Of the four DJI drones reviewed, the Mini 5 Pro is the clear winner for anyone seeking the most advanced features, flight capabilities, and camera quality in a compact, under-250g package. It stands out with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing, and a flexible 225° gimbal rotation. These features, combined with advanced intelligent flight modes and the longest flight time of 52 minutes with the optional Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, make it a significant leap forward from its predecessors. The Mini 5 Pro is truly a professional-grade drone disguised as a micro drone.
However, the Mini 5 Pro's top-tier performance comes at a premium price, making it a viable option only if budget is not a primary concern. For those with a more limited budget, the Mini 4 Pro offers an excellent balance of cost and capability. It introduced several groundbreaking features for the Mini series, including omnidirectional obstacle sensing, a 48MP camera, and superior DJI O4 video transmission. While it may not have the absolute best camera or longest flight time, it provides a comprehensive and highly capable package that will satisfy serious hobbyists and professionals alike without the highest price tag.
For beginners or casual users who prioritize affordability and ease of use, the Mini 4K and Mini 3 are the most sensible choices. The Mini 4K, the most budget-friendly of the group, is perfect for new pilots who simply want to capture decent photos and videos without a steep learning curve. The Mini 3 represents a good middle ground, offering a step up in camera quality and the useful vertical shooting feature for social media content creators, all at a reasonable price point. Ultimately, while the Mini 5 Pro is the best drone on paper, the best choice depends entirely on the user's budget and specific needs.
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| DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro | DJI Mini 3 | DJI Mini 4K | |
| | | | | |
| Price | Starting at | Starting at | Starting at | Starting at |
| Weight | 249.9 g [17] | Under 249 g | Under 249 g | 246 g |
| Transmission | 20 km FCC | 20 km FCC | 10 km FCC | 10 km FCC |
| Battery Life | 36 mins | 34 mins | 38 mins | 31 mins |
| Gimbal Rotation | 225° Rotation | 90° True Vertical Shooting | 90° True Vertical Shooting | 20° Upward Shooting |
| Sensing System | 1 Lux Nightscape | 15 Lux | Downward | Downward |
| Subject | ActiveTrack 360° | ActiveTrack 360° | N/A | N/A |
| Image Sensor | 1" CMOS | 1/1.3" CMOS | 1/1.3" CMOS | 1/2.3" CMOS |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/60fps HDR | 4K/60fps HDR | 4K/30fps HDR | 4K/30fps |
DJI made history when it released the Mavic Mini drone, an ultra-lightweight microdrone that allowed hobbyists to fly drones without the need for registration. Since then, the company has released a series of microdrones that expand on the capabilities of the original, featuring upgraded cameras, obstacle avoidance systems, and intelligent features.
The most recent release of the Mini 5 Pro has gone above and beyond the previous entries in the DJI Mini series. Advanced features such as nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing, 225° flexible gimbal rotation, and upgraded ActiveTrack 360° make the Mini 5 Pro a formidable step up from the original Mavic Mini.
But how does it compare to the most recent entries in the DJI Mini series: The Mini 4K, Mini 3, and Mini 4 Pro? To give you a better sense of what the Mini 5 Pro offers, we’ve compiled a comparison of these four DJI drones that breaks it down by category.
With the release of the Mini 5 Pro, DJI is setting a new standard for micro drone capability. Palm-size, foldable, and ultra-lightweight, the Mini 5 Pro manages to pack more power than ever before in an under-250 g frame. The micro drone supports true vertical shooting like the Mini 3 and the Mini 4 Pro, but features a first-ever 225° gimbal rotation to enable flexible and dynamic camera movement. This unleashes endless possibilities with camera movement, allowing users to film vertical videos from breathtaking angles.
The Mini 5 Pro features nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing thanks to a forward-facing LiDAR, multiple vision sensors, and a 3D infrared sensor. This makes night flying both safe and possible as the drone actively detects and avoids obstacles throughout the flight. The Mini 5 Pro can even memorize flight routes during periods of light to allow for a safe return once the sun sets.
Before the release of the Mini 5 Pro, the Mini 4 Pro was DJI’s most advanced micro drone ever released. Design-wise, it’s similar in terms of size, weight, and foldability. Beyond that, the similarities mostly end. The drone is built to be sturdier than previous models, housing a slew of advanced features and a powerful camera system.
Like the Mini 3, the Mini 4 Pro has a gimbal that allows for true vertical shooting. Where it really shines, however, is in the inclusion of an omnidirectional obstacle sensing system–a first for the DJI Mini series. The Mini 4 Pro features four wide-angle vision sensors and two downward vision sensors to detect obstacles, while Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) employs automatic braking and obstacle avoidance to further protect the drone in midair.
The Mini 3 came out in 2022, offering a lower-cost version of the Mini 3 Pro. More advanced than the Mini 4K but with fewer features than the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 3 is a decent jump up for those wanting a bit more than the Mini 4K has to offer. The Mini 3 is similarly lightweight, compact, and foldable, making it easy to transport and film in remote locations.
Like the Mini 4K, the Mini 3 relies on a downward vision sensor and GPS positioning to avoid obstacles. Unlike the Mini 4K, however, the Mini 3 has a rotating gimbal that allows true vertical shooting. With a single touch, you can switch between landscape and portrait modes, allowing for more effective filming.
The Mini 4K came out in 2024, which made it the most recent release in the DJI Mini series until the Mini 5 Pro came out. Despite coming out after the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 4K was designed to be a more affordable model with fewer smart features and a less advanced camera. With that being said, the Mini 4K has most of the same design features that make the micro DJI drones so popular.
The Mini 4K weighs less than 249g, which puts it underneath the regulatory threshold requiring registration. It’s both compact and foldable, which makes it easy to transport in a small bag, no matter how remote your preferred shooting location. The Mini 4K comes with a 3-axis mechanical stabilizer, which keeps the camera stable for smooth shooting. It uses downward vision sensors and GPS positioning, but lacks any other obstacle avoidance protection.
The Mini 5 Pro has a camera as close to that of a full-size drone as you can possibly get. The 1-inch CMOS sensor has an f/1.8 aperture that can capture 50MP photos and record 4K/60fps HDR video with up to 14 stops of dynamic range, accurately replicating the most intricate details in a wide range of settings. The camera also features a 48mm Med-Tele mode that improves the image resolution of photos taken at 2x zoom, adding significant texture and depth to aerial shots. DJI’s portrait optimization technology automatically enhances brightness, contrast, and skin tone to make portraits look vivid and radiant.
The Mini 5 Pro camera can record 4K/120fps slow-motion video, capturing even greater clarity than the Mini 4 Pro. To enhance color capture, it features a few different color modes. In normal color mode, the Mini 5 Pro records 10-bit video using H.265 encoding, with a maximum ISO of 12800. D-Log M and HLG color modes raise the maximum ISO to 3200, adding brightness and details to dynamic scenes such as nighttime in the city. Together, all these camera features make the Mini 5 Pro capable of capturing the most true-to-the-eye footage of any DJI micro drone.
The camera of the DJI Mini 4 Pro shares a few similarities with the Mini 3: a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO, an f/1.7 aperture, and 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixel technology. Where it stands out is with its higher photo resolution, framerate, and color modes. The Mini 4 Pro captures 48MP photographs and 4K/60fps HDR video. This adds an extraordinary level of clarity to both photos and video, making a night-and-day difference from the other models.
10-bit D-Log M and HLG opens up a massive spectrum of colors during the post-production process, giving you the power to create incredibly true-to-life quality in every shot. The Mini 4 Pro can capture slow-motion 4K/100fps video for more artistic shots of trails and sunsets, while the Night Shots video incorporates a noise reduction algorithm that cleans up footage taken in low-light environments. Lastly, the Mini 4 Pro can take photos with up to 2x zoom and record videos with 4x zoom, giving you greater flexibility in flight.
The Mini 3 is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO, allowing for direct production of HDR footage with greater dynamic range. The camera has aperture ratios of f/1.7 and pixel sizes of 2.4 micrometers, which enable more realistic photography in low-light conditions. Like the Mini 4K, the Mini 3 captures 12MP photographs and 4K/30fps HDR video while allowing for 4x digital zoom. It’s also capable of capturing slow-motion film in 1080p at 60fps, and the D-Cinelike Color mode offers greater color selections for post-production.
Building on its impressive hardware, the Mini 3's camera also benefits from intelligent shooting modes that simplify the creative process. Beyond the standard photo and video capabilities, it offers various QuickShots modes, allowing pilots to execute complex, professional-looking aerial maneuvers with a single tap. This makes the Mini 3 an ideal drone for hobbyists who want to produce higher-quality content for platforms like social media without the need for extensive editing skills.
The Mini 4K features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that captures 12MP photos and 4K/30fps video. All in all, it’s the least advanced camera of the four DJI drones, but still a decent upgrade from models like the Mini 2 SE.
In addition to its core imaging specs, the Mini 4K camera includes 4x digital zoom, allowing users to get closer to subjects without physically moving the drone, which is ideal for wildlife or hard-to-reach landscapes. It also supports intelligent shooting modes like QuickShots, which automate complex camera movements for dramatic effects, and Panorama, which stitches together wide-angle views for immersive scenery. Though compact, the camera’s capabilities rival those of larger drones, offering a versatile tool for creators who want portability without sacrificing image quality.
The Mini 5 Pro features nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing powered by a forward-facing LiDAR, multiple vision sensors, and downward infrared sensing. This system provides safer navigation in complex and low-light environments, including obstacle-aware return-to-home.
The Mini 4 Pro is equipped with omnidirectional obstacle sensing using vision sensors on all sides and downward infrared sensing. It provides robust protection in day-to-day flying and supports advanced autonomous features like ActiveTrack.
The Mini 3 includes only downward-facing vision and infrared sensors, which assist with stable hovering and precision landings. It does not offer forward, backward, or side obstacle avoidance.
The Mini 4K also relies solely on downward-facing sensors for positioning and landing support. There are no obstacle avoidance features, making pilot awareness especially important in flight.
The Mini 5 Pro features a max flight time of up to 36 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery, while the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus boosts it up to 52 minutes, the longest of any drone in the DJI Mini series. It also features the most advanced transmission system: DJI O4+, which transmits 10-bit video at a range of up to 20km. O4+ uses DJI’s latest transmission algorithm to prevent interference and maintain stable, reliable live feeds at incredible distances.
The Mini 4 Pro features a max flight time of 34 minutes with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery, although this too can be boosted to 45 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. Unlike the previous two drones, however, the Mini 4 Pro features DJI O4 video transmission technology. This offers 1080p/60fps Full HD live feeds at a tremendous distance of up to 20km away, doubling the distance you can fly.
The Mini 3 features a max flight time of 38 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery, although this can be boosted to 51 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. Like the Mini 4K, the Mini 3 uses DJI O2 video transmission to deliver 720p/30fps video at a maximum distance of 10km.
The Mini 4K uses the Mini 2 series batteries, which give it a max flight time of 31 minutes. It relies on DJI O2 video transmission to deliver 720p/30fps video at a maximum distance of 10km.
The Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro are compatible with several different remote controllers. The Mini 5 Pro comes with either the DJI RC-N3 or the DJI RC 2, depending on the kit.
The DJI RC-N3 is an upgraded remote that uses a smartphone to operate. It is lighter than the older RC-N2 but offers about half the battery life. The DJI RC 2 features a 5.5-inch FHD built-in touchscreen, the integrated DJI Fly app, and 32 GB of internal storage. Its display offers around 700 nits of brightness, making it suitable for outdoor visibility.
Another option is the DJI RC Pro 2, which contains a 7-inch Mini-LED touchscreen that offers up to 2,000 nits peak brightness. It raises internal storage to 128 GB, providing more space for media, apps, and recordings.
Finally, there’s the DJI RC Motion 3, a motion-based controller designed for immersive flying when paired with the DJI Goggles 3. It allows control of an AR cursor within the goggles’ interface to adjust camera settings and enable functions during flight, along with buttons for emergency brake and hover, flight mode switching, and recording photos/videos.
At this time, the DJI Goggles 3, RC Pro 2, DJI Goggles N3, and RC Motion 3 are not yet compatible with the Mini 5 Pro. However, judging by the Mini 4 Pro’s track record, we expect DJI may release a firmware update to add compatibility in the future.
The Mini 3 is compatible with both the DJI RC-N1 and the DJI RC, which features a built-in screen with high brightness. This eliminates the need for a smartphone, but does require the use of the DJI Fly app. Both remote controllers are available in different Fly More combos, allowing you to choose which remote you prefer.
The Mini 4K comes with the DJI RC-N1 remote controller, which requires you to use a smartphone to operate, as it lacks a built-in screen. The use of a secondary device does allow you to integrate a third-party app, however, instead of solely relying on DJI Fly.
As DJI’s latest release, the Mini 5 Pro is both the most powerful and most expensive drone on the list. Its camera rivals some of the best full-size DJI drones, while its omnidirectional obstacle sensing system allows you to fly safely almost anywhere, anytime. Its intelligent features make it more versatile than ever before, with an upgraded ActiveTrack 360° that automatically frames and tracks subjects both in front and behind the drone. MasterShots, QuickShots, and Free Panorama mode allow for dynamic content creation, while Off-State QuickTransfer makes it a breeze to transfer files without taking out the drone or remote controller.
Together, these features add up to make the Mini 5 Pro a truly impressive micro drone. If money is truly no object compared to the limitless potential of the Mini 5 Pro’s advanced features and one-of-a-kind camera, then the choice is obvious.
The Mini 4 Pro sells for $800 CAD or $1,089 CAD with the DJI RC 2 included. At almost double the cost of the Mini 3, the Mini 4 Pro is definitely for more serious pilots/photographers who need better camera quality and flight performance. Not only does it have omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and greater transmission distance, but it also comes with a host of advanced features like WayPoint Flights, Cruise Control, and Advanced RTH that make it a more versatile drone.
In addition to QuickShots, the Mini 4 Pro is equipped with Mastershots, Hyperlapse, and Panorama capabilities, giving you the ability to capture more dynamic videos. You can also edit with LightCut, expanding your creative potential even further. Outside of the Mini 5 Pro, the Mini 4 Pro is the most powerful drone in the DJI Mini series, and it has the price tag to prove it. If price is less of an issue than performance, the Mini 4 Pro is the way to go.
The Mini 3 is a bit more expensive than the Mini 4K at $469 CAD or $599 CAD with the DJI RC included. If you want a better camera but can’t bring yourself to splurge for the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 3 will give you better image quality and a slightly longer flight time. It features the same QuickShots modes as the Mini 4K, but the vertical shooting capability does make it slightly more friendly to capturing videos for social media. All in all, the Mini 3 is ideal for novice pilots who want a nice mix of camera quality and affordability.
The Mini 4K is the cheapest option on the list at $389 CAD. This drone was designed to be a more affordable option, so it lacks most of the advanced features and camera capabilities of the other models. If you are new to flying drones and just want something to take fun selfies or record videos during a hike, the Mini 4K will offer everything you need with its decent camera and versatile QuickShots modes.
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.