In the dynamic world of drones, the choice between micro and full-size models has been revolutionized by the new DJI Mini 5 Pro. This drone is a game-changer, packing advanced features like forward-facing LiDAR, Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, and a powerful camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor into a small frame. Its ability to navigate in low light and produce stunning 4K/60fps HDR video rivals larger drones, making it an excellent choice for serious photographers and videographers who need the convenience of a compact, registration-free device. While the older Mini 4 Pro remains a solid, budget-friendly option, the Mini 5 Pro's upgrades are well worth the investment for those who prioritize superior image quality and enhanced flight capabilities.
For those who require the ultimate in professional-grade aerial photography, the full-size DJI Air 3S and Mavic 4 Pro stand out. The Air 3S offers a versatile dual-camera system, providing both a standard lens and a telephoto lens for greater creative freedom. Its robust design and extended flight time make it ideal for travel and capturing large-scale landscapes. However, the Mavic 4 Pro is in a league of its own. With a premium triple-camera system, including a Hasselblad lens, it delivers unparalleled image quality and color accuracy. Its advanced obstacle avoidance and long-range transmission make it the top choice for professional cinematographers who demand the best and are willing to pay the premium price.
Ultimately, the best drone depends on your specific needs and budget. For pilots seeking a powerful yet portable drone that doesn't require registration, the Mini 5 Pro is the clear winner, bridging the gap between convenience and professional performance. If you're a beginner on a tight budget, the Mini 4 Pro offers excellent value. However, if your projects demand the highest level of camera quality and flight stability, the Air 3S and Mavic 4 Pro are unmatched. The Air 3S is a fantastic middle-ground, offering a taste of pro features at a more accessible price, while the Mavic 4 Pro is a serious investment that promises to elevate any filmmaker's work to the next level.
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| DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro | DJI Air 3S | DJI Mavic 4 Pro | |
| | | | | |
| Price | Starting at | Starting at | Starting at | Starting at |
| Weight | 249.9 g [17] | Under 249 g | 724 g | 1063 g |
| Transmission | 20 km FCC | 20 km FCC | 20 km FCC | 30 km FCC |
| Battery Life | 36 mins | 34 mins | 45 mins | 51 mins |
| Gimbal Rotation | 225° Rotation | 90° True Vertical Shooting | 2.7K/60fps Cropped | Infinity Gimbal |
| Sensing System | 1 Lux Nightscape | 15 Lux | 1 Lux Nightscape | 0.1 Lux Nightscape |
| Subject | ActiveTrack 360° | ActiveTrack 360° | ActiveTrack 360° | ActiveTrack 360° |
| Image Sensor | 1" CMOS | 1/1.3" CMOS | Wide-Angle: | Hasselblad: |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/60fps HDR | 4K/60fps HDR | 4K/60fps HDR | Hasselblad: |
DJI has just released its newest micro drone, the DJI Mini 5 Pro. A decent upgrade on the Mini 4 Pro that rivals the power of many of DJI’s full-size drones, the Mini 5 Pro packs a huge punch in a tiny frame. While it lacks the dual- and triple-camera systems of the Air 3S and Mavic 4 Pro, features like forward-facing LiDAR technology, Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, and a Med-Tele mode make the Mini 5 Pro a welcome addition the lineup of DJI drones. To give you a better sense of how it operates, we’ve compiled a comparison guide between the Mini 5 Pro, the Mini 4 Pro, the Air 3S, and the Mavic 4 Pro.
The Mini 5 Pro is DJI’s newest micro drone, weighing in at just under 250 grams. This puts it under the limit set by Transport Canada, which means it doesn’t require registration in order to operate. Like all DJI micro drones, the Mini 5 Pro is small enough to fit in your palm and foldable, making it easy to transport. The micro drone has a flexible gimbal that supports true vertical shooting as well as 225° rotation, letting you film sweeping shots at numerous angles.
The Mini 4 Pro was the previous release on DJI’s Mini series, making it another ultra-lightweight micro drone under 250 grams. Compact, foldable, and palm-sized like the Mini 5 Pro, the Mini 4 Pro has a mostly similar design in almost every way. It also has a gimbal that supports true vertical shooting, but lacks the 225° flexible rotation of the Mini 5 Pro.
The Air 3S is not a micro drone, but it’s relatively lightweight compared to some enterprise drones. It weighs in at about 724 grams and has folded dimensions of 214.19 x 100.63 x 89.17 mm (LxWxH), making it a decently medium-sized drone that could fit in a small bag rather than in your pocket. The larger frame houses a dual-camera system, but it also allows for better wind resistance and a more stable flight, making it a bit sturdier than either of the Minis. Its 3-axis mechanical gimbal features a 70° upward tilt to capture bold views of towering sights like mountains or tall buildings.
The Mavic 4 Pro is the heaviest and bulkiest drone on the list, with a weight of 1063 grams and folded dimensions of 257.6 x 124.8 x 106.6 mm (LxWxH). This larger frame houses a triple-camera system, and it’s built with high-end materials that make it both sturdy and aerodynamic. The Mavic 4 Pro’s greatest design asset is its Infinity Gimbal, an advanced design that enables 360° rotation for limitless motion. The drone can also be powered on just by unfolding its arms, making it easy to get up in the air as quickly as possible.
The Mini 5 Pro features the most powerful camera system ever equipped on a DJI micro drone. Its 1-inch CMOS sensor with f/1.8 aperture captures 50MP photos and records 4K/60fps HDR video with up to 14 stops of dynamic range, giving you incredible amounts of detail even in low-light or dreary conditions. The drone even uses a 48mm Med-Tele mode to drastically increase the image resolution of photos taken at 2x zoom, allowing you to hone in on details from far away without losing clarity. The Mini 5 Pro’s camera uses DJI’s portrait optimization technology to automatically enhance brightness, contrast, and skin tone, leading to crisper details in portraits.
The Mini 5 Pro enhances color capture with normal color mode, which records 10-bit video using H.265 encoding with a maximum ISO of 12800, as well as D-Log M and HLG color modes, which feature a maximum ISO of 3200. Users can swap between the different color modes to enhance details, add brightness to scenes, and create more real-to-life images. Lastly, the camera can record superb clarity in 4K/120fps slow-motion video, allowing you to record stunning close-ups of wildlife or urban scenes.
The Mini 4 Pro has a slightly less advanced camera system than the Mini 5 Pro, but it still holds its own (especially when compared to other DJI Mini drones). The camera features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO, an f/1.7 aperture, and 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixel technology. It can capture 48MP photographs and 4K/60fps HDR video, making it only slightly behind the Mini 5 Pro in terms of clarity.
Like the Mini 5 Pro, it features color modes like 10-bit D-Log M and HLG to give greater flexibility during the post-production process. It can also capture slow-motion videos at a slightly lower 4K/100fps. While the Mini 4 Pro can capture photos at up to 2x zoom and record videos up to 4x zoom, it doesn’t contain the Med-Tele mode that enhances image resolution, so details will be slightly less clear. However, it does feature a Night Shots video mode that uses a noise reduction algorithm to clean up videos taken in low-light conditions.
The Air 3S comes with a dual-camera system that offers greater flexibility in filmmaking. The primary camera is nearly identical to that of the Mini 5 Pro: a 1-inch CMOS sensor that takes 50MP photos and records 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/120fps slow-motion video. Like the Mini 5 Pro, this primary camera system supports a normal color mode as well as 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color modes.
The Medium Tele camera is where the Air 3S differs. This camera system is equipped with a 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that features identical video specs and color modes to the primary camera system. Its 70mm lens offers 3x optical zoom, allowing you to zoom in even closer than the Mini 5 Pro without losing clarity. Although it doesn’t allow for true vertical shooting, it does support 2.7K vertical shooting, which crops the video to create vertical footage.
The Mavic 4 Pro has the most advanced camera thanks to its triple-lens system. The first is the 4/3-inch CMOS Hasselblad Camera, which boasts a 28 mm focal length, f/2.0-f/11 adjustable aperture, and dynamic range of up to 16 stops. This allows it to capture 100MP photos, 6K/60fps HDR video, and 4K/120fps slow-motion video, giving you fine levels of detail, clean low-light filming, and incredibly 10-ray starburst effects. The acclaimed Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) generates the most realistic color accuracy of any camera system on this list.
The 1/1.3-inch Medium Tele camera has the same specs as that of the Air 3S, although its image processing engine further enhances image quality. Unlike the Air 3S, however, the Mavic 4 Pro has a third camera system that captures footage from even further away. The Tele camera has a 1/1.5-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.8 aperture that captures 50MP stills and 4K/60fps HDR videos. The precision-optimized gimbal algorithm keeps the images and videos stable, while Subject Focusing allows for crystal clear close-ups.
The Mini 5 Pro is equipped with an upgraded ActiveTrack 360°, which offers customizable tracking in several different scenarios. When filming sports scenes, the drone will automatical choose between Cycling and Standard mode to better frame and track every shot. In Standard mode, the drone follows the path in real time at a steady altitude and distance, while in Cycling mode, the aircraft will react more quickly to sudden turns or speed changes. The drone can track a maximum speed of 15 m/s in open spaces and even switch to rear tracking mode to keep subjects in frame behind the drone.
The Mini 5 Pro is equipped with an upgraded ActiveTrack 360°, which offers customizable tracking in several different scenarios. When filming sports scenes, the drone will automatical choose between Cycling and Standard mode to better frame and track every shot. In Standard mode, the drone follows the path in real time at a steady altitude and distance, while in Cycling mode, the aircraft will react more quickly to sudden turns or speed changes. The drone can track a maximum speed of 15 m/s in open spaces and even switch to rear tracking mode to keep subjects in frame behind the drone.
Like many of the latest DJI drones, the Mini 5 Pro comes with both MasterShots and QuickShots, which contain a series of predefined aerial movements for dynamic video capture. It also supports Free Panorama, which stitches together multiple images to create on wide shot. Lastly, Off-State QuickTransfer allows you to transfer files remotely via the DJI Fly app within Bluetooth range without needing to take out the drone or activate the remote controller.
Like many of the latest DJI drones, the Mini 5 Pro comes with both MasterShots and QuickShots, which contain a series of predefined aerial movements for dynamic video capture. It also supports Free Panorama, which stitches together multiple images to create on wide shot. Lastly, Off-State QuickTransfer allows you to transfer files remotely via the DJI Fly app within Bluetooth range without needing to take out the drone or activate the remote controller.
In addition to MasterShots and QuickShots, the Mini 4 Pro has Hyperlapse and Panorama capabilities, giving you more creative control over your photography. The drone contains Spotlight, Point of Interest, and the previous version of ActiveTrack 360°, each of which aids in subject tracking and framing. It also has a Waypoint Flights feature that automatically plans and repeats flight routes. The Cruise Control feature maintains stability over long-distance flights, while the use of the LightCut app allows for one-tap editing. While it does have QuickTransfer, it doesn’t have the same off-state transfer capabilities as the Mini 5 Pro.
In addition to MasterShots and QuickShots, the Mini 4 Pro has Hyperlapse and Panorama capabilities, giving you more creative control over your photography. The drone contains Spotlight, Point of Interest, and the previous version of ActiveTrack 360°, each of which aids in subject tracking and framing.
It also has a Waypoint Flights feature that automatically plans and repeats flight routes. The Cruise Control feature maintains stability over long-distance flights, while the use of the LightCut app allows for one-tap editing. While it does have QuickTransfer, it doesn’t have the same off-state transfer capabilities as the Mini 5 Pro.
Like the Mini 5 Pro, the Air 3S contains popular creative features like MasterShots, QuickShots, and Free Panorama mode. It also contains the same ActiveTrack 360° feature and Off-State Quick Transfer that set the Mini 5 Pro apart from the Mini 4 Pro.
The Mavic 4 Pro features MasterShots, QuickShots, Waypoint Flight, Hyperlapse, Point of Interest, and Spotlight. It also features ActiveTrack 360°, but more a powerful version than in other models. The drone can track subjects that are partially obscured by obstacles and even identify vehicles up to 200 meters away. The drone features Free Panorama and Subject Focusing across all cameras, as well as the popular Off-State QuickTransfer function of the Air 3S and the Mini 5 Pro.
The Mini 5 Pro features a max flight time of 36 minutes with the standard battery and 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. Thanks to the upgraded DJI O4+ transmission system, it can transmit 10-bit video at a range of up to 20km.
The Mini 4 Pro features a max flight time of 34 minutes with the standard battery and 45 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. It uses DJI O4 transmission to send 1080p/60fps Full HD live feeds at a distance of up to 20km.
The Air 3S has a max flight time of 45 minutes and uses the same DJI O4 transmission system as the Mini 4 Pro, sending 10-bit video at 1080p/60fps up to 20km away. With the use of the optional DJI Cellular Dongle 2, you can overcome signal interference by switching to 4G connectivity.
The Mavic 3 Pro has the longest standard flight time of all four drones, with a max flight time of 51 minutes. It also has the longest range, as it relies on DJI O4+ to transmit 10-bit HDR video to a distance of 30 km. With the drone capable of reaching top speeds of 90kph.
The Mini 5 Pro is fitted with a forward-facing LiDAR and multiple vision sensors that enable Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing. The LiDAR detects obstacles in low-light conditions and intelligently manuevers the drone upward to avoid collision, allowing for safer returns at night. The bottom of the drone is equipped with binocular lenses and a 3D infrared sensor, further aiding nighttime flying.
The drone has Non-GNSS RTH, using real-time vision positioning and map construction technologies to memorize flight paths during periods of adequate lighting to allow for a safe return once the sun has set. L1 + L5 dual-band GNSS allows the Mini 5 Pro to connect to satellites to further improve signal stability and precision positioning.
The Mini 4 Pro is the only one of these four drones that lacks a LiDAR sensor. It does have four wide-angle vision sensors and two downward vision sensors to enable omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, as well as APAS, which allows for automatic braking and obstacle avoidance.
Like the Mini 5 Pro, the Air 3S also uses six vision sensors, APAS, forward-facing LiDAR technology, and downward infrared time-of-flight (ToF) sensors to enable Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing. It also features the same Next-Gen Smart RTH features that memorize flight paths in the light in order to navigate around obstacles in the dark.
The Mavic 4 Pro has the most advanced obstacle detection features of any drone on this list. It has all the same vision, infrared, and LiDAR sensors as the Air 3S and Mini 5 Pro, but its vision sensors have a sensitivity of 0.1 lux, allowing it to detect obstacles in extremely low-light conditions. Relying solely on streetlight illumination, the Mavic 4 Pro can detect and avoid obstacles in any direction while flying at speeds of up to 18m/s.
The Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro are compatible with the DJI RC-N2, RC-N3, RC 2, RC Pro 2, and RC Motion 3 controllers. The RC-N2 and RC-N3 controllers both require the use of a smartphone, while the RC 2 and RC Pro 2 controllers have built-in touchscreens designed to be visible in direct sunlight. Compared to the RC 2, the RC Pro 2 controller has a larger and brighter screen as well as four times the internal storage.
The DJI RC Motion 3 controller is a motion-based controller that works with the DJI Goggles 3 to offer an immersive flight experience. Users can control an AR cursor to adjust camera settings and functions, while the remote itself has a joystick and several buttons to operate the drone and capture photos/videos.
The Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro are compatible with the DJI RC-N2, RC-N3, RC 2, RC Pro 2, and RC Motion 3 controllers. The RC-N2 and RC-N3 controllers both require the use of a smartphone, while the RC 2 and RC Pro 2 controllers have built-in touchscreens designed to be visible in direct sunlight. Compared to the RC 2, the RC Pro 2 controller has a larger and brighter screen as well as four times the internal storage.
The DJI RC Motion 3 controller is a motion-based controller that works with the DJI Goggles 3 to offer an immersive flight experience. Users can control an AR cursor to adjust camera settings and functions, while the remote itself has a joystick and several buttons to operate the drone and capture photos/videos.
The Air 3S comes with the DJI RC-N3 in the least expensive bundle, while the RC 2 is available as part of the Air 3S Fly More Combo. However, if you prefer the DJI RC-N3 there is a Fly More Combo which offers this as well.
The Air 3S comes with the DJI RC-N3 in the least expensive bundle, while the RC 2 is available as part of the Air 3S Fly More Combo. However, if you prefer the DJI RC-N3 there is a Fly More Combo which offers this as well.
Most of the bundles available for the Mavic 4 Pro include the DJI RC 2 controller, although the DJI RC Pro 2 is available as an optional accessory. The RC Pro 2 is included with the 512GB Creator Combo.
The Mini 5 Pro is set to sell for around $1,100 CAD or $1,600 CAD for the Fly More Combo. It’s definitely more of an investment than previous models in the DJI Mini series, but its advanced camera and superior obstacle detection capabilities make it well worth the upgrade. If you’re interested in a micro drone but still want to record high-quality photos and video, then the Mini 5 Pro is the best choice you can make.
The Mini 4 Pro is listed for $800 CAD or $1,089 CAD with the DJI RC 2 included. It’s the cheapest option on the list, making it the best choice for novice pilots who are willing to splurge for a pretty powerful camera. Since the Mini 5 Pro has bumped it from its position as the most advanced of DJI’s micro drones, it may be worth just paying the higher rate for a newer model. However, if nighttime flying and enhanced tracking capabilities aren’t important to you, then you might as well save a few hundred dollars with a cheaper model.
As a full-size drone, the Air 3S is more expensive than either of the Minis. It’s listed at $1,439 CAD, making it a decent middle-of-the-road option. It’s designed for travel photography and nighttime flights, making it a good choice for filming wildlife or urban scenes. With a dual-camera system, you’ll also get the ability to shoot clearer video up close, which can be especially handy when filming moving animals or vehicles.
The Mavic 4 Pro is the most expensive drone on the list at $2,849 CAD for the aircraft and $3,899 CAD for the Fly More Combo. However, the extra price is more than warranted thanks to the Hasslblad camera. This drone offers everything you would need to film from the sky, with the ability to accurately recreate colors and capture details in the dimmest of lighting conditions. The bevy of intelligent features and obstacles sensing make it a clear winner in terms of quality. While the price may put it out of reach for casual pilots, it is a great investment for serious photographers looking to create art.
Dr Drone
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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.