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The DJI Mini 5 Pro‘s 1-inch sensor captures visibly cleaner shadows and roughly one stop more dynamic range than the Mini 4 Pro‘s 1/1.3-inch sensor in single-exposure RAWs. At base ISO the detail differences between the two are subtle; the gap opens up from ISO 800 and becomes obvious by ISO 6400. The download below contains the original RAW files for both drones, shot in identical conditions, so you can judge whether the upgrade matters for the way you shoot.
As always, it is important to get one thing out of the way: I am not a pixel-peeper. I generally don’t go and zoom in on an image at 400% to see whether or not something is ever so slightly sharper. I don’t think it matters all that much. And you know why? It’s because a new drone, or a new camera, is not solely defined by whether or not it produces significantly better images. There are many factors to take into consideration whether the Mini 5 Pro is a significant step up compared to the Mini 4 Pro such as battery life, transmission technology, controllers, ease-of-use, …
So what did I find by putting the DJI Mini 5 Pro and DJI Mini 4 Pro next to each other? Let’s find out!
In case you missed it, I published a complete photography-focused review of the new Mini 5 Pro on my blog.
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Comparing the new 1 inch sensor on Mini 5 Pro with the older Mini 4 Pro shows expected improvements all across the board.
The short version: if image quality is your priority, the Mini 5 Pro is a real upgrade. Its 1-inch sensor is the biggest single sensor jump DJI has put into the Mini line, and you can see it clearly in the RAW files below. If you mostly shoot casually or for video, the Mini 4 Pro still holds up and the upgrade is less urgent. Rather than take my word for it, I have made the untouched RAW files from both drones free to download so you can judge for yourself.
DJI Mini 5 Pro Vs. Mini 4 Pro: Full Specifications At A Glance
| Specification | DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
| Camera Sensor | 1-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
| Resolution | 12.5 MP | 12 MP |
| Aperture | f/1.8 (fixed) | f/1.7 (fixed) |
| Focal Length (35mm equiv.) | 24 mm | 24 mm |
| Gimbal Range | 3-axis with 225° vertical rotation | 3-axis standard |
| Max Video | 4K/120fps | 4K/100fps |
| Battery Life (Standard) | 36 minutes | 34 minutes |
| Battery Life (Plus) | 52 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Transmission | DJI OcuSync 4 (O4) | DJI OcuSync 4 (O4) |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional with LiDAR | Omnidirectional |
| Weight | < 250 g | < 249 g |
| Released | September 2025 | September 2023 |
What Should You Know About The Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4 Pro RAW Files?
Since the release of my Mini 5 Pro review, I have been getting a lot of requests for files so I decided to do it properly and make a full set of files of both the Mini 4 Pro & Mini 5 Pro. Today, I spent some time on capturing all kinds of RAW files in order to make a good comparison. Some of the differences are considerable and I am sure you will be curious about them too.
If you sign up below, you will get a link sent to download the files. However, there are a few things I want to point out first…
Good To Know
While I tried creating these images in a more controlled environment in my home office, it is impossible to do a true 1:1 comparison, with the same view, between the Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro for a variety of reasons:
- The camera module on both drones is different. Even though the focal length is similar, it is not 100% the same. I am not sure why there is a slight difference, whether it is the sensor size or resolution.
- The camera gimbal has a different design which puts the cameras themselves at different heights in the drone. This skews the perspective slightly.
The two drones have considerably different sensors, which becomes apparent when comparing RAW files.
What Can You Find In The Downloadable Files?
Here is a list of all the RAW files I have made available in the download:
- DJI Mini 5 Pro:
- 1x Camera (12 megapixel): all ISO’s
- 1x Camera (50 megapixel): all ISO’s (ISO 6400 is not available in this mode)
- 2x Camera: all ISO’s
- DJI Mini 4 Pro:
- 1x Camera (12 megapixel): all ISO’s
- 1x Camera (48 megapixel): all ISO’s (ISO 6400 is not available in this mode)
The Mini 5 Pro’s wider dynamic range means you can pull back highlights in a bright sky and lift shadows in a dark foreground from the same RAW, where the Mini 4 Pro would clip one or the other.
Everything is divided up neatly into folders so you can do your own investigating and research.
Get Access To The RAW Files
Sign up below to get a download link to access the RAW files.
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How Different Are The Mini 5 Pro And Mini 4 Pro RAW Files?
There are a few comparisons I want to show you in the imaging department.
Disclaimer: it is by far the best to download the files yourself and have a look. The images you see here are also in some way compressed because you are viewing them on my website.
200% Crop at ISO6400 On Mini 4 Pro (1x) and Mini 5 Pro (1x)
This comparison shows how much better the noise performance is on the Mini 5 Pro compared to Mini 4 Pro at high ISO. At ISO 6400, the Mini 5 Pro retains roughly twice as much shadow detail as the Mini 4 Pro before noise becomes objectionable.
DJI Mini 4 Pro
DJI Mini 5 Pro
ISO100 Versus ISO6400 On Mini 5 Pro (1x)
This comparison shows how well ISO 6400 (left) stacks up against ISO 100 (right) on the Mini 5 Pro. At base ISO 100 in good light, the difference between the two drones in 200% crops is much smaller than the price gap suggests; the Mini 5 Pro’s advantage scales with ISO and contrast.
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Alternatives To DJI Mini 5 Pro
If you are looking at alternatives to the DJI Mini 5 Pro, I can point you into the direction of my pick of the best drone cameras this year.
If you’re considering stepping up rather than sideways, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is a different beast entirely with a 4/3 main sensor and proper triple-camera setup. Read my Mavic 4 Pro review or skip straight to the Mavic 4 Pro vs Mavic 3 Pro RAW comparison to see what that level of image quality looks like in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The DJI Mini 5 Pro Worth Upgrading To From The Mini 4 Pro?
If image quality is your priority, yes. The jump from a 1/1.3-inch sensor to a 1-inch sensor is the biggest single sensor upgrade DJI has put into the Mini line, and it shows clearly in the RAW files. If you mostly fly the Mini 4 Pro for casual shooting and video, the upgrade is less urgent.
Does The Mini 5 Pro Have Better Image Quality Than The Mini 4 Pro?
Yes, and the difference is more pronounced than the resolution numbers (48 MP versus 50 MP) suggest. The 1-inch sensor pulls more dynamic range from shadows and highlights, handles low light far better, and the colour rendering is more refined. Look at the side-by-side comparison files I provide and you will see it immediately.
Is The Mini 5 Pro RAW Good Enough For Professional Work?
For many use cases, yes. The Mini 5 Pro is now genuinely capable of producing files I would not hesitate to use for commercial or editorial work, particularly in good light. For demanding clients or print at large sizes, the Mavic 4 Pro still has a clear edge due to its 4/3 sensor and 100 MP resolution.
Can The Mini 5 Pro Compete With The Mavic Series For Photography?
It closes the gap considerably but does not eliminate it. The Mini 5 Pro has only one camera, no tele option, and a smaller sensor than the Mavic 3 Pro or Mavic 4 Pro main camera. What it gives you in return is sub-250 g portability, which is a real advantage in countries with stricter drone regulations.
What Is The Best Setting To Capture RAW Files On The Mini 5 Pro?
I shoot in 50 MP RAW DNG when image quality is the priority, ideally in single-shot mode rather than burst. For high dynamic range scenes, AEB bracketing of three to five exposures gives the most flexibility in post. Always disable any in-camera correction or AI processing if you want the cleanest baseline to work from.
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Thank you for considering!
Hi Jeroen, do you have any side by side Mavic 4 vs Mini 5 raw image comparisons? Thank you!
I don’t have any direct comparisons but you can also download RAW files from my Mavic 4 Pro & Mavic 3 Pro, which you could compare in terms of noise/resolution and so on. These can be found in a separate blog about the Mavic 4 Pro & Mavic 3 Pro RAW files. I hope that helps!
Is it scam?
I subscribed with my email and got a free pdf, instead of the link to the raw-files (!)
Hi Thorsten, definitely not a scam. As you register for the download link to the RAW files, you also sign up to my newsletter which gives you a free e-book. Sometimes it can take a few minutes for the RAW files email with the download link to go through. Did you receive the link now?
Hi Jeroen, moirè like is more visible in high resolution mode (50MPx), can you post some RAW file take in outdoor environment? Please ❤!
Hi Jeroen, I think the sensor is the same as the AIR3S, I wanted to ask you if in high contrast areas or where there are reflections, strange artifacts similar to moiré are noticeable. From your raw files, it seems like the problem isn’t present, but these are photos taken in an environment without highlights. On the DJI Air 3s, moiré issues are noticeable, especially in treetops against very bright skies and in reflective areas. These are difficult to correct; I’d like to know if they also occur on the Mini 5 Pro.
I haven’t seen this problem. However, I am wondering… Is this in the high resolution mode or at 12 megapixels?
I tried twice and can’t get the link to the raws.
Hi Robert, it looks like you previously unsubscribed from my mailing list after which it becomes impossible to subscribe again. The system does not allow me to resubscribe unsubscribed addresses. Therefore the RAW files link can’t be emailed to you unless you use another email address.
Unfortunately, I think your ISO 100 shots have camera shake, they are way blurrier in comparison to ISO 200 and above. 1/13 shutter speed is obviously too low for this gimbal. What do you think about Mini 5’s photo quality in comparison to Air 3S?
Hi Tomislav, I have not been able to test the Air 3S so I can’t judge but I suspect the sensor of the 1x lens on the Air 3S is likely very similar, if not the same, to the Mini 5 Pro’s sensor. The specifications look the same so if there are differences, they will be very minor.