I enquired in regards to the weight, and a DJI spokesperson despatched me the next assertion: “The DJI Mini 5 Professional has a design weight of 249.9 grams. As a consequence of manufacturing tolerances, the precise weight of the product might range barely inside a spread of ±4 g. Minor weight fluctuations are regular. We advocate that when UK customers are working the drone, native laws are complied with, which will be discovered right here.”
The corporate refers to it as a “near-250g drone”—terminology I would by no means encountered from DJI. Frankly, it feels somewhat evasive. This is not simply pedantic nitpicking over just a few grams. I stay within the UK, and the 250-gram threshold determines whether or not you possibly can fly a drone in public parks, on seashores, in cities and cities, close to folks, and in numerous different eventualities with out extra certification. Earlier Mini fashions have been just below this restrict, and it looks as if an oversight throughout the design course of to not maintain this one comfortably beneath it, too.
There’s excellent news, although: With UK drone guidelines set to alter originally of 2026, I haven’t got too lengthy to attend till the Mini 5 Professional (and, curiously, the a lot greater DJI Air 3S) turns into fully authorized to fly in built-up areas, public parks, and near folks.
The tidings for US-based pilots aren’t so cheery, although. As with all of its current merchandise, DJI is not formally launching the Mini 5 Professional within the US. You possibly can blame the upcoming DJI ban, and it is an actual disgrace, as a result of, weight points apart, this can be a incredible digital camera drone.
Huge Digicam Upgrades
{Photograph}: Sam Kieldsen
The Mini 5 Professional’s slight weight enhance comes with real advantages. The principle enchancment is the digital camera, which now encompasses a 12-MP (or 50 MP in Quad Bayer phrases) 1-inch sensor, a big improve from the smaller sensors in earlier Mini fashions. The picture high quality is edging in the direction of DJI’s Air vary, which is outstanding for a drone this measurement. You are getting professional-level picture high quality in a pocketable drone.