DJI has done it again. The world’s biggest consumer drone maker just unveiled the Mini 5 Pro, and it might be the most advanced “mini” drone we’ve ever seen. Think big camera power in a palm-sized body: the kind of device that makes you want to pack your bags, find a scenic overlook, and start filming like a pro.
The star of the show? A 1-inch CMOS sensor, the first ever squeezed into a drone this small. That’s a world-first, and it means you can capture 50-megapixel shots with incredible detail, even in low light. Sunset photos, glowing night cityscapes, or that neon skyline you’ve always wanted to shoot — the Mini 5 Pro promises to handle it all without breaking a sweat.
DJI has long marketed its Mini series as the perfect travel drones. They’re light, portable, and often sneak in under the FAA’s 250-gram registration threshold. But the Mini 5 Pro isn’t just about being small; it’s about incorporating pro-level features into a compact package.
Related: Does DJI Mini 5 Pro actually weigh under 250 grams?
The gimbal now rotates a full 225°, meaning you can pull off dynamic roll shots you’d normally expect from a Hollywood rig. Vertical video lovers get a treat too: true vertical shooting with no awkward cropping, perfect for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts.
Video capabilities go all the way up to 4K/60fps HDR with 14 stops of dynamic range. And if you’re into slow motion, DJI added 4K/120fps recording for buttery-smooth action shots. Add in support for 10-bit color, HLG, and D-Log M, and the footage should make content creators and editors very happy.
And yes, DJI remembered battery life. The Mini 5 Pro flies up to 36 minutes on a standard battery and a whopping 52 minutes with the optional Battery Plus. That’s more than enough time to circle landmarks, run QuickShots, or let ActiveTrack chase you on your bike ride.
Safety has gotten a major upgrade too. DJI has added forward-facing LiDAR and multiple vision sensors, giving the Mini 5 Pro “Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing.” Translation? You can fly at dusk or even in dim city light with more confidence. The drone actively avoids obstacles, memorizes flight routes, and can even return home safely when GPS signals aren’t strong — say, when you launch from a balcony.
It also introduces a smarter ActiveTrack 360°, which recognizes different types of movement and adjusts its tracking style automatically. Whether you’re running along the beach or weaving down a mountain trail, the drone is built to keep the camera steady, safe, and on you.
The standard bundle with the DJI RC-N3 remote controller carries a price tag of $769, while its Fly More Combo will cost you $929. You can also grab the Fly More Combo with the DJI RC 2 built-in screen remote controller, and this would cost you $1,039. The same combo with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus units is priced at $1,109.
So far, so dreamy, right? Well, here’s the tough part: DJI has confirmed the Mini 5 Pro will not be officially sold in the US through its online store.
That’s the same playbook DJI used with the Mavic 4 Pro, which skipped an official US launch earlier this year. Back then, DJI cited “local conditions and the evolving industry environment” — a thinly veiled nod to the ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions that have made life complicated for Chinese tech companies in the States.
Of course, drones like the Mavic 4 Pro did eventually show up on Amazon, but only through third-party resellers. Expect the Mini 5 Pro to follow suit. That means American pilots could still get their hands on it, but likely at higher prices, with limited bundles, and with warranty headaches. DJI generally ties warranty and repair services to the region of official sale, so importing one could make after-sales support tricky.
For everyday creators, this is frustrating. The Mini series has always been a sweet spot: compact enough to carry anywhere, powerful enough to deliver stunning shots, and (usually) easy to buy. Now, Americans who want DJI’s latest and greatest have to navigate resellers, inflated prices, and uncertain support — not exactly the smooth shopping experience you’d hope for.
Still, if history is any guide, plenty of US drone enthusiasts will go the extra mile. The combination of a 1-inch sensor, long flight time, and pro-level features in a near-250g drone is hard to ignore. As such, this drone is going to be equal parts temptation and test of patience for Americans. If you’re willing to import, pay extra, and deal with potential warranty quirks, the Mini 5 Pro might just be the ultimate pocket-sized camera companion. If not, you’ll be watching the rest of the world fly first.
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