DJI Releases Mini 5 Pro Featuring 50MP Camera and LiDAR System
Chinese company DJI has introduced the Mini 5 Pro, the latest entry in its sub-250 gram drone series, marking a significant technical step forward from the Mini 4 Pro. At 249.9 grams, it remains just under the regulatory threshold that exempts pilots in many countries from registration requirements.
The most prominent change lies in the imaging system. The Mini 5 Pro carries a 50-megapixel, one-inch-type CMOS sensor, larger than the 1/1.3-inch sensor used in the Mini 4 Pro, though not as large as the Micro Four Thirds sensor found in the Mavic 4 Pro. The fixed 24mm-equivalent f/1.8 lens delivers an 84-degree field of view, with a minimum focusing distance of 50 centimeters. The camera supports JPEG and DNG RAW photography, with resolutions up to 8192 × 6144 pixels, and offers burst, timed and automatic exposure bracketing modes.
For video, the Mini 5 Pro records up to 4K at 120 frames per second, including 4K at 60 fps HDR. It supports 10-bit H.265 recording in D-Log M and HLG, while standard color mode can reach ISO 12,800. DJI claims the system achieves up to 14 stops of dynamic range. A new “Med-Tele” mode at 48mm provides improved digital zoom compared to earlier models, and a portrait optimization algorithm is included to enhance skin tones, contrast and brightness. The drone stores up to 42GB of footage internally, with microSD support up to 1TB. File transfer is possible through USB-C or Wi-Fi 6.1 at up to 100 MB/s, even while the DJI Fly app runs in the background.
The camera is mounted on an updated 3-axis gimbal with 225 degrees of roll rotation, enabling true vertical capture and new movement options such as QuickShot Rotate. The gimbal also works with ActiveTrack 360°, which uses subject recognition to lock and track targets during flight.
Flight safety has been reinforced through an omnidirectional vision sensing system, which combines fisheye, binocular and infrared sensors with a forward-facing LiDAR unit. These systems improve detection in low-light conditions, assist with return-to-home maneuvers and allow the drone to memorize flight paths for takeoff and landing without GPS coverage.
Battery performance has also been improved: the standard battery provides up to 36 minutes of flight time, while an extended battery raises this figure to 52 minutes, although the latter pushes the drone’s weight above 250 grams and is unavailable in Europe due to regulatory limits. The maximum takeoff altitude has also been raised from 4,000 to 6,000 meters.
In terms of flight dynamics, the Mini 5 Pro reaches horizontal speeds of 42 mph and ascends at up to 10 meters per second, faster than its predecessor. The drone also features automatic arm activation when unfolded, reducing startup steps.
Here are some sample pictures, courtesy of DJI:
As with other recent DJI launches, distribution in the United States remains uncertain. The company does not list the Mini 5 Pro on its American website, and past models such as the Mavic 4 Pro have faced restrictions from U.S. Customs. While units sometimes appear through third-party retailers, availability is inconsistent. In Europe instead, the base kit begins at €799, with expanded “Fly More” packages reaching €1,129 depending on the controller and included accessories.
