Should you import DJI Mini 5 Pro or buy Mini 4 Pro?

DJI has brought its A-game to the new Mini 5 Pro, and drone fans everywhere are excited. Bigger sensor, better obstacle sensing, and incremental boosts in flight performance put it on many pilots’ wish lists. But there’s a catch — the new DJI drone isn’t officially coming to the US. For American flyers, that raises a dilemma: Do you wait it out, try importing, or pick it up overseas, or stick with the proven Mini 4 Pro that’s already available at home? And with questions around whether the Mini 5 Pro truly weighs in under 250 grams, the decision matters even more for recreational pilots. Let’s break it down.

Mini 5 Pro: What’s new and tempting

DJI has built the Mini 5 Pro to feel like a genuine step forward. Some of the highlights include:

• Larger 1-inch CMOS sensor: A leap from the Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch sensor. This should mean better low-light performance, sharper detail, and improved dynamic range in tricky lighting. Still images can hit 50 megapixels.
• LiDAR-enhanced obstacle sensing: The new DJI drone adds forward-facing LiDAR, making it safer in low-light or dusk conditions. The omnidirectional vision system is also smarter than before.
• Slightly longer flight time: Around 36 minutes with the standard battery, a touch more than the Mini 4 Pro.
• Flexible gimbal and framing: More roll/tilt freedom, true vertical shooting, and a medium-telephoto option for cinematic perspectives.
• Better workflow tools: Extra internal storage and faster transfers for creators on the move.

These upgrades clearly aim at content creators, travel vloggers, and pro-am photographers who want to squeeze every bit of performance out of a small drone.

The US roadblock: No official release

Here’s the big problem: DJI is not releasing the Mini 5 Pro in the US (at least for now). And that makes it a risky buy for American pilots.

Without an official launch, there’s no US warranty, no straightforward service or parts, and lingering questions about Remote ID or FCC compliance. You could technically import one, but if something goes wrong — whether it’s a gimbal failure or a firmware glitch — you’re largely on your own.

For many recreational pilots, that’s too much uncertainty for a $769 drone.

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The weight factor: Why 250 grams still matters

The Mini 5 Pro is marketed as 249.9 grams, putting it just under the FAA’s 250-gram recreational threshold. That threshold is key for US flyers: under 250 grams, you don’t need to register your drone with the FAA, and you avoid some regulatory headaches.

But there’s fine print. DJI itself admits a tolerance of ±4 grams. That means some units could nudge over the 250-gram line — and once you cross it, you’re in registration territory. Add the extended “Plus” battery, and you’ll certainly exceed the limit.

By contrast, the Mini 4 Pro has already proven its ability to stay comfortably under the 250-gram mark with the standard battery, making it the safer choice for casual US flyers who just want to grab the drone and fly without paperwork.

Why the Mini 4 Pro is still a solid buy

While the Mini 5 Pro looks impressive, the Mini 4 Pro hasn’t suddenly become outdated. Here’s why it’s still one of the best small drones you can buy in the US:

1. Proven camera performance
   Its 1/1.3-inch sensor delivers excellent 48MP stills and sharp 4K video. HDR support and strong daylight performance make it ideal for travel, real estate, and creative projects.
2. Reliable obstacle sensing
   Omnidirectional vision sensors with fisheye coverage and downward detection give you confidence in most flight scenarios. Unless you often fly at night, the LiDAR boost in the Mini 5 Pro won’t feel critical.
3. Sub-250g assurance
   With the standard battery, the Mini 4 Pro stays clearly under the FAA’s limit, so you’re legally in the clear as a recreational flyer.
4. Strong US availability and support
   Because it’s fully launched in the US, you get warranty coverage, firmware tuned for American regulations, and a wide ecosystem of accessories. No importing, no guessing.
5. Lower cost and wider deals
   With the Mini 5 Pro unavailable here, the Mini 4 Pro often sees price drops and bundle promotions. You’re getting high-end performance without the premium risk.

For fence-sitters: How to decide

If you’re on the fence between holding out for the Mini 5 Pro or picking up the Mini 4 Pro, ask yourself:

• Do you fly mostly for fun and want to avoid FAA registration? The Mini 4 Pro is the safer sub-250g bet.
• Do you mostly shoot in daylight or well-lit conditions? The Mini 4 Pro’s image quality is more than enough.
• Do you need warranty coverage and easy support in the US? Stick with the Mini 4 Pro.
• Are you a professional creator who demands top low-light performance and don’t mind import risks? The Mini 5 Pro might be tempting, but tread carefully.

Bottom line? The Mini 5 Pro is a technical achievement, but its absence from the US market makes it a frustrating “what if” for American flyers. Add in the uncertainty around its true weight and sub-250g status, and the allure fades a bit.

Meanwhile, the Mini 4 Pro remains readily available, legally simple, and impressively capable. For most US recreational pilots, and even many creators, it offers all the quality, safety, and convenience you need, with none of the risk.

If you’re waiting for the Mini 5 Pro to land stateside, you might be waiting a long time. The smarter move for now? Grab a Mini 4 Pro, enjoy flying legally under 250 grams, and let the next-gen hype buzz on without you.

More: This $249 DJI drone deal beats waiting for Mini 5 Pro