DJI Mini 5 Pro Review: The Ultimate Sub-250g Drone for 2025

After spending several weeks with the DJI Mini 5 Pro, I can confidently say this is the most impressive sub-250g drone I've ever flown. As someone who's been passionate about aerial photography for over a decade, the Mini 5 Pro represents everything I wanted in a portable, registration-free drone—and then some.

DJI has done something remarkable here: they've packed flagship-level features into a drone that weighs just 249.9 grams. Whether you're a travel photographer, content creator, or simply someone who wants cinematic footage without the bulk, this drone deserves your attention.

Key Specifications at a Glance

The 1-Inch Sensor: A Game Changer

Let's talk about the elephant in the room—or should I say, the massive sensor in this tiny drone. DJI has managed to squeeze a 1-inch 50MP CMOS sensor into the Mini 5 Pro, which is nothing short of engineering wizardry at this weight class.

Coming from the Mini 4 Pro's 1/1.3-inch sensor, the jump to 1-inch is immediately noticeable. Low-light performance has improved dramatically—I've captured stunning golden hour footage that rivals what I used to get from my Mavic 3. The dynamic range is exceptional, especially when shooting in D-Log M for maximum flexibility in post-production.

Forward-Facing LiDAR: Why It Matters

One of the standout features that sets the Mini 5 Pro apart is its forward-facing LiDAR sensor. This is a world-first for sub-250g drones, and after testing it extensively, I understand why DJI made this engineering decision.

Traditional camera-based obstacle avoidance struggles in low-light conditions. LiDAR doesn't care about ambient light—it measures distance using laser pulses. The result? The Mini 5 Pro can navigate safely even in challenging lighting situations where my Mini 4 Pro would've required extra caution.

Real-World Performance: My Testing Experience

I've flown the Mini 5 Pro across various conditions over the past few weeks: coastal cliffs at sunset, urban environments, forest trails, and even some challenging windy days. Here's what stood out:

Wind handling has improved noticeably. DJI claims Level 5 wind resistance, and in my testing, the drone maintained stability in gusts that would've made the Mini 3 Pro uncomfortable. The footage remained smooth thanks to the 3-axis gimbal, even when I could feel the drone fighting the wind.

Battery life is genuinely impressive. I consistently achieved 30+ minutes of actual flight time, which is remarkable for a drone this size. The Fly More Combo with its three batteries gives you well over an hour of total flight time—enough for a full day of content creation.

Mini 5 Pro vs. Mini 4 Pro: Worth the Upgrade?

For existing Mini 4 Pro owners, here's my honest assessment: If you're happy with your current footage quality and don't need the LiDAR safety features, the Mini 4 Pro remains an excellent drone. However, the Mini 5 Pro's improvements are substantial:

Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy the DJI Mini 5 Pro?

The Mini 5 Pro is perfect for:

• Travel photographers who need professional results without the bulk
• Content creators requiring 4K vertical video for social platforms
• Real estate professionals doing exterior property shots
• Hobbyists who want flagship features without registration hassles
• Beginners to intermediate pilots who value safety features

If you need commercial capabilities requiring an FAA license and the absolute best image quality regardless of weight, consider the Mavic 4 Pro instead.

This review was written by Hans Wiegert after several weeks of hands-on testing. Product provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own.