The DJI Lito series expands the possibilities for sub-250g flight, offering tailored options that fit neatly alongside the established Mini lineup. The Lito 1 serves as an impressive step up for those graduating from the entry-level Mini 4K, introducing omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and a suite of MasterShots that make cinematic flying much more accessible. While the Mini 3 holds an edge in photography with its specialized sensor and vertical gimbal, the Lito 1 shines as a safer, feature-rich alternative for beginners prioritizing flight protection.
In the mid-range segment, the Lito X1 elevates the flying experience well beyond the capabilities of the Mini 3. By integrating forward-facing LiDAR and 42GB of internal storage, it offers a high-tech safety net and convenience that standard micro drones lack. The Mini 4 Pro has been the go-to for advanced creators who need specialized tools like ActiveTrack 360°. However, the Lito X1 remains a compelling option for those who want a powerful camera and elite sensing at a more accessible price point.
Ultimately, DJI’s expanded lineup ensures there is a perfect fit for every budget and skill level. The Mini 5 Pro continues to lead the pack as the premium micro drone with its 1-inch sensor, but the Lito series successfully rounds out the selection for enthusiasts. The Lito 1 provides a smarter, more secure entry point than the Mini 4K. Meanwhile, the Lito X1 offers a sophisticated, LiDAR-enhanced step up from the Mini 3, giving pilots more confidence and creative flexibility than ever before.
DJI Mini 4K
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DJI Mini 3
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DJI Lito 1
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DJI Lito X1
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DJI Mini 4 Pro
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DJI Mini 5 Pro
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| DJI Mini 3 | DJI Lito 1 | DJI Mini 4K | |
| | | | |
| Price | Starting at | Starting at | Starting at |
| Weight | Approx. 249 g Approx. | Approx. 249 g Approx. | Approx. 246 g Approx. |
| Image Sensor | 1/1.3" CMOS | 1/2″ CMOS | 1/2.3" CMOS |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/30fps | 4K/60fps HDR | 4K/30fps |
| True Vertical Shooting | Supported | Supported | Not Supported |
| ActiveTrack | Not Supported | Supported | Not Supported |
| Obstacle Sensing | Nightscape Nightscape | Omni- 5-Lux | Not Supported 5-Lux |
| LiDAR Sensor | Forward-Facing | None | None |
| Flight Time | Standard Battery | Standard Battery | Standard Battery |
| Video Transmission | DJI O2 | DJI O4 | DJI O2 |
| Max Transmission Range | Approx. 10 km Approx. | Approx. 15 km Approx. | Approx. 10 km Approx. |
| Internal Storage | 42 GB | None | None |
| DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro | DJI Lito X1 | |
| | | | |
| Price | Starting at | Starting at | Starting at |
| Weight | Approx. 249.9 g Approx. | Approx. 249 g Approx. | Approx. 249 g Approx. |
| Image Sensor | 1" CMOS | 1/1.3" CMOS | 1/1.3″ CMOS |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/60fps HDR | 4K/60fps HDR | 4K/60fps HDR |
| True Vertical Shooting | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| ActiveTrack | ActiveTrack 360° | ActiveTrack 360° | ActiveTrack 7.0 |
| Obstacle Sensing | Nightscape Nightscape | Omnidirectional Omni- | 5-Lux 5-Lux |
| LiDAR Sensor | Forward-Facing | None | Forward-Facing |
| Flight Time | Standard Battery | Standard Battery | Standard Battery |
| Video Transmission | DJI O4+ | DJI O4 | DJI O4 |
| Max Transmission Range | Approx. 20 km Approx. | Approx. 20 km Approx. | Approx. 15 km Approx. |
| Internal Storage | 42 GB | 2 GB | 42 GB |
Until recently, the DJI Mini series was the major player in the micro drone market. Weighing under 249g, micro drones have long been a popular choice for beginner pilots, offering an affordable, uncomplicated entry into the world of drones. With the release of the new DJI Lito 1 and DJI Lito X1 drones, DJI is expanding its micro drone lineup in an exciting new way.
The Lito 1 and X1 drones feature a few key differences that make them superior to some of DJI’s earlier micro drones, including more powerful cameras, better obstacle avoidance systems, and more advanced smart features. However, compared to the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro drones, the DJI Lito series isn’t necessarily the best option for pilots who want the most advanced micro drone money can buy.
To help you get a feel of where the Lito 1 and X1 drones fall in the lineup of DJI Micro drones, we’ve broken it down into sections. We’ll go over how the DJI Lito 1 and X1 compare to each other, to the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro drones, and to the Mini 3 and Mini 4K drones. Read on to learn where they land in terms of design, price, and overall quality.
The new Lito 1 drone is designed to be user-friendly and perfect for beginners. Like each of DJI’s micro drones, it weighs under 249g, which means you can fly without registration or exams in most countries and regions. It’s lightweight and portable, small enough to fit in your palm or backpack for easy travel. It also features Level 5 Wind Resistance, withstanding winds of up to 10.7 m/s to ensure stable hovering while recording video outdoors.
Unlike many DJI micro drones, the DJI Lito 1 comes with an omnidirectional obstacle sensing system. The drone will intelligently brake or bypass obstacles along its flight path, keeping it safe for beginners to explore the skies. When flying in urban areas with weak satellite signals, the Quick Takeoff and Return to Home (RTH) features enable the drone to quickly launch and safely return to its original flight path.
The Lito X1 features a similar design, making it just as lightweight and portable as the Lito 1. The biggest design difference is the addition of forward-facing LiDAR to its omnidirectional obstacle sensing system. By equipping the drone with a dual safety system, DJI has added an extra layer of protection to the skies, enabling you to fly in complex environments while actively avoiding obstacles like trees and buildings.
Both drones in the DJI Lito series feature QuickTransfer and Parallel Charging, which allows you to charge multiple batteries using the Charging Hub or directly on the aircraft via USB-C. Unlike the Lito 1, the DJI Lito X1 features 42GB of internal storage, allowing you to save every minute of your footage directly on the aircraft.
The camera is where you’ll find the biggest difference between the two drones. The Lito 1 features a 1/2-inch sensor that captures photos at up to 8K resolution, delivering crisp details, remarkable depth, and professional-level quality.
The DJI Lito 1 drone can record video at two rates: 4K/60fps and 4K/100fps slow motion. With 4K/60fps video, you can film a beautiful landscape while retaining true-to-life colors and dynamic lighting without motion blur. 4K/100fps slow-motion video is perfect for recording the finer details in dynamic moments, from an athlete in motion to waves crashing on rocks. Lastly, you can switch to 2.7K vertical recording to film videos optimized for social media; no cropping required.
The Lito X1 has the superior camera of the two drones, hands down. It features a 1/1.3-inch sensor and an f/1.7 aperture, which retains even finer details both day and night. Like the Lito 1, the DJI Lito X1 captures photos in up to 8K resolution, but the addition of SmartPhoto further enhances it by optimizing lighting and colors for more flexible post-production.
The DJI Lito X1 also kicks the camera up a notch by supporting 4K/60fps HDR video recording with up to 14 stops of dynamic range. 10-bit D-Log M smooths color transitions and makes color grading in post-production a breeze, helping you deliver a more professional look. Like the Lito 1, the Lito X1 supports 4K/100fps slow-motion and 2.7K vertical recording. Whether you’re filming a beach sunrise or a dynamic cityscape, the DJI Lito X1 will give you a crisper, more vibrant, and more true-to-life recording than the Lito 1.
Both the Lito 1 and the Lito X1 come with a few identical smart features that make it easy for a beginner to shoot and fly like a pro. ActiveTrack lets you track subjects at up to 12 m/s, keeping the focus where it needs to be as you cruise the skies. QuickShots will automatically execute one of a series of predetermined movements to help you capture cinematic videos with only a tap. MasterShots intelligently generates flight paths based on the environment, automatically recording and editing portrait, close-up, or landscape shots.
With Hyperlapse, you can record the passage of time and moving light by compressing minutes of video into mere seconds. The Panorama feature widens the scope, allowing you to capture the vastness of a landscape in either 180°, wide-angle, vertical, or sphere photos. Lastly, the DJI Simulator app is a fun tool to help you learn the ropes before you take to the skies.
With Hyperlapse, you can record the passage of time and moving light by compressing minutes of video into mere seconds. The Panorama feature widens the scope, allowing you to capture the vastness of a landscape in either 180°, wide-angle, vertical, or sphere photos. Lastly, the DJI Simulator app is a fun tool to help you learn the ropes before you take to the skies.
Both the Lito 1 and the Lito X1 rely on the DJI O4 video transmission system, which transmits a 1080p/60fps live view up to 15 km. Both drones in the DJI Lito series have a pretty decent flight time of up to 36 minutes with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery, though this can be extended to 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.
The DJI Lito 1 serves as the entry-level option, starting at $419, with a single $615 Fly More Combo available that includes the DJI RC-N3 controller. In contrast, the DJI Lito X1 offers a broader range of four bundles to suit different needs: a basic starter kit for $519, two standard Fly More Combos featuring either the DJI RC-N3 for $739 or the DJI RC 2 for $879, and a top-tier Fly More Combo Plus with the DJI RC 2 priced at $979.
Of these three drones, the Lito X1 is the least advanced. All three are under 249g and small enough to fit in your palm or in a bag. The DJI Lito X1 has omnidirectional obstacle sensing with forward-facing LiDAR, making it more advanced than the Lito 1 and other Mini drones, but not as good at nighttime flying as the Mini 5 Pro.
Of these three drones, the Lito X1 is the least advanced. All three are under 249g and small enough to fit in your palm or in a bag. The DJI Lito X1 has omnidirectional obstacle sensing with forward-facing LiDAR, making it more advanced than the Lito 1 and other Mini drones, but not as good at nighttime flying as the Mini 5 Pro.
The Mini 4 Pro is midway between the DJI Lito X1 and the DJI Mini 5 Pro. The aircraft is equipped with a gimbal for true vertical shooting, while its omnidirectional obstacle sensing system uses four wide-angle vision sensors and two downward vision sensors. Though it lacks the forward-facing LiDAR of the Lito X1 and Mini 5 Pro, it does use Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) to automatically brake and avoid obstacles.
The Mini 5 Pro is DJI’s most advanced micro drone. It supports true vertical shooting and features a one-of-a-kind 225° gimbal rotation, making camera movement more flexible and dynamic than ever. With forward-facing LiDAR, multiple vision sensors, and a 3D infrared sensor, the DJI Mini 5 Pro’s powerful nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing system can unlock limitless potential during nighttime flights. The aircraft will actually memorize flight routes when it’s light out to allow for a safe return after dark.
The Lito X1 has a camera similar to the Mini 4 Pro, with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and an f/1.7 aperture, capable of capturing up to 8K (48MP) photos. Like the Mini 4 Pro, it can capture 4K/60fps HDR video and 4K/100fps slow-motion video while using 10-bit D-Log M to enhance color capture. However, it lacks a few bells and whistles that further enhance color capture and reduce noise.
The Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor features Dual Native ISO, an f/1.7 aperture, 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixel technology, and HLG color mode to enhance the resolution and color of every photo. Unlike the DJI Lito X1, it includes a Night Shots video mode that uses a noise-reduction algorithm to keep the footage clean in low-light conditions. It also features up to 2x zoom for photos and 4x zoom for videos, letting you get closer to your shot without flying into dangerous paths.
The Mini 5 Pro has the most powerful camera of any DJI micro drone. It’s got a 1-inch CMOS sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, capturing 50MP photos in stunning clarity. The camera’s 48mm Med-Tele mode enhances image resolution at 2x zoom, while portrait optimization technology automatically enhances skin tone and brightness when capturing close-ups of people.
The DJI Mini 5 Pro can record 4K/60fps HDR video with up to 14 stops of dynamic range and 4K/120fps slow-motion video, the most advanced of any DJI micro drone. The color modes also offer greater flexibility, allowing you to add brightness and details in normal and low-light scenarios. D-Log M and HLG color modes boost the maximum ISO from 12800 to 3200, giving you a more professional look with true-to-life color.
The Lito X1 includes many of the same smart features as the Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro, including ActiveTrack, QuickShots, MasterShots, Hyperlapse, Panorama, and QuickTransfer. However, it lacks a few of the more advanced features, such as route planning and a more advanced RTH capacity that unlock a new level of flying.
The Mini 4 Pro features a more advanced ActiveTrack 360°, along with the dynamic Spotlight and Point of Interest modes that further enhance subject tracking. It also adds the Waypoint Flight feature for automatic route planning, allowing you to fly the same flight route over and over while you plan out your shot. With Cruise Control, you can pilot the aircraft automatically, reducing fatigue and ensuring smoother camera movement with minimal shake. The Advanced RTH function will not only plan a safe flight home but also skillfully navigate obstacles.
The Mini 4 Pro features a more advanced ActiveTrack 360°, along with the dynamic Spotlight and Point of Interest modes that further enhance subject tracking. It also adds the Waypoint Flight feature for automatic route planning, allowing you to fly the same flight route over and over while you plan out your shot. With Cruise Control, you can pilot the aircraft automatically, reducing fatigue and ensuring smoother camera movement with minimal shake. The Advanced RTH function will not only plan a safe flight home but also skillfully navigate obstacles.
Like the Mini 4 Pro, the DJI Mini 5 Pro carries all the same smart features that the Lito X1 lacks. This includes an upgraded ActiveTrack 360° system with both Standard and Cycling modes for tracking different subjects. The maximum tracking speed in open areas is 15 m/s, higher than the 12 m/s of the DJI Lito X1.
The Lito X1 uses DJI O4 video transmission technology to deliver 1080p/60fps feeds up to 15 km, the shortest range of the three drones. It has a maximum flight time of 36 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery and 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, which is identical to that of the DJI Mini 5 Pro.
The Mini 4 Pro also features DJI O4 video transmission technology, though it can transmit feeds up to 20km. However, its flight time is shorter than that of the DJI Lito X1 and the Mini 5 Pro, with a max flight time of only 34 minutes with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery and 45 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.
While the Mini 5 Pro has the same flight time as the DJI Lito X1, it blows both the Lito X1 and the Mini 4 Pro out of the water with DJI O4+ video transmission technology. This transmission system transmits 10-bit video at a range of up to 20km, while using DJI’s latest transmission algorithm to prevent interference and keep the feed stable throughout flight.
For the price of the aircraft alone, the DJI Lito X1 is the cheapest option on the list at only $680 CAD. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a bit higher at $789 CAD, while the Mini 5 Pro is the most expensive at $1059 CAD. Each of these drones is available in combos that include several accessories, including upgraded DJI remote controllers and the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus for a longer flight.
For the most part, the Lito 1 lands in the middle of these three DJI micro drones. All three drones weigh under 249g, making them lightweight and portable. When it comes to design, however, the Lito 1 stands out as the only aircraft of the three with omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. This makes it safer to fly for beginners, reducing the worry of running into objects in mid-flight.
The Mini 3 uses a downward-facing vision sensor and GPS to avoid obstacles, putting a bit more pressure on the pilot to do so while flying. It includes a rotating gimbal that supports true vertical shooting, allowing you to switch between landscape and portrait modes with a single touch.
The Mini 4K is designed to be more affordable and less advanced than the Mini 3, making it the weakest (but also cheapest) drone on the list. It features a 3-axis mechanical stabilizer and the same obstacle sensing system as the DJI Mini 3, but lacks true vertical shooting and the DJI Lito 1’s omnidirectional obstacle sensing capabilities.
The Lito 1 features a 1/2-inch sensor that captures 48MP photos and records 4K/60fps and 4K/100fps slow-motion video. It also supports 2.7K vertical recording.
The Mini 3 has a slightly crisper 1/1.3-inch sensor with Dual Native ISO, an f/1.7 aperture ratio, and a pixel size of 2.4 micrometers that helps it film better in low-light conditions. The camera captures 12MP RAW photos and 4K/30fps HDR video, while offering up to 4x digital zoom for more flexible filming. The aircraft can also record 1080p/60fps slow-motion video, while the D-Cinelike Color mode offers a wider color palette in post-production.
The Mini 4K has the weakest camera of all DJI micro drones, with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that captures 12MP photos, 4K/30fps video, and 4x zoom. It lacks the color modes of the Mini 3 and Lito 1, as well as the ability to film slow-motion video.
The Lito 1 includes advanced features such as ActiveTrack, QuickShots, MasterShots, Hyperlapse, Panorama, and QuickTransfer. This offers a bit more flexibility than the other two drones for beginners looking to film cinematic videos.
The Mini 3 also features QuickShots and QuickTransfer, though it lacks ActiveTrack, MasterShots, Hyperlapse, and Panorama. It does include an Auto Takeoff option to make launching the aircraft easier, as well as three RTH modes: Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH, and Failsafe RTH.
Like the Mini 3, the DJI Mini 4K includes QuickShots, QuickTransfer, and the three RTH modes. While it doesn’t feature the Mini 3's Auto Takeoff option, it does include Panorama, allowing you to choose between wide-angle, sphere, and 180° shots.
The Lito 1 uses the DJI O4 video transmission system to deliver a 1080p/60fps live view up to 15 km, the longest range of the three aircraft. With a max flight time of up to 36 minutes with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery and 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, it’s relatively equal to the Mini 3.
The Mini 3 relies on Ocusync 2.0 video transmission to deliver 720p/30fps video at a maximum distance of 10km, while its Intelligent Flight Battery offers the longest maximum flight time at 36 minutes. Like with the DJI Lito 1, this can be extended by the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, raising the total flight time to 51 minutes.
The Mini 4K has the same flight distance as the Mini 3, using DJI O2 video transmission to deliver 720p/30fps video at a maximum distance of 10km. However, it has the lowest maximum flight time of only 31 minutes, with no option to extend via the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.
The Lito 1 is the most expensive drone of these three, selling for around $550 CAD. The DJI Mini 4K is the most affordable at $389, while the DJI Mini 3 is in between at $469 CAD. Like the other models in the DJI Lito series and Mini series, these drones are available with different combos that include remote controllers, Intelligent Flight Batteries, and more.
With so many DJI micro drones to choose from, it pays to know which factors you find most important in a drone. In terms of camera quality, obstacle avoidance technology, and smart features, the Lito 1 falls squarely between the Mini 4K (the weakest drone in the DJI Mini series) and the Mini 3. The Lito X1 is more powerful than all three of those, but falls short of the Mini 4 Pro and the Mini 5 Pro, the latter of which is DJI’s most advanced micro drone.
In the end, camera quality and price often matter the most. If money isn’t your main issue, then the Mini 5 Pro is the clear winner. But if you want to straddle the line with a drone that’s affordable but powerful enough to film cinematic videos, then the DJI Lito X1 is a decent middle-of-the-road selection. It’s got a good-enough camera to justify the budget, while its advanced obstacle-detection system is perfect for nervous pilots who want a bit of extra protection.
If you’re okay with a less advanced camera and a slightly less robust obstacle detection system, the DJI Lito 1 is a more affordable option that still packs most of the same smart features. Whichever drone you choose, you’ll have more than enough to play with as you traverse the skies. With each new release, DJI truly is opening up the playing field for novice pilots and making aerial photography accessible to all.
Dr Drone
Author
DrDrone is Canada's leading provider of drone technical services, with over a decade of experience and the distinction of being the first company in the country to offer drone servicing and repairs. As the largest drone vendor in Canada, we are also the primary supplier of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the Canadian government. Our team members possess extensive knowledge of each drone's technical specifications and have a wealth of hands-on experience. For more than ten years, we have been dismantling and reconstructing drones, ensuring a deep understanding of these systems.