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DJI continues to push the boundaries of consumer drone technology with its new Mini 5 Pro, a sub-250g marvel designed to bypass stringent regulations while delivering flagship features. As drone regulations tighten globally, the sub-250g category has become a critical sweet spot, allowing pilots to operate near people with fewer restrictions. The Mini 5 Pro builds on its predecessor's legacy but introduces game-changing hardware that elevates aerial photography—though not without trade-offs that could give buyers pause.

A Leap in Aerial Imaging

At the heart of the Mini 5 Pro is a camera upgrade that sets a new standard for compact drones. It features a one-inch sensor with 50-megapixel resolution and 14 stops of dynamic range, enabling stunning detail in challenging lighting like sunsets or night scenes. The lens offers a 24mm equivalent focal length ideal for landscapes, plus a 48mm Med-Tele mode for tighter shots with enhanced digital zoom. Videographers gain 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/120fps slow-motion capabilities, rivaling professional setups. The gimbal now supports 225° roll rotation for true vertical shooting, catering to social media creators. As Adrian Kingsley-Hughes notes in his ZDNET hands-on, "The camera is superior to the Mini 4 Pro... for those shooting in sub-optimal conditions, it's going to make a difference."

Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance and Flight Stability

Safety and autonomy see major boosts with an omnidirectional sensing system. LiDAR enables low-light obstacle detection, complemented by fisheye lenses on the front and rear, plus binocular lenses and 3D infrared sensors underneath. This suite allows the drone to navigate complex environments and execute safer Return-to-Home (RTH) maneuvers, even in GPS-denied areas like balconies. During testing in 39 mph winds—exceeding the drone's rating—the Mini 5 Pro maintained stable flight within feet of the operator, showcasing DJI's advancements in flight control algorithms. Kingsley-Hughes observed, "I could handle it well... flying within a couple of feet of my face to take shots," underscoring its reliability in adverse conditions.

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The Battery Life Compromise

Despite its prowess, the Mini 5 Pro stumbles with power management. DJI rates the battery at 21 minutes, but real-world usage drops to just 15 minutes—a stark decline from the Mini 4 Pro's 28-minute practical endurance. This limitation forces pilots to manage flights tightly or invest in multiple batteries, with the Fly More Combo including three. Kingsley-Hughes highlights the impact: "Even with three batteries... I can't get an hour of flying without recharging." Combined with the drone's current unavailability in the US due to undisclosed regulatory or logistical hurdles, these issues could hinder adoption in a key market.

Verdict for Developers and Creators

Priced from £689/€799 (or up to £979/€1,129 for combo kits), the Mini 5 Pro is a technical marvel for its size, particularly for low-light photography and automated flight. Yet, the battery regression makes the older Mini 4 Pro a pragmatic alternative for extended sessions. For the tech community, this release underscores a broader trend: as drones shrink, balancing sensor sophistication with energy efficiency remains a formidable engineering challenge. Until battery tech evolves, enthusiasts must weigh cutting-edge imaging against the frustration of grounded skies.

Source: ZDNET article by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, September 17, 2025.