Products
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs DJI Mini 4 Pro
In-depth comparison between DJI Mini 5 Pro and DJI Mini 4 Pro. Find out about the Mini 5 Pro's upgrades, including improvements to its camera and flight performance.
In-depth comparison between DJI Mini 5 Pro and DJI Mini 4 Pro;
DJI Mini 5 Pro has a 1-inch CMOS sensor - larger than Mini 4 Pro's 1/1.3″ CMOS;
DJI Mini 5 Pro has forward-facing LiDAR, ensuring enhanced performance and safety in low-light conditions;
DJI Mini 5 Pro can fly for 36 minutes, compared to DJI Mini 4 Pro's 34 minutes of flight time;
DJI Mini 5 Pro has updated ActiveTrack 360°;
Continue reading to learn about Mini 5 Pro's other updates and improvements on the Mini 4 Pro.
Two years. That's the gap between the launch of the DJI Mini 4 Pro in September 2023, and the newly-released DJI Mini 5 Pro.
In the tech world, 24 months between iterations from within the same product family is something of a long time.
So, the question is, has it been worth the wait?
The short answer: Yes.
It's fair to say that DJI has used this time to deliver a sizeable upgrade, and once again redefine what is possible with a teeny-tiny drone.
In a nutshell, Mini 5 Pro brings comprehensive improvements across its camera system, vision sensing capabilities, flight performance, and video transmission.
The headlines: A larger sensor, 225° flexible gimbal rotation, longer flight time, forward-facing LiDAR and nightscape omnidirectional obstacle detection, and upgraded subject tracking.
This blog will explore the key differences between the DJI Mini 5 Pro and DJI Mini 4 Pro, and help you decide whether the new features make the Mini 5 Pro worth buying/upgrading.
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs DJI Mini 4 Pro: Key specifications at a glance
This table provides an overview of some of the key specifications of the DJI Mini 5 Pro and DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Feature | DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
Weight | 249.9g | Sub 249g |
Flight time | 36 minutes | 34 minutes |
Sensor | 1″ CMOS, 50MP | 1/1.3″ CMOS, 48MP |
Video | 4K/60fps HDR or 4K/120fps | 4K/60fps HDR or 4K/100fps |
Gimbal | Gimbal With 225° Rotation 55° Upward Shooting Supported | 90° True Vertical Shooting 60° Upward Shooting Supported |
Tracking | FocusTrack: ActiveTrack 360° (with new Standard and Cycling options), Spotlight, Point of Interest. | FocusTrack: ActiveTrack 360°, Spotlight, Point of Interest. |
Safety sensors | Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing (Up/Down/Left/Right/Forward/Backward) Forward-facing LiDAR | Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing (Up/Down/Left/Right/Forward/Backward) |
Transmission distance (CE) | 10km | 10km |
On-board storage | 42GB | 2GB |
Fly More Combo | DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo includes ND filter set | DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo does not include ND filter set |
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs DJI Mini 4 Pro: Design
Okay, so the clue's in the name. But, it's worth mentioning: The Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro are tiny drone platforms.
Size
The Mini 5 Pro comes in ever so slightly heavier than the Mini 4 Pro, but is still just under that 250g threshold.
Interestingly, the newer model has a fractionally smaller footprint when the propellers are unfolded.
Appearance
Both platforms are fairly similar looking, adopting the classic Mini shape, and incorporating that folding propeller design to further enhance portability.
However, in the case of the Mini 5 Pro, the folding propellers offer something more than just easier transportation: They enable the aircraft to be automatically powered on and off.
Want to turn on Mini 5 Pro? Simply unfold the right rear arm. Need to turn it off? Fold the right rear arm to initiate an automatic countdown. During this shut-down, a press of any button on the aircraft body cancels powering off.
It's a nice touch. And makes using the standard power on/off button on the Mini 4 Pro feel a tad dated. For the record, Mini 5 Pro also supports manual power on and off via a press of the power button.
In terms of colour - the Mini 5 Pro is a darker shade of grey.
Perhaps the biggest change between the two is at the aircraft's head: Mini 4 Pro is equipped with fisheye sensors to provide it with its omnidirectional vision system.
Mini 5 Pro also has this, but nestled between these two sensors at the front of the drone is the aircraft's forward-facing LiDAR: One of the highlights of this new platform.
We'll cover this in more detail later, but essentially, the addition of LiDAR offers enhanced obstacle detection and avoidance, especially at night.
Feautre | DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
Take-off weight | 249.9g | < 249 g |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | Folded (without propellers): 157 x 95 x 68 mm Unfolded (with propellers): 255 x 181 x 91 mm | Folded (without propellers): 148 x 94 x 64 mm Unfolded (with propellers): 298 x 373 x 101 mm |
What are the differences between the camera on the DJI Mini 5 Pro and the DJI Mini 4 Pro?
Camera quality is a key consideration when it comes to drones like the Mini Series.
For a drone of its size, DJI Mini 4 Pro offers plenty in this department. But, Mini 5 Pro raises the bar.
Sensor
DJI Mini 5 Pro features a 1-inch CMOS sensor - compared to the Mini 4 Pro's 1/1.3-inch CMOS - and can capture 50MP stills, against the Mini 4 Pro's 48MP.
For a drone of this size, a 1-inch sensor is a corking feature, enabling the drone to capture minute details in low-light conditions.
Video
Mini 5 Pro also features a new imaging platform, delivering up to 14 stops of HDR video dynamic range.
Both drones capture 4K/60fps, but when it comes to slow-motion, the Mini 5 Pro offers 4K/120ps, while the Mini 4 Pro tops out at 4K/100fps. The result? The extra frames per second yield smoother motion and less blur.
Colour performance
Even in normal colour mode, Mini 5 Pro records 10-bit video using H.265 encoding, delivering refined colour performance and greater flexibility in post, with the maximum ISO raised to 12800, from the Mini 4 Pro's 6400.
In D-Log M and HLG colour modes, the maximum ISO is raised to 3200 - from the Mini 4 Pro's 1600 - allowing for greater brightness and more details in urban night scenes.
Med-Tele Mode
Mini 5 Pro introduces a 48mm Med-Tele mode (2x zoom) to help subjects stand out more prominently. It also utilises DJI's portrait optimisation technology.
Rotating Gimbal
Needless to say, social media is huge. And both Mini drones take this into consideration, with True Vertical Shooting helping to deliver content that is optimised for these online platforms. It's also ideal for capturing scenes like waterfalls or skyscrapers.
But, as is becoming a common theme, Mini 5 Pro goes the extra mile, offering 225° gimbal rotation for creative angles, dynamic camera movements, and eye-catching rotational footage.
This can be controlled manually, or when using intelligent modes such as QuickShot Rotate, Timelapse, Spotlight, and Waypoint Flight.
Storage
Capturing dazzling content is great. But you need to be able to store it.
DJI Mini 5 Pro packs in 42GB of on-board storage - a significant upgrade from the Mini 4 Pro's 2GB.
Both drones can accommodate microSD cards for expandability - although the Mini 4 Pro's highest recommended capacity card is 512GB, while Mini 5 Pro's recommended list shows it can house a card packing up to 1TB of storage.
Mini 5 Pro also supports high-speed file transfers at up to 100MB/s with WiFi, while Mini 4 Pro tops out at 30 MB/s.
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: Camera specification table
The table below provides a more detailed look at the specifications of the drones' cameras.
Feature | DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
Image sensor | 1-inch CMOS, 50MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48MP |
Lens | FOV: 84° Format Equivalent: 24 mm Aperture: f/1.8 Focus: 0.5 m to ∞ | FOV: 82.1° Format Equivalent: 24 mm Aperture: f/1.7 Focus: 1 m to ∞ |
ISO range | Video: Normal: 100-12800 (Normal); 100-3200 (D-Log M); 100-3200 (HLG). Slow Motion: 100-6400 (Normal); 100-3200 (D-Log M); 100-3200 (HLG). Photo: 12MP: 100-6400; 50MP: 100-3200. | Video: Normal and Slow Motion: 100-6400 (Normal); 100-1600 (D-Log M); 100-1600 (HLG). Night: 100-12800 (Normal) Photo: 12 MP: 100-6400. 48 MP: 100-3200 |
Shutter speed | 12MP Photo: 1/8000-2 s (2.5-8 s for simulated long exposure). 50MP Photo: 1/8000-2 s. | 12MP Photo: 1/16000-2 s (2.5-8 s for simulated long exposure) 48MP Photo: 1/8000-2 s |
Max image size | 8192 x 6144 | 8064 x 6048 |
Still photography modes | Single Shot: 12 MP and 50 MP. Burst Shooting: 12 MP, 3/5/7 frames; 50 MP, 3/5 frames. Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 12 MP, 3/5/7 frames; 50 MP, 3/5 frames at 0.7 EV step. Timed: 12MP: 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 30 /60s; 50 MP: 5 / 7 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 30 / 60s. | Single Shot: 12 MP and 48 MP. Burst Shooting: 12 MP, 3/5/7 frames; 48 MP, 3/5 frames. Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 12 MP, 3/5/7 frames at 0.7 EV step; 48 MP, 3/5 frames at 0.7 EV step. Timed: 12MP: 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 30 / 60s. 48MP: 5 / 7 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 30 / 60s. |
Photo format | JPEG/DNG (RAW) | JPEG/DNG (RAW) |
Video resolution | H.264/H.265 4K: 3840 x 2160 @ 24 / 25 / 30 / 48 / 50 / 60 / 120*fps FHD: 1920 x 1080 @ 24 / 25 / 30 / 48 / 50 / 60 / 120* / 240*fps *Recording frame rates. The corresponding video plays as a slow-motion video. Slow-motion videos and 4K video recordings only support H.265 encoding. | H.264/H.265 4K: 3840 x 2160 @ 24 / 25 / 30 / 48 / 50 / 60 / 100*fps FHD: 1920 x 1080 @ 24 / 25 / 30 / 48 / 50 / 60 / 100* / 200*fps *Recording frame rates. The corresponding video plays as slow-motion video. 4K/100fps and HLG/D-Log M only support H.265 coding. |
Video format | MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265) | MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265) |
Max video bitrate | H.264/H.265: 130 Mbps | H.264/H.265: 150 Mbps |
Supported file system | exFAT | exFAT |
Colour mode and sampling method | Normal (FHD): 8-bit 4:2:0 (H.264) Normal (FHD/4K): 10-bit 4:2:0 (H.265) HLG/D-Log M: 10-bit 4:2:0 (H.265) | Normal: 8-bit 4:2:0 (H.264/H.265) HLG/D-Log M: 10-bit 4:2:0 (H.265) |
Digital zoom | 12MP Photo: 1-3x 4K: 1-3x FHD: 1-4x | 12MP Photo: 1-3x 4K: 1-3x FHD: 1-4x |
Safety: DJI Mini 4 Pro vs DJI Mini 5 Pro
For any drone pilot, safety is crucial.
DJI Mini 4 Pro is equipped with a suite of features to help, including an omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with a 3D infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft.
However, Mini 5 Pro builds on this offering and brings an enhanced feature set.
LiDAR
Amazingly for a drone of its size, the Mini 5 Pro features forward-facing LiDAR, supporting 1-lux nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing - ensuring safer urban nightscape missions.
When it comes to operations in low-light environments, the LiDAR system brings these benefits:
Enhanced Nighttime Obstacle Sensing: Even in extremely dark conditions where the ambient light is less than 1 lux and the vision sensing system becomes ineffective, the forward-facing LiDAR can still provide forward obstacle sensing for the drone. This ensures that the drone can detect obstacles and perform timely stops at night.
Safer Nighttime RTH: During nighttime return-to-home operations, if the vision sensing system is ineffective, the drone can use the forward-facing LiDAR to sense forward obstacles and navigate upwards to avoid them.
Next-gen Smart RTH
In well-lit conditions, Mini 5 Pro memorises flight paths, enabling quick takeoffs and safe returns, even without satellite signals.
It's worth noting that Mini 4 Pro has Advanced RTH functionality, and can automatically plan a safe flight route back to its home point and bypass obstacles.
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: Safety features specification table
The table below provides a more detailed look at the specifications of the drones' safety features and sensors.
Feature | DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
Sensing type | Omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with forward-facing LiDAR and an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft. Nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing is supported. | Omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with a 3D infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft. Nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing is not supported. |
Forward | Measurement Range: 0.5-18 m Detection Range: 0.5-200 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 15 m/s FOV: Horizontal 90°, Vertical 72° | Measurement Range: 0.5-18 m Detection Range: 0.5-200 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 12 m/s FOV: Horizontal 90°, Vertical 72° |
Backward | Measurement Range: 0.5-18 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 14 m/s FOV: Horizontal 90°, Vertical 72° | Measurement Range: 0.5-15 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 12 m/s FOV: Horizontal 90°, Vertical 72° |
Lateral | Measurement Range: 0.5-12 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 14 m/s FOV: Horizontal 90°, Vertical 72° | Measurement Range: 0.5-12 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 12 m/s FOV: Horizontal 90°, Vertical 72° |
Upward | Measurement Range: 0.5-18 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 6 m/s FOV: Front and Back 72°, Left and Right 90° | Measurement Range: 0.5-15 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 5 m/s FOV: Front and Back 72°, Left and Right 90° |
Downward | Measurement Range: 0.3-14 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 6 m/s FOV: Front and Back 106°, Left and Right 90° | Measurement Range: 0.3-12 m Effective Sensing Speed: Flight Speed ≤ 5 m/s FOV: Front and Back 106°, Left and Right 90° |
Operating environment | Forward, Backward, Left, Right, and Upward: Surfaces with discernible patterns and adequate lighting (lux > 1) Downward: Surfaces with discernible patterns, diffuse reflectivity > 20% (e.g., walls, trees, people), and adequate lighting (lux > 1) | Forward, Backward, Left, Right, and Upward: Surfaces with discernible patterns and adequate lighting (lux > 15) Downward: Surfaces with discernible patterns, diffuse reflectivity > 20% (e.g. walls, trees, people), and adequate lighting (lux > 15) |
3D infrared sensor | Forward-Facing LiDAR: Measurement Range (nighttime): 0.5-25 m (reflectivity > 10%); FOV: Up and Down 60°, Left and Right 60°. Downward-Facing Infrared Sensor: Measurement Range: 0.3-8 m (reflectivity > 10%); FOV: Front and Back 60°, Left and Right 60° | Measurement Range: 0.1-8 m (reflectivity > 10%). FOV: Front and Back 60°, Left and Right 60°. |
Flight performance
When it comes to flight performance, Mini 5 Pro takes the crown in numerous departments.
It can fly for longer, is a more agile performer, and is more robust in windy conditions. It also offers upgraded tracking capabilities.
Flight time
There's not much in this department, but the DJI Mini 5 Pro has the greater endurance, able to stay airborne for 36 minutes, compared to the Mini 4 Pro's 34 minutes of airtime.
It's worth noting that these stats are when both drones are carrying the Intelligent Flight Battery, rather than the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, which is not available throughout the UK and Europe.
For the record, the Plus versions do give extra juice, enabling up to 52 minutes with the Mini 5 Pro and 39 minutes with the Mini 4 Pro.
Speed and agility
Both drones offer a bit of nip, and they are nimble performers. But the Mini 5 Pro has the edge.
Its maximum forward flight speed is 18 m/s in S Mode, compared to the Mini 4 Pro's 16 m/s, while the Mini 5 Pro's ascent speed (in S Mode) is double that of its predecessor.
Weatherproofing
Neither drones have an IP rating - meaning it is ill-advised to fly in the rain - but they do offer a degree of weatherproofing, in that they can both handle temperatures of -10°C to 40°C.
In blustery conditions, Mini 5 Pro is more resilient, withstanding wind speeds of up to 12 m/s, compared to the Mini 4 Pro's 10.7 m/s tolerance.
Altitude can impact environmental conditions. With this in mind, the Mini 5 Pro can take-off at up to 6,000m altitude, compared to Mini 4 Pro's 4,000m limit.
Tracking
Subject-tracking drones offer creative flexibility, and both Mini platforms oblige, aided by their omnidirectional obstacle-sensing capabilities.
Mini 4 Pro is equipped with ActiveTrack 360°, achieving diverse camera movements in a range of scenarios, including running, biking, or skateboarding.
Mini 5 Pro has an upgraded version of ActiveTrack 360°: Tracking performance has been enhanced to balance speed, agility, and safety.
This video shows ActiveTrack 360° locking onto Elephant Rock - near South Shields - in conjunction with an orbit flight.
In open areas, the maximum tracking speed has been raised to 15 m/s for quicker response, while in complex environments, the drone can switch to rear tracking mode to steadily keep the subject in focus and enable creative freedom with confidence.
On top of this, Mini 5 Pro can intelligently detect different sports scenarios and can automatically select Cycling or Standard mode to ensure optimal framing and tracking, helping to streamline the process.
Transmission
DJI Mini 5 Pro is equipped with the O4+ video transmission - DJI's latest transmission algorithm for stronger signal quality, enhanced anti-interference capabilities, and more stable, reliable live feeds.
DJI Mini 4 Pro has the O4 video transmission system.
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: Flight performance specification table
The table below provides a more detailed look at the specifications of the drones' flight performance - when used with the Intelligent Flight Battery.
Feature | DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
Max flight time | 36 minutes | 34 minutes |
Max ascent speed | 10 m/s (S Mode) 5 m/s (N Mode) 5 m/s (C Mode) | 5 m/s (S Mode) 5 m/s (N Mode) 3 m/s (C Mode) |
Max descent speed | 6 m/s (S Mode) 5 m/s (N Mode) 5 m/s (C Mode) | 5 m/s (S Mode) 5 m/s (N Mode) 3 m/s (C Mode) |
Max horizontal speed | 18 m/s (S Mode) 15 m/s (tracking status) | 16 m/s (S Mode) 12 m/s (N Mode) 12 m/s (C Mode) |
Max take-off altitude | 6,000m | 4,000m |
Max wind speed resistance | 12 m/s | 10.7 m/s |
Operating temperature | -10°C to 40°C | -10°C to 40°C |
IP rating | No | No |
Video transmission system | O4+ | O4 |
Live view quality | Remote Controller: 1080p/30fps, 1080p/60fps | Remote Controller: Up to 1080p/60fps, 1080p/30fps, 1080p/24fps |
Max transmission distance (unobstructed, free of interference) | 10 km (CE) | 10 km (CE) |
Accessories
Both drones are compatible with a suite of accessories.
Controllers
When it comes to controllers, the Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro support:
DJI RC 2 smart controller (pictured below), with built-in 5.5-inch high-bright screen;
DJI RC Pro 2, with built-in 7.02-inch high-bright screen;
DJI RC-N3, which requires a separate smart device.
The Mini 4 Pro is also compatible with the DJI RC-N2.
At launch, it does not look like the Mini 5 Pro is compatible with DJI's FPV ecosystem, whereas the Mini 4 Pro does have FPV support, including compatibility with DJI motion controllers.
Other accessories
The Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro are compatible with ND filter sets, and can be used with Two-way Charging Hubs, which can charge multiple batteries.
Interestingly, the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo comes with the ND filter set, but the Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo does not.
The DJI Mini 5 Pro Two-way Charging Hub (compatible with the Mini 5 Pro) offers greater battery charging efficiency compared to the DJI Mini 4 Pro/Mini 3 Series Two-way Charging Hub.
For instance, when using the DJI 65W Portable Charger and the Mini 5 Pro Two-way Charging Hub, it takes approximately 46 minutes to fully charge a single Intelligent Flight Battery and about 115 minutes to fully charge three Intelligent Flight Batteries.
In contrast, when using the DJI 30W USB-C Charger and the DJI Mini 4 Pro/Mini 3 Series Two-way Charging Hub, it takes 58 minutes to power one battery, and three hours to charge three Intelligent Flight Batteries.
Summary: DJI Mini 5 Pro vs DJI Mini 4 Pro
DJI Mini 5 Pro is DJI's most advanced Mini drone to date.
Packed with features, it takes what was epic about the ever-popular Mini 4 Pro and raises the bar.
Larger sensor. Yes. Longer flight time. Yes. Upgraded obstacle avoidance. Yes. Enhanced transmission. Yes.
It is engineered to make content creation with a teeny-tiny drone easier, safer, and more streamlined than ever before.
The stellar list of upgrades, coupled with the fact that it has been two years since the last major release in the Mini Series, is certainly justification for Mini 4 Pro users to swap to the newer version.
And for remote pilots who don't have a Mini drone in their fleet - or are new to flying - then the Mini 5 Pro is a tantalising prospect.
Interested? DJI Mini 5 Pro is available to buy from heliguy™.
