To record video on the DJI Mini 5 Pro, switch DJI Fly to Video, then press the record button: the Record button on the DJI RC 2, or the Shutter/Record button on the RC-N3. Press it again to stop. For photos, press the RC 2's Focus/Shutter button (half-press to focus), or switch the RC-N3 to Photo with its Photo/Video button and press Shutter/Record. You can also tap the shutter on screen.
Buttons by controller
| Action | DJI RC-N3 | DJI RC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Take a photo | Shutter/Record | Focus/Shutter |
| Start/stop video | Shutter/Record | Record |
| Switch photo/video | Photo/Video button | On screen |
| Zoom | Set custom button to zoom | Camera control dial (default) |
| Tilt the camera | Gimbal dial | Gimbal dial |
Video modes
From DJI's Mini 5 Pro specs and firmware notes:
- Normal: 4K and 1080p at 24 to 60 fps. HDR is on by default at 60 fps and below.
- Slow motion: 4K at 120 fps and 1080p at 120 or 240 fps.
- 48 mm Med-Tele: a 2x video mode added in the September 2025 firmware, good for portraits and compressed backgrounds.
- Color: Normal, or HLG and D-Log M (10-bit, H.265) for grading. See Mini 5 Pro LUTs.
- Codec: H.264 or H.265, up to 130 Mbps. 4K and slow motion record in H.265 only.
- Digital zoom: up to 3x in 4K and 4x in 1080p.
Photo modes
| Mode | Options |
|---|---|
| Single | 12 MP or 50 MP |
| Burst | 12 MP: 3/5/7 frames; 50 MP: 3/5 frames |
| AEB | 12 MP: 3/5/7 frames; 50 MP: 3/5 frames, 0.7 EV steps |
| Timed | 12 MP every 2 to 60 s; 50 MP every 5 to 60 s |
Photos save as JPEG or DNG (RAW). Single Shot uses SmartPhoto by default, which blends several frames with scene detection and HDR. Hold the drone steady while it shoots. If the drone or gimbal is moving, SmartPhoto can't run. In 12 MP mode you also get a simulated long exposure of 2.5 to 8 seconds.
50 MP vs 12 MP: 50 MP gives more detail in good light. 12 MP is the better pick for dim scenes (ISO goes to 6400 vs 3200 for 50 MP).
Vertical video and photos
The Mini 5 Pro's gimbal rolls the camera to portrait, so vertical clips are full resolution, not a crop. See Mini 5 Pro vertical and gimbal control.
Modes that record for you
- MasterShots: select a subject and it flies a series of moves and edits a clip.
- QuickShots: preset moves such as Boomerang, Asteroid and Rotate.
- Hyperlapse: timed photos turned into a short video.
- Waypoint Flight can start and stop recording at each point: Mini 5 Pro waypoints.
Where files are saved
Footage goes to the microSD card. With no card, it saves to the drone's 42 GB internal storage. Don't pull the card while recording. To download, see Mini 5 Pro transfer.
Quick tips
- Shoot a short test clip before anything important, as DJI suggests.
- Use Cine mode and the Follow gimbal mode for smooth, level footage.
- After a firmware update, recheck camera settings. DJI says they reset.
- Always power off properly, or the last settings and clip may not save.
More in Mini 5 Pro best settings. Shop the DJI Mini 5 Pro.
Related guides
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Mini 4 Pro
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Flip
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Mini 3
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Avata 2
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Neo
- How to transfer DJI Mini 5 Pro photos and videos to your phone or computer
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