Here’s the good news: DJI just announced what might be the most impressive mini drone ever created. Here’s the bad news: if you’re in the United States (like me), you can’t actually buy it.
The DJI Mini 5 Pro, launched today, represents a massive leap forward for compact drone technology. For the first time ever, DJI has managed to cram a full 1-inch sensor — the same size found in much larger, more expensive camera drones — into a palm-sized drone that weighs just under 250 grams. It’s basically the best of all the worlds in one itty bitty drone.
Oh, and it costs less than the U.S. equivalent of $1,000 — assuming you can get your hands on it.
DJI Mini 5 Pro: everything you need to know:
The elephant in the room: U.S. availability
Before I dive into my breakdown of the DJI Mini 5 Pro, let’s address the elephant in the room. I haven’t actually flown this drone myself.
Much like the recent Mavic 4 Pro launch in May 2025, the Mini 5 Pro isn’t available directly from DJI in the U.S. market. DJI hasn’t provided a clear explanation for this decision, though speculation points to ongoing regulatory tensions and potential concerns about future restrictions.
As for me? It means I have not reviewed this drone myself. Typically, DJI provides review units ahead of major launches, allowing me to test new drones thoroughly before recommending (or not recommending!) them to readers. I’ll get a few days to a few weeks to learn as much about the drone as I can, before sending it back to DJI (no, I don’t get free drones).
But because DJI is not shipping this drone to the U.S., I haven’t been able to get hands-on time with the Mini 5 Pro, period. I’m writing this article based entirely on DJI’s specifications and marketing materials — hardly ideal when evaluating a product that costs about a thousand dollars (more or less, depending on your market).
By the way: the lack of official availability doesn’t mean the drone won’t eventually reach U.S. customers through third-party retailers or international purchases. With the Mavic 4 Pro, we occasionally saw the drone pop up on major U.S. retailers like Adorama and B&H Photo, but these listings were sporadic at best. Units would appear, sell out quickly, then disappear for weeks or months. When they were available, pricing was often inflated compared to international markets.
You also have to consider warranty support. If you have a problem with your drone, warranty claims must meet specific criteria, including that you must contact DJI Support with valid proof of purchase. Generally, the criteria considered include the product issue, usage, purchase details and whether the product is within the warranty period or not.
But with that out of the way, let’s dive into what looks like a fantastic little drone (if you can get it).
DJI Mini 5 Pro: key specs
The Mini 5 Pro’s headline feature is undoubtedly its 50MP, 1-inch CMOS sensor. That’s a genuine first for the mini drone category. Whereas many drone upgrades these days lean on marketing fluff to beef up specs to sound more impressive than they are, this one truly is. A 1-inch CMOS sensor really makes for a massive camera upgrade that thus far we’ve only seen in higher-end camera drones, meaning better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Here are some other key DJI Mini 5 Pro specs:
- Sensor: 50MP 1-inch CMOS
- Video: 4K/60fps HDR (up to 14 stops dynamic range), 4K/120fps slow-motion
- Flight Time: Up to 36 minutes (52 minutes with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus)
- Gimbal: 3-axis with 225° roll rotation
- Obstacle Avoidance: Omnidirectional with forward-facing LiDAR
- Weight: Under 250g
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5)
The imaging capabilities extend beyond just a larger sensor. DJI has added a 48mm Med-Tele mode for better digital zoom performance, 10-bit H.265 video recording and enhanced low-light capabilities with ISO performance up to 12,800 (3,200 in D-Log M and HLG modes).
DJI Mini 5 Pro: top features
What sets the Mini 5 Pro apart isn’t just raw specs — it’s how those specs translate into real-world flying experiences.
True Vertical Shooting eliminates the need to crop footage for social media sites like Instagram Reels or TikTok, which rely on vertical video rather than horizontal video. This seemingly small feature that could save content creators significant editing time. From there, features like the 225° gimbal rotation make possible shots that were previously impossible on mini drones, such as dynamic rotating shots.
Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing addresses one of the biggest pain points for drone pilots: flying safely in low-light conditions. The forward-facing LiDAR system can detect obstacles like buildings even when your eyes can’t, making golden hour and blue hour photography significantly safer.
Upgraded ActiveTrack 360° promises smarter subject tracking with scenario detection. With this, the drone can supposedly recognize whether you’re filming a beach walk or a bike ride and adjust its tracking behavior accordingly.
Who the DJI Mini 5 Pro is best for
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is perfect for:
- Serious travel photographers who need DJI Air 3S-level image quality but don’t want to lug around a 724g drone on trips.
- Content creators who prioritize the unique 225° gimbal rotation and true 90° vertical shooting
- Night photography enthusiasts who will benefit from the 1-lux obstacle sensing and superior low-light performance
- Upgraders from older mini drones who’ve been waiting for a genuine pro-level sensor
Maybe not ideal for:
- Mini 4 Pro owners who are satisfied with their current image quality (the jump from 1/1.3″ to 1″ sensor, while significant, may not justify the upgrade cost)
- Budget buyers who could get 90% of the capability from a Mini 4 Pro (it’s easier to get your hands on in the U.S. anyway!)
- Casual flyers who don’t need the advanced obstacle avoidance or extended flight times and might be good with another simple, lightweight drone like the DJI Flip.
Accessories and upgrades for the DJI Mini 5 Pro
Along with the launch of the DJI Mini 5 Pro, DJI also dropped a few new accessories, including:
- DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Plus — extends flight time from the standard 36 minutes to an eye-popping 52 minutes
- ND Filter Set — crucial for controlling exposure and mastering the high quality shots you clearly want with that larger sensor
- Carrying Case — protect that expensive 1-inch sensor during travel
Is this the best travel drone out there?
DJI is clearly positioning the Mini 5 Pro as the ultimate travel drone. I haven’t tested it myself to truly name it as the best travel drone (thus usurping the current winner, the DJI Air 3s). But the specs are compelling. It doesn’t require FAA registration (staying under 250g), and — given its size — it may also avoid registration or licensing rules in some other countries, which can be convenient for travelers.
Other features like obstacle avoidance are also critical for travel photographers who are often flying in unfamiliar environments. And with features like vertical shooting, those travel shots easily turn into great TikTok or Instagram fodder.
All that, and this small but mighty drone doesn’t compromise on image quality, all thanks to that 1-inch sensor.
How to think about the DJI Mini 5 Pro drone
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is an absolute dream, especially for travel photographers. It offers professional image quality, intelligent flight features, an impressive 1-inch sensor and true portability in a single package.
But the U.S. availability situation casts a shadow over what should be a celebration of drone technology advancement. Until that situation resolves, American pilots are left to admire the Mini 5 Pro from afar — a frustrating position for a product that seems to check every box on the mini drone wishlist.
For those outside the U.S. or willing to navigate the complexities of international purchasing, the Mini 5 Pro looks like it could be the new gold standard for compact drones. And maybe if you’re a travel photographer, you might just get your hands on one when you’re abroad. (Of course, do always adhere to customs rules when returning to the U.S.).
Pricing and global availability
Speaking of getting your hands on one, there’s no price tag for USD because it’s not sold in the U.S. However, DJI has announced base pricing for other markets:
- Canada: $769 USD (excluding tax)
- United Kingdom: £689 GBP (including tax)
- European Union: €798 EUR (including tax)
- Japan: ¥106,700 JPY (including tax)
- Singapore: $739 USD (including tax)
Note: The Canadian pricing is listed in USD on DJI’s site, and this should not be considered a proxy for potential U.S. pricing if the drone eventually becomes available domestically.
And as it typically does, DJI is also selling a “Fly More Combo” version which includes extra bells and whistles like a case, more spare batteries and propellers, and ND filters. Prices vary by market.
At around $740-$770 equivalent for its starting price, the Mini 5 Pro sits in premium territory for mini drones. For context, the Mini 4 Pro launched at $759, making the Mini 5 Pro competitively priced despite the significant sensor upgrade. It’s also cheaper than the Air 3S (which typically retails for $1,099).
The pricing strategy suggests DJI is positioning this as a premium travel drone — more expensive than entry-level options like the $200 DJI Neo but significantly cheaper than larger professional drones with similar imaging capabilities.
What do you think of the DJI Mini 5 Pro? Will you work to get your hands on one? Tell me in the comments!
The post DJI’s Mini 5 Pro packs a 1-inch sensor into a palm-sized powerhouse — but you can’t buy it in the U.S. appeared first on The Drone Girl.