you go for the DJI Mini 5 Pro?

Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: The Match

Are you hesitant to upgrade from the previous model? This is the classic dilemma of any pilot looking to form their own DJI Mini 5 Pro review.

Let’s be direct. The only real difference that justifies reaching for your credit card is that 1-inch sensor. If raw image quality is your top priority, the answer is simple: go for it.

CharacteristicDJI Mini 4 ProDJI Mini 5 Pro
Sensor1/1.3 inch1 inch (CMOS)
Internal storage0 GB42 GB
Gondola (rotation)Vertical (90°)Flexible (225°)
Maximum autonomy34 min36 min
Transfer25 MB/s100 MB/s

Packages and prices: which version to choose?

The budget is substantial, so it’s important to choose the right configuration. Here are the main options currently available on the market.

  • Standard Pack: Includes the drone, a single battery and the RC-N3 remote control.
  • Fly More Combo Pack: Includes drone, 3 batteries, charging station, bag and remote control (RC-N3 or RC 2).

Here’s my advice: the Fly More Combo pack is practically essential for serious use. With only one battery, you’ll miss out on your best shots due to lack of time.

My final opinion: who is this drone for?

The Mini 5 Pro is an exceptional tool for demanding creators. Having a 1-inch sensor and 42GB of storage in such a compact form factor is unprecedented for traveling light without sacrificing quality.

However, if you’re a beginner or already own the Mini 4 Pro, the upgrade isn’t necessarily justified. Save your money, unless low light is a daily concern for you.

For a more in-depth analysis, see our detailed comparison between the Mini 5 Pro and the Mini 4 Pro .

Ready to take things to the next level? You can view the DJI Mini 5 Pro on Amazon or purchase it from the official website to ensure you get the latest version.

Ultimately, the DJI Mini 5 Pro stands out as the benchmark for image quality in a compact format. If you’re looking for impeccable nighttime footage, this is the drone for you. However, if you already own the Mini 4 Pro, upgrading isn’t essential. It’s a fantastic tool for demanding creators.


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