In the past five months, we have witnessed a steady stream of leaks and speculation regarding the upcoming DJI lightweight flagship model. This is not surprising, as this segment of the market is by far the most popular, due to portability and more relaxed regulations
We are now very close to the release date, and some images of the packaging of the new model have been released. Also, a detailed photo of the upcoming model has been posted by Drone Hacks
Some earlier predictions have turned out to be inaccurate, so it’s time to revisit the expected features using more reliable information for a clearer view of what we can expect
Sensor Size
The most anticipated feature of the upcoming model regards the sensor size. From the notes on the packaging and several leaked images, it appears certain that the Mini 5 Pro will be supplied with a 1” sensor, and this is a huge selling point
There are two main reasons why, so far, the lightweight models have been equipped with smaller sensors
The first one is to maintain the total weight below the crucial threshold of 250 grams. The first lightweight model, the Mavic Mini, was equipped with a tiny ½.3” sensor, as every gram had to be shaved off
After a few years of experience, DJI managed to save weight somewhere else and supply the Mini 3 Pro with a larger 1/1.3” sensor. This resulted in a significant improvement in image quality
The second reason is linked to the marketing strategy. Until the Mini 3 Pro, some features were reserved for the flagship model of the DJI line, notably sensor size, omnidirectional obstacle sensors, and Waypoint mode
In the Mini 4 Pro, the last two were added, but the sensor size was the same as its predecessor at 1/1.3″
In the current lineup, the more expensive models, the Air 3s and Mavic 4 Pro, have other key selling points, like the presence of more than one lens and increased wind resistance
DJI wants to remain one step ahead of the competition, hence the mighty 1” sensor in the new model
For many users, the 1” sensor will be a deciding purchasing factor. We can expect increased resolution and detail in video and photos, extended dynamic range, and better results in low-light conditions
48mm Tele Mode
The leaked package lists a “high quality 48mm med tele mode”. We don’t have any further details yet, but we can imagine a switch that will digitally zoom to the equivalent of a mid-telephoto lens without any loss of resolution, in other words, a sort of virtual dual-lens system. This is possible because of the higher resolution of the larger sensor
The legendary Air 2s, released in 2021, is equipped with a 1” sensor for 5.4k video resolution. Although the packaging of the Mini 5 Pro states a video resolution of 4 K, the sensor should be capable of capturing the same resolution as the Air 2s. Therefore, when zoomed up to the equivalent of 48mm, the actual resolution should be very close to 4k
These first two features, sensor size and tele mode, are not the usual incremental improvements that we normally see in a model update
Even if the other functionalities should remain the same as the Mini 4 Pro, a 1” sensor lightweight drone with a sort of virtual dual lens system is a game-changer. I would not hesitate to purchase it based just on these two functionalities
Propeller Guards
Some images of the upcoming model, published a few months ago, showed guards around the propellers. This provoked speculations about the possibility of a drone with fixed propeller guards, like the Neo and the Flip
I was skeptical about it for several reasons. The guards add extra weight to a model that struggles to remain below the 250-gram threshold and must accommodate a larger sensor. They also reduce wind resistance and portability, and may increase the noise level
DJI already has the Flip, a model equipped with fixed propeller guards. It is a niche product suitable for close-range vlogging and for events with groups of people, while the Mini series is oriented towards professional videography and photography with an accent on portability
Recently published images of the new models show a design similar to the Mini 4 Pro, with removable guards
Flight Time
Another early rumor introduced the possibility of a ground-breaking flight time, close to fifty minutes
I was skeptical, again because of weight constraints, as such a performance would involve bulky and heavy batteries. The packaging of the new model indicates a more reasonable 36 minutes, which is a slight improvement compared to the 34 minutes of the Mini 4 Pro
A more powerful battery with a longer flight time will likely be available as an option, but in this case, the weight will be above the 250-gram limit. The heavier battery will probably be unavailable i the EU, as it is the case for the Mini 4 Pro
Other Features
The image of the package doesn’t show the exact weight of the new model; however, it specifies that it will be lightweight and foldable. Some leakers have argued that the Mini 5 Pro could break the famous 250 grams threshold, but this is, in my opinion, unreasonable
The very essence of the Mini line is to remain under relaxed regulations as a lightweight drone, and I am sure DJI has taken all the steps needed
Several leaked images clearly show the presence of two forward-facing LIDAR sensors for improved performance in low light, like in the Air 3s and Mavic 4 Pro
The maximum frame rate will be 120 fps at 4k resolution, a marginal improvement over the 100 fps of the Mini 4 Pro for super slow-motion footage
Other rumored improvements are about extra vertical gimbal tilt up to 225 degrees, advanced tracking capabilities, possibly based on AI, stronger signal transmission, and on-board sound recording. But for these minor features, it is better to wait until we test the drone
Release Date
In recent weeks, several leakers have announced August 7 as the release date, but apparently, the date has been pushed further due to shipping issues
It is now likely that the Mini 5 Pro will be up for sale sometime in September 2025
This is in line with the usual update schedule for DJI models, as the previous model, the Mini 4 Pro, was released just over two years ago