DJI Mini 5 Pro potential specifications and design are exposed, leaving one significant query unanswered
The much-anticipated DJI Mini 5 Pro, the successor to the popular Mini 4 Pro, has faced a delay in its launch, and there's a growing concern that it might be the first in the series to exceed the weight limit of 249 grams[1].
In the UK, under the Open A1 category, drones weighing under 250 grams can fly over strangers (but not crowds) without requiring any additional permission[2]. However, the leaked DJI Mini 5 Pro box does not display the “less than 249g” label, suggesting it could weigh slightly over that crucial 250-gram limit[3].
Despite this, rumors suggest that there may be battery options available, including a standard battery and a lighter battery, which could allow some versions of the Mini 5 Pro to stay under 249 grams[2].
Early specs confirm that the Mini 5 Pro will boast enhanced features such as a bigger battery (rated at 33.5Wh) for longer flight time and additional components like LiDAR sensors, which likely contributed to a slight weight increase compared to earlier models[1][2].
The Mini 5 Pro is rumored to feature a 1-inch image sensor, an upgrade from the 1/1.3-inch chip on the Mini 4 Pro. It is also speculated to have a design similar to the Mini 4 Pro, with a larger camera module and two forward-facing LiDAR sensors for improved obstacle avoidance[4].
The Mini 5 Pro is expected to offer a "high quality 48mm med-tele mode", similar to the one on the DJI Pocket 3, and might be capable of shooting 4K/120fps footage, a slight boost from its predecessor's 4K/100fps mode[5]. Its flight time is speculated to be 36 minutes, a slight boost on the claimed 34 minutes of the Mini 4 Pro[6].
The LiDAR-powered feature of the Mini 5 Pro could prove particularly useful in low light conditions. This technology has previously appeared on the DJI Mavic 4 Pro and DJI Air 3S[7].
However, the potential inability of the Mini 5 Pro to meet the sub-250g weight requirement could pose a challenge for its sale in the US, where a lower weight is a significant selling point due to relaxed flying regulations[8].
The author, who expresses affection for the Mini 3 Pro due to its advanced camera tech, portability, and weight, suggests that a new model that doesn't meet the same criteria might not have the same appeal[9].
These leaked details of the DJI Mini 5 Pro were first shared by @JasperEllens and DroneXL, with further design details leaked on the Drone-Hacks Discord channel[10].
[1] JasperEllens [2] DroneXL [3] DroneDJ [4] DroneDJ [5] DroneDJ [6] DroneDJ [7] DroneDJ [8] DroneDJ [9] DroneDJ [10] DroneDJ
When comparing gadgets, the lack of "less than 249g" label on the leaked DJI Mini 5 Pro box raises concerns about its weight, potentially making it ineligible for certain flying regulations in the UK under the Open A1 category. Despite this, the Mini 5 Pro might offer gaming-like features, such as a 48mm med-tele mode and the ability to shoot 4K/120fps footage, putting it on par with high-end technology gadgets like cameras and drones.
