Flying Filmmaker Reviews DJI Mini 5 Pro After Six Months
YouTube creator Flying Filmmaker has shared a comprehensive review of the DJI Mini 5 Pro, six months after its release. His assessment highlights the drone’s strengths and weaknesses based on extensive flying experience, including four crashes that resulted in only minor damage.
The review comes approximately seven months after the Mini 5 Pro was launched on September 17, 2025. DroneXL has been following the drone’s journey since its debut, covering initial impressions and subsequent regulatory discussions.
Camera Performance
Flying Filmmaker emphasizes that the Mini 5 Pro features the best camera available in a drone of its size. The 1-inch CMOS sensor supports 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, 10-bit color across various profiles, and 4K slow motion at 120 frames per second. He noted that the 10-bit depth, even in the standard profile, allows for high-quality footage without the need for extensive color grading.
His findings align with previous tests by Philip Bloom, who also praised the sensor‘s low-light performance. Shots taken at high ISO levels remained clean, marking a significant improvement over earlier Mini models.
Crop Mode and Telephoto Capabilities
In his review, Flying Filmmaker expressed surprise at the effectiveness of the 4K crop mode, which he initially expected to produce subpar results. Comparisons with the Air 3S’s 70mm telephoto lens revealed that the crop mode performed better than anticipated, although it still fell short of the dedicated lens in terms of detail. DroneXL’s own tests indicated that while the Mini 5 Pro excels in dynamic range due to dual ISO fusion, the Air 3S maintains an edge in telephoto performance and wind resistance.
Notable Features
Flying Filmmaker highlighted vertical shooting as a standout feature, making the Mini 5 Pro particularly appealing for content creators. The gimbal‘s ability to switch to a vertical orientation while maintaining full tilt range is a significant advantage for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Another praised feature is the dynamic home point, which updates in real-time and automatically follows the controller, simplifying the flying experience. The upgraded ActiveTrack system, which includes cycling and skiing modes, and improved obstacle avoidance capabilities, were also noted, although some limitations were observed during testing.
Challenges with Wind and Weight
Despite its strengths, Flying Filmmaker pointed out that wind resistance poses a significant challenge for the Mini 5 Pro. While the drone can maintain its position in strong winds, its lightweight design results in footage that can appear shaky. The drone’s speed is capped at approximately 40 mph (64 km/h) with standard batteries, which is lower than competitors like the Air 3S and Mavic 4 Pro.
Additionally, the Mini 5 Pro’s weight has been a topic of discussion. Although marketed as weighing 249.9 grams, Flying Filmmaker noted that many units actually weigh around 251 grams, with some reports indicating weights closer to 252-253 grams. This discrepancy raises regulatory concerns in various jurisdictions, including Canada and Australia.
Conclusion
Flying Filmmaker’s review aligns with the consensus among reviewers that the Mini 5 Pro is a leading sub-250g drone, showcasing impressive camera capabilities for its size. However, the weight issue and its implications for regulatory compliance warrant further attention.
DJI is expected to release a hardware revision of the Mini 5 Pro by the end of 2026 to address weight concerns, which could include new propellers and other modifications to ensure compliance with regulations.
All reporting and editorial perspectives are provided by Haye Kesteloo at DroneXL.