I am not a big fan of articles about new models based on speculations and vague rumours. I prefer talking about products that I can test and show
However, in the case of highly anticipated products, analyzing persistent rumors from reliable leakers can help users plan their next purchase
The Mini 4 Pro was released in September 2023. The interval between the release of each new model of the Mini line has always been less than two years so we can expect the next incarnation, the Mini 5 Pro, around the end of the summer
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Release date
In the past few years, there has always been a consistent pattern of rumors and images posted by usual leakers before the release of a new model, possibly as part of DJI’s pre-launch promotion
In recent days, we have seen anticipation about the Mini 5 Pro from very reliable leakers Jasper Ellens and Haka Sushi, together with images of the new drone being tested in China
The quality of the photos is poor, as is often the case for leaks. However, they show some interesting clues about possible functionalities
The Mini is by far the most popular series of the DJI prosumer line due to its affordability, portability, and relaxed regulations
It would be the first time that a DJI model reaches the fifth generation. It seems very likely, as the current strategy of DJI prosumer drone seems solidly built around three main models:
- The no-compromises Mavic Pro
- The middle-of-the-line Air
- The lightweight Mini
Larger sensor
The most anticipated feature is the sensor size. From the images, it appears bigger than the 1/1.3” of the Mini 4 Pro. It is reasonable to expect a 1” one
Such a large sensor was not offered in previous Mini models for two reasons
First of all, to remain below the crucial weight threshold of 250 grams. The first two iterations, the Mini and Mini 2, had a tiny 1/2.3” sensor. After four years of research, DJI managed to install a bigger 1/1.3” one on the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro
With three more years of know-how, DJI should be able to save some weight somewhere else to adapt a bigger sensor, as in the handheld Osmo Pocket 3 equipped with a 1” sensor
The second reason is linked to marketing strategy. DJI tries to avoid cannibalization in its line of prosumer models. For these reasons, bigger sensors have been offered only on the more expensive models
However, the other models offer other appealing features in the current line-up:
- The Air 3s has a second medium telephoto lens, a more powerful engine, and is a better choice in medium to strong winds
- The new Mavic 4 Pro is equipped with three lenses, including a larger 4/3” main one, and has a host of new cutting-edge functionalities
With a 1” sensor similar to the Air 3s, the Mini 5 Pro could deliver better performance in high dynamic range and low light situations, and achieve a true photo resolution of at least 20 MP for photos and maybe a video resolution higher than 4k, useful for zooming in without loss of resolution
Features from Recent Models
Recently, DJI has introduced new functionalities in versatile models like the Neo and the Flip. Some of them could trickle down to the upcoming Mini 5
From the two images, we notice two pairs of frontal obstacle detection sensors. The inner one will probably be based on LIDAR technology, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging
Lidar sensors are present in the Air 3s, the Flip, and the New Mavic 4 Pro; they can detect fine obstacles like grass, bare branches, and wires, even in low light conditions. DJI’s new approach to obstacle detection appears to be based on integrating LIDAR technology with traditional optical sensors
DJI seems to be particularly concerned about safety, as shown by the introduction of fixed propeller guards in the Neo and the Flip. They are useful when flying, tracking, or vlogging at a low altitude close to a target, or when filming indoors, protecting not only the vehicle itself, but also surrounding people in case of collisions
The propeller guards open the door to some automated moves that can be performed autonomously, without a remote controller, simply by pushing a button on the drone with icons displaying the selected move. It is useful for vloggers and for tracking while hiking, cycling, or driving
In the Flip and the Neo, the propellers are quite bulky and reduce the aerodynamics of the aircraft and the resistance to frontal winds at high altitude.
One of the leaked images of the Mini 5 Pro shows guards covering the propellers, similar to the ones of the Flip, although not as bulky. They appear to be perforated for better aerodynamics. We don’t know if these guards will be fixed, as in the case of the Neo and Flip, or removable and sold as an accessory
Based on this image, some YouTubers speculate that DJI could adopt for the Mini 5 Pro an approach similar to the Flip: a versatile model with fixed propeller guards and some sort of autonomous flying capabilities
It is technically possible, but it is unlikely that DJI takes a similar approach for the Mini series, which is perceived as a model specialized in videography and photography
From another photo, some leaker noticed some cutouts on the motor bell indicating a more powerful vented motor for extra speed and improved wind resistance
The new model will maintain the ability to rotate the camera to a vertical position for reels and photos in portrait mode, maybe with an increased upward tilt
The weight will certainly remain below the crucial 250 grams threshold
Another rumored functionality is the inclusion of some sort of audio recording, as in the Neo
Other Possible Features
Different leaks announce other features that are not confirmed by the images shown, but make sense given the recent advances in technology and are aligned with the wish list of many users:
- The battery life could be extended to about 50 minutes from the announced 34 minutes of the Mini 4 Pro with the standard battery
- A new transmission system named O4+ should ensure an improved signal transmission
- Hopefully, the internal memory will be extended from the ridiculously low 2 GB of the Mini 4 Pro to allow for a decent amount of filming when we forget to bring a memory card
- The new model will probably be compatible with the RC Pro 2 controller available for the Mavic 4 Pro. It would be too expensive for someone interested only in the Mini 5 Pro, however, this will be very useful for professionals who already own the flagship models and buy the Mini as a second drone for urban flying
Summing Up
The Mini 5 Pro would be the first DJI model to reach the fifth iteration; this testifies to the popularity of this segment. A 1” sensor in a Mini model has been very high on the wish list of most users for a long time
Assuming that the retail price will be similar to the Mini 4 Pro, the new model should be extremely successful thanks to the bigger sensor, extra safety, high er speed and wind resistance, longer battery life, and other improvements