free worldwide shipping | ships within 24 hours
DJI Mini 5 Release Date 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the 1-Inch Sensor Drone
The DJI Mini 5 release date has been one of the most anticipated events in the drone community. For months, rumors swirled about DJI’s next-generation sub-250g drone. Then, on September 17, 2025, DJI officially unveiled the Mini 5 Pro, bringing a 1-inch sensor to the Mini series for the first time.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the DJI Mini 5 release date, including specifications, pricing, availability, and whether this drone is worth your investment in 2026.
Official DJI Mini 5 Release Date
The official DJI Mini 5 release date is September 17, 2025.
Key Dates Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Leak/Image | December 2024 |
| DJI Mini 5 Pro Tease | September 15, 2025 |
| Official Announcement | September 17, 2025 |
| Available for Purchase | September 17, 2025 |
| Price (China) | 4,788 CNY (starting price) |
The DJI Mini 5 release date followed months of speculation. Early leaks in December 2024 showed a drone with a larger camera module and vented motors, hinting at a major upgrade. By September 2025, DJI confirmed what enthusiasts had been waiting for: a sub-250g drone with a 1-inch sensor, LiDAR obstacle avoidance, and 4K/120fps video.
DJI Mini 5 Release Date: What Was Announced
On the DJI Mini 5 release date, DJI described the drone as “an all-in-one miniature aerial camera with the most powerful performance in the Mini series to date.” The launch event was held in Shenzhen, China, with simultaneous announcements for international markets. The drone was made available for purchase on DJI’s official online store and through authorized retailers immediately following the announcement.
Why the DJI Mini 5 Release Date Matters
The DJI Mini 5 release date matters because it represents a significant leap in technology for sub-250g drones. Prior to this release, the Mini 4 Pro was the flagship of the series, but it used a smaller 1/1.3-inch sensor. The Mini 5 Pro’s 1-inch sensor is a game-changer for creators who want professional-quality footage from a drone that fits in a small bag.
What the DJI Mini 5 Release Date Brought
The DJI Mini 5 release date introduced several groundbreaking features to the Mini series.
1-Inch 50MP Sensor
For the first time in a DJI Mini series drone, the Mini 5 Pro features a 1-inch CMOS sensor. This is a significant upgrade over the 1/1.3-inch sensor found in the Mini 4 Pro. The larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance, greater dynamic range, and more professional-looking footage.
The DJI Mini 5 Pro can record 4K video at up to 120fps for smooth slow-motion playback, and 1080p at up to 240fps for even greater slow-motion effects. The 50MP photos allow for significant cropping without losing detail.
LiDAR Obstacle Avoidance
The DJI Mini 5 Pro includes forward-facing LiDAR and six omnidirectional sensors. This powers what DJI calls “Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing,” enabling obstacle avoidance even in very dim conditions down to 1 lux. This is a first for the Mini series and a significant safety upgrade.
225° Gimbal Rotation
A standout feature of the DJI Mini 5 Pro is its 225° gimbal rotation, which supports true vertical video without cropping. This is especially valuable for creators who share content on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Extended Flight Time
The DJI Mini 5 Pro offers up to 36 minutes of flight time with the standard battery, extendable to 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.
Internal Storage
The DJI Mini 5 Pro features 42GB of internal storage, compared to the Mini 4 Pro’s 2GB. This is a significant upgrade that provides peace of mind when you forget your SD card.
48mm Medium Telephoto Mode
The Mini 5 Pro boasts a new 48mm medium telephoto mode, which effectively provides a 2x zoom without any digital cropping. This field of view works well for portraits and environmental shots where you want the subject to stand out naturally against the background.
DJI Mini 5 Release Date: Pricing
| Region | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| China | 4,788 CNY |
| USA (via reseller) | ~$759 |
The DJI Mini 5 Pro starts at 4,788 CNY in China. In the US, the drone is available through third-party resellers at approximately $759.
US Availability Status
The DJI Mini 5 release date did not include a direct US launch. DJI has stopped offering its products officially in the United States until further notice due to ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions. Instead, US customers can find the drone through third-party resellers like Amazon or eBay.
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro: Key Differences
| Feature | DJI Mini 4 Pro | DJI Mini 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48MP | 1-inch CMOS, 50MP |
| Video | 4K up to 100fps | 4K up to 120fps |
| Slow Motion | 4K/100fps, FHD/200fps | 4K/120fps, FHD/240fps |
| Dynamic Range | ~12 stops | ~14 stops |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional (vision) | Omnidirectional + Forward LiDAR |
| Night Obstacle Sensing | No | Yes (1 lux) |
| Gimbal Rotation | Standard | 225° |
| Flight Time | 34 min (standard) | 36 min (standard), 52 min (Plus) |
| Internal Storage | ~2GB | 42GB |
| Wind Resistance | ~10-11 m/s | ~12 m/s |
DJI Mini 5 Pro: Complete Specifications
The DJI Mini 5 Pro features a comprehensive set of specifications that make it the most advanced sub-250g drone on the market.
Camera Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1-inch CMOS, 50MP effective pixels |
| Lens | Equivalent focal length: 24mm, aperture: f/1.7 |
| ISO Range | Video: 100-12800, Photo: 100-6400 |
| Shutter Speed | 12s to 1/8000s |
| Max Photo Resolution | 8192 x 6144 (50MP) |
| Video Resolution | 4K: 3840 x 2160 at 24/25/30/48/50/60/100/120fps |
| Video Bitrate | Up to 150 Mbps |
| Color Profiles | 10-bit D-Log M, HLG |
Drone Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Takeoff Weight | 249.9g (with standard battery) |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 148 x 94 x 64mm |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 298 x 373 x 64mm |
| Max Flight Time | 36 minutes (standard), 52 minutes (Plus) |
| Max Wind Resistance | 12 m/s (Level 6) |
| Max Speed | 16 m/s (Sport mode) |
| Max Service Ceiling | 4000m |
| Max Transmission Distance | 20km (O4+ system) |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 40°C |
| Internal Storage | 42GB |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional + LiDAR |
DJI Mini 5 Pro: Performance in Real-World Scenarios
Low-Light Performance
The 1-inch sensor in the DJI Mini 5 Pro delivers significantly better low-light performance than previous Mini drones. The larger sensor captures more light, resulting in cleaner footage at higher ISOs. This is a game-changer for creators who shoot during golden hour or in urban environments with mixed lighting.
In real-world tests, the Mini 5 Pro produces usable footage at ISO 3200, with minimal noise visible. The dynamic range of approximately 14 stops allows for detail recovery in both shadows and highlights, reducing the need for extensive post-production.
Video Quality
The DJI Mini 5 Pro’s 4K/120fps video is stunning. Slow-motion footage is smooth and cinematic, making it ideal for dramatic sequences. The 10-bit D-Log M profile provides flexibility for color grading, while the HLG profile delivers vibrant HDR footage straight out of camera.
The 225° gimbal rotation allows for creative shots that were previously impossible on a sub-250g drone. You can now pan and tilt the camera more freely, creating dynamic reveals and tracking shots.
Obstacle Avoidance
The LiDAR obstacle avoidance system is the most significant safety upgrade in the DJI Mini 5 Pro. The drone can detect obstacles in conditions as dark as 1 lux, allowing for night flying with confidence. The omnidirectional sensing covers forward, backward, lateral, upward, and downward directions, providing comprehensive protection against collisions.
DJI Mini 5 Pro: Who Should Buy It?
Professional Content Creators
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is ideal for professional content creators who need a portable drone that delivers exceptional image quality. The 1-inch sensor, 4K/120fps video, and 10-bit color profiles make it suitable for commercial projects, documentaries, and social media content.
Travel Photographers
The sub-250g weight means you can travel internationally without worrying about drone registration. The compact design fits easily in a camera bag, making it perfect for capturing aerial footage on your travels.
Beginners
While the DJI Mini 5 Pro is a premium drone, its user-friendly features make it accessible to beginners. The omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and LiDAR system reduce the risk of crashes, and the intelligent flight modes make it easy to capture professional-looking footage without extensive piloting experience.
FAQs About DJI Mini 5 Release Date
What is the DJI Mini 5 release date?
The DJI Mini 5 release date is September 17, 2025.
When was the DJI Mini 5 Pro announced?
DJI announced the Mini 5 Pro on September 17, 2025, following a tease on September 15.
Is the DJI Mini 5 available in the US?
The DJI Mini 5 release date did not include a direct US launch. The drone is available through third-party resellers, but not directly from DJI US.
What is the DJI Mini 5 Pro price?
The starting price is 4,788 CNY in China. US pricing through resellers is approximately $759.
Does the DJI Mini 5 Pro have a 1-inch sensor?
Yes. The DJI Mini 5 Pro features a 1-inch CMOS sensor, a first for the Mini series.
What video formats does the DJI Mini 5 Pro support?
The DJI Mini 5 Pro supports 4K/120fps, 10-bit D-Log M, HLG, and supports recording in H.264 and H.265 codecs.
What is the flight time of the DJI Mini 5 Pro?
Up to 36 minutes with the standard battery and up to 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.
Does the DJI Mini 5 Pro have obstacle avoidance?
Yes. The DJI Mini 5 Pro has omnidirectional obstacle avoidance with forward-facing LiDAR that works in conditions as dark as 1 lux.
What is the internal storage of the DJI Mini 5 Pro?
The DJI Mini 5 Pro has 42GB of internal storage.
Is the DJI Mini 5 Pro worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if you need the 1-inch sensor, LiDAR obstacle avoidance, and 4K/120fps slow motion. If you are happy with the Mini 4 Pro’s performance in daylight, the upgrade may not be necessary.
READY TO BUY YOUR DJI MINI 5 PRO?
Click here to visit our Shop drones category to explore the DJI Mini 5 Pro at Camerion Cameras.
NEED ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR NEW DRONE?
https://camerioncameras.com/product-category/accessories
- DJI Mini 5 Pro official specifications on DJI
- DJI Mini 5 Pro first look review on Park Cameras
- DJI Mini 5 Pro price and release date on 163.com
