DJI Mini 5 Pro Launches with 1‑Inch Sensor and Lidar Obstacle Avoidance
When the DJI Mini was first introduced, it was the lightest drone in DJI’s lineup. But with newer models like the Neo and the Flip now available, the Mini series no longer stood out as the most compact.
September 17, 2025, DJI responded with the new Mini 5 Pro—a major upgrade featuring a better camera, improved gimbal, enhanced obstacle sensing, and faster flight performance.
As always, the Mini 5 Pro is offered in multiple versions: Standard, Fly More Combo (RC-N3 remote), Fly More Combo (RC 2 remote), and Fly More Combo Plus.
Mini 5 Pro features a 1-inch 50-megapixel CMOS sensor with a fixed 24mm F1.8 lens (full-frame equivalent). It adds a 48mm mid‑telephoto mode through in‑camera cropping. It can shoot 4K60p HDR or 4K120p video with 10-bit D-Log M. In terms of sensor size, resolution, and video formats, it matches the higher‑end DJI Air 3S. However, due to its smaller body, the Mini 5 Pro has only one camera, missing the extra mid‑telephoto lens found on the Air 3S.
A completely new gimbal design is another highlight. Instead of being attached directly to the body, the three-axis motorized gimbal is suspended using a four-point shock-absorbing structure. This flexible setup allows cushioning in multiple directions. The gimbal supports 90° vertical shooting, seamless switching to 9:16 video without cropping, and 225° rotation for creative shots like “Inception-style” scenes.
While the Mini 4 Pro already offered full obstacle sensing using binocular vision and a bottom infrared sensor, the Mini 5 Pro takes it further. It now includes lidar sensors placed next to the wide-angle front vision sensors. Unlike vision systems, lidar isn’t affected by lighting, so the drone can avoid obstacles in near darkness—as low as 1 lux—or in strong backlight.
The upgraded obstacle sensing also enables a smarter return-to-home function. The drone can now detect and avoid objects like buildings and trees on its way back, greatly improving safety.
Other new features include enhanced ActiveTrack with support for cycling and other sports, O4+ transmission with a range of up to 20 km, Wi-Fi 6 for faster media transfers (up to 100 MB/s) to your phone, 42 GB of internal storage with microSD expansion, and the ability to take off as soon as the propellers are unfolded.
In summary, the DJI Mini 5 Pro brings nearly across-the-board upgrades including a 1-inch sensor, 4K120p 10-bit D-Log M video, a 225° rotating gimbal, full omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, better speed, longer flight time, and stronger transmission. It’s an all-rounder that sets a new standard for what an entry-level drone can do.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1‑inch 50MP CMOS |
| Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Focal Length | 24 mm equivalent |
| Video | 4K/60 fps HDR, 4K/120 fps slow‑motion, 10‑bit H.265, D‑Log M & HLG |
| Zoom | 2× (48 mm equivalent) mid‑telephoto via sensor crop |
| Gimbal | 225° rotation, >225° tilt range, native vertical shooting (9:16) |
| ND Filters | ND6, ND32, ND128 included |
| Weight | ~249 g with standard battery (sub‑250g category) |
| Flight Time | Standard battery: up to 36 min; Plus battery: up to 52 min (exceeds 250 g) |
| Transmission | O4+ system, up to 20–25 km range (FCC standard; varies by region) |
| Max Tracking Speed | 15 m/s |
| Obstacle Avoidance | LiDAR + omnidirectional vision sensing |
| Night‑Grade Obstacle Avoidance | Detects glass and thin branches (~1 cm) |
| ActiveTrack | 360° tracking with standard, cycling, and night modes |
| Return‑to‑Home | Precise even in low‑light conditions |
