Bad news if you’re a drone fan in the States. DJI’s shiny new Mini 5 Pro is about to hit store shelves, but only outside the US.
International buyers will get first dibs on what could be DJI’s best “mini” drone yet, while American pilots are once again stuck waiting.
Big upgrades for a small drone
Despite weighing under 250g in its standard setup, the Mini 5 Pro brings some heavyweight upgrades. The headline upgrade is a 1-inch CMOS sensor that shoots at 50MP, promising sharper images and better performance when the light dips.
Safety gets a boost too. DJI has added front-facing LiDAR sensors alongside its improved 360° ActiveTrack, making the drone smarter in low-light and twilight flights. The gimbal has also been tweaked, with a 225° roll that lets you switch between portrait and landscape smoothly.
Battery life has had an upgrade as well. Expect around 36 minutes on the standard pack or up to 52 minutes with the extended “Plus” battery, though the latter pushes the drone above the 249g threshold.
Why US buyers might be left waiting
DJI hasn’t announced a US launch date, but the Mini 5 Pro is now available in Canada and Europe, priced from around $749 USD / €799, depending on where you’re shopping.
It’s not a total surprise. The Mini 4 Pro followed a similar rollout, appearing in international markets before showing up in the US. Ongoing regulatory scrutiny could explain why history is repeating itself.
A tempting upgrade for creators abroad
For vloggers, photographers, and anyone who loves aerial shots, the Mini 5 Pro is shaping up to be a standout option. The big sensor, smarter safety tools and longer flight times make it a serious contender for the next update to the Best Drones 2025.
The Mini 5 Pro feels like the most ambitious “mini” DJI has made. Bigger camera, safer flying, longer flights, it’s all here. But unless DJI and regulators sort things out, US drone fans might have to watch enviously from the sidelines, or take the gamble on importing.
