Thanks for testing my comparability of the DJI RC 2 and DJI RC. It’s not typically that we are able to take a look at two merchandise which are so related, and but they’re fairly a bit totally different.
As we take a look at one technology from one other, we are able to all see collectively what was completed in another way and whether or not that was an enchancment over the previous technology or not.
As an avid drone flyer each commercially and as a hobbyist, and as somebody who has been lucky to type of fly all of it, I’ve had many controllers in my palms over time. Some have been simply terrible; for some others, you would most likely pay for a small automotive for what they price.
You ought to be choosy on the subject of controllers, as they’re what you’ll spend probably the most time with. It’s your management station, your drone’s lifeline. With out it, you’re not flying!
So, let’s see what the DJI RC 2 controller has that the DJI RC controller doesn’t. Or in any other case? Now, this needs to be enjoyable! Lets?
Temporary Overview
With the latest launch of the DJI Mini 4 Professional and the Air 3, we have been launched not solely to the DJI RC 2 controller but in addition to a brand new DJI 04 transmission system.
Identical to the primary technology of this controller, the DJI RC controller, it affords a built-in 5.5″, 1920×1080 FHD display able to as much as 700 nits of brightness. This affords an ultra-versatile controller and represents the mid-tier controller possibility within the latest line of drones inside DJI’s line-up.
As a second-generation controller, we’ll see if DJI discovered and corrected some points that have been encountered with the unique DJI RC Controller.
Versus the DJI RC Controller, we are able to see that the brand new model has exterior antenna, fixing the vary challenge that was obvious with the first-generation RC controller.
Past that, you gained’t see every other distinction externally. The actual modifications with the second-generation RC controller are inside, with new and improved, extra highly effective processors, with an enormous enhance in onboard reminiscence, beefing the unique model’s 8 GB to a staggering 32 GB within the DJI RC 2 variation.
Because the DJI RC 2 is just for the brand new drones that function with the DJI 04 transmission system, it’s at the moment restricted to the DJI Mini 4 Professional and the Air 3.
It’s a positive suggestion for anybody with these techniques, very similar to the DJI RC controller, which is good for any drone it really works with. Having both as your management station is a positive win.
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Fast Verdict
Once we look visually on the two controllers, the DJI RC and the DJI RC 2, they give the impression of being very related, pretty similar, actually.
Then, our eyes are drawn to one thing the DJI RC controller doesn’t have. Exterior antennas! The DJI RC 2 has exterior antennas. That’s an enormous change between the 2 of them and addresses one of many points with the OG DJI RC controller. Vary!
We will virtually forgive DJI for the error of inside antennas on the DJI RC controller. They have been going for aesthetics and design. They might not have realized simply how a lot impact that selection would have on transmission vary.
Okay, I do know, giving them the good thing about the doubt right here. I do know! The most important drone producer on the earth and the chief in drone design. Simply go along with it, okay!
The DJI RC 2 controller doesn’t’ simply have exterior antennas; it has retained the inside ones as nicely, with the 2 new exterior antennas added to what was already present and paired with two inside antennas. This was a sensible transfer and a novel approach of coping with that vary challenge.
The brand new array types a complete 2T4R system, or 2 transmission 4 receivers. This improve system doubles the transmission energy of the unique RC, delivering probably the most dependable video transmission ever with a DJI shopper distant controller.
This isn’t the one change, in fact, nevertheless it’s a doozy and one which makes the DJI RC 2 controller superior to its predecessor, the DJI RC.
The opposite modifications past the newly elevated vary could be discovered under by studying additional.
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What are the Fundamental Variations?
What’s new between the DJI RC and the DJI RC 2 Controllers?
Transmission
Moreover the brand new and distinctive antenna design, which offers higher vary and connectivity between the craft and the controller… Properly, earlier than we get to these different modifications, let’s look a bit nearer on the antenna factor.
When the DJI RC controller got here out, it was revolutionary as a result of it got here with a built-in display and was accessible at a value level that made it simpler for many customers to afford.
It was pretty apparent that the inside antenna selection would restrict vary. It was a tradeoff, like most issues in drones. With a view to get one factor, you need to sacrifice one other.
As time performed out, that selection was certainly range-limiting. Now, we’ve a newly designed transmission system and antenna design. One which employs the prevailing inside antennas and makes use of the outside ones to type an excellent stronger array and higher connectivity of the controller to the drone.
It will appear that DJI didn’t actually take away the inside antennas; they only added a path for the sign to get past the controller housing. Which was a limitation within the authentic design.
Both approach, it’s a substantial enchancment to the DJI RC controller design, rising vary to a whopping 20km with the brand new 04 transmission protocol and the great 2T4R antenna system.
This setup isn’t new to DJI as that is the very setup discovered with most of their a lot greater tier techniques and would even be the identical sort of antenna array discovered on the DJI RC Professional controller.
Regardless of the true trigger or cause behind the change, I believe we are able to all agree that it was the appropriate transfer to make, and as customers, we’re grateful.
» MORE: DJI OcuSync 3.0 (Defined For Learners)
Inside Storage
One other differentiating function discovered between the DJI RC controller and the DJI RC 2 controller is the quantity of onboard reminiscence.
Right here, DJI has stepped up the interior storage from the measly 8 GB discovered throughout the DJI RC controller to an honest quantity at 32 GB of inside storage. That’s a major step up for an inside reminiscence quantity for one in all these techniques.
When you’ve ever come right into a scenario the place you’ve maxed out your card or left it at residence for some cause, and even misplaced the little bugger whereas on web site, with 32 GB of obtainable reminiscence on board, all hope isn’t misplaced at the very least, and you would most likely get completed what it’s worthwhile to.
Truthfully, at 4K 60fps, 8 GB isn’t a lot and was a little bit of an odd selection for any drone flying and recording within the DJI 03 spectrum. If photographs are the aim, then yeah, okay! Solely 8 GB for video? Not a lot!
» MORE: Understanding SD Playing cards for Drones (Defined For Learners)
Processing Energy
With an organization as progressive as DJI, we’ve come to carry them to a really excessive normal. It’s not our fault as customers; DJI did it to themselves with a protracted observe file of excellence.
Following alongside that line, the DJI RC 2 controller has been outfitted with newly designed and quicker processors. The DJI RC 2 controller has additionally been improved by being outfitted with a greater CPU and GPU.
A direct results of that is that you simply get an ultra-smooth app and system operation in addition to a near-seamless plane management expertise from each flight.
Though there may be nonetheless a lag, it has decreased much more with the DJI 04 transmission system and is sort of imperceptible. This additionally offers for enhanced video playback and even smoother total operation.
» MORE: What Occurs If a DJI Drone Loses Sign?
Compatibility
One of many largest variations between these two controllers is that they’re incompatible with each other or with the identical drones.
You merely aren’t going to have the ability to use the DJI RC 2 Controller with something aside from a DJI O4 Transmission system drone, which is at the moment solely the Air 3 and the Mini 4 Professional.
The identical could be stated for the DJI RC controller; it is going to solely ever work with drones that work throughout the DJI O3 transmission sphere. Programs such because the DJI Mini 3 collection, the DJI Air 2S and the present DJI Mavic 3 techniques.
As such, in the event you fly a DJI drone system that makes use of one in all these controllers, having one available is advisable. It would change the way you fly, certainly.
The problem is that you simply’ll take a look at the DJI RC 2 and wish it on your drone, even in case you have a DJI O3 transmission system drone. The DJI RC 2 does certainly enhance on itself and is a greater design than that of the DJI RC.
DJI isn’t an organization identified for going backward with issues, so it’s simple to imagine that the DJI RC 2 will solely ever be accessible for DJI O4 Programs, a lot because the DJI RC will forevermore be delegated to solely working DJI O3 transmission system drones.
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DJI RC
The DJI RC Controller is a distant controller that delivers an distinctive connection and working expertise for DJI drones that help the superior DJI O3+ video transmission expertise.
It has a brilliant 700 nit, FHD 5.5inch built-in display, eradicating the necessity to provide your separate show machine.
It incorporates a 4-hour battery for a superb strong half-day of flying earlier than the necessity to recharge.
It has a brand new dual-spring management stick design, which permits for higher management and cinematic flying.
It’s constructed of high quality supplies to offer a strong grip and ease of use by means of its ergonomic design. Even after a while of holding it, it nonetheless feels comfy within the palms.
One of many extra particular attributes of the DJI RC Controller is that it comes with the Fly App pre-installed, and also you solely have to preserve its firmware updated.
» MORE: DJI RC Assessment (Every thing You Must Know)
With the built-in 5.5″ display, we get a few of our favourite capacities, resembling with the ability to Display Document, or Display Shot, with that means solely a swipe away. Properly, two swipes, truly. Swipe down!
The DJI RC Controller additionally affords some programable buttons for enhancing your management and personalizing it extra in the direction of your flying fashion.
As a lower-cost various to the DJI RC Professional controller, it is going to go away you impressed and happy.
DJI RC – Light-weight, 4-hour battery life
Distant Controller for DJI Mini 3 Professional/DJI Mavic 3/DJI Mavic 3 Cine, Light-weight Physique, FHD Display, 4hr Battery, Precision Management Sticks, O3+ Transmission
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01/19/2024 05:56 pm GMT
DJI RC 2
Constructing on the success of its predecessor and mixing the identical glossy design with its already famous excellent efficiency, DJI RC 2 is a next-generation controller that offers pilots superior management with the distinctive comfort of a built-in display.
It options the identical light-weight physique, which homes the gorgeous 5.5-inch 1920×1080 FHD 700 nit brilliant show and a brand new, extra highly effective processor.
» MORE: DJI RC 2 Assessment (Every thing You Must Know)
The RC 2 controller is right here to play tough and dominate the sector. The brand new DJI O4 video transmission system can present an prolonged vary of 20km with a newly designed antenna system comprising two transmitters and 4 receivers.
You may immerse your self in any artistic shot and seize spectacular moments with ease and data that you simply’re in full management. Improved from the final technology in all the appropriate methods.
Our Choose
Head-to-Head Comparability
There are lots of similarities between the DJI RC controller and the DJI RC 2 controller. That’s to be anticipated, as they’re only one technology from each other.
Surprisingly, for as many similarities they’ve, they’re additionally very totally different from each other.
On this part, let’s take a look at how these two controllers stack as much as each other in a direct comparability.
| Specs | DJI RC | DJI RC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 390 g | 420 g |
| Dimensions | 168.4 x 123.7 x 46.2 mm | 168.4 x 132.5 x 46.2 mm |
| Display Dimension | 5.5” 1080 x 1920 |
5.5” 1080 x 1920 |
| Peak Brightness | 700 nits | 700 nits |
| Battery Life | 4 hours | 3 hours |
| I/O | USB-C microSD |
USB-C microSD |
| Storage | NA | 32 GB |
| Appropriate Drones | DJI Mini 3 DJI Mini 3 Professional DJI Air 2S DJI Mavic 3 DJI Mavic 3 Basic DJI Mavic 3 Cine DJI Mavic 3 Professional DJI Mavic 3 Professional Cine |
DJI Air 3 DJI Mini 4 Professional |
Weight
Winner: DJI RC
As we see above, we’ve a few of the specs for these two controllers. Proper from the highest, we see that they’ve totally different weights. A matter of 30 grams distinction.
In need of ripping my controller aside to confirm, it might appear that the newly employed exterior antennas stands out as the trigger for many of this weight change.
Both approach, 30 grams is 30 grams, leaving us with the truth that the brand new DJI RC 2 controller is heavier and, as such, will weigh extra in hand over longer flight intervals. Grant you, it is just 30 grams.
Dimension, Coloration, and Display Brightness
Winner: Tie, tie, tie
Subsequent, we’ve three classes which are precisely the identical.
The controller’s total dimension is identical between the 2 fashions, and when taking a look at them aspect by aspect, they’re the identical, with solely a slight shade distinction actually marking them aside.
The DJI RC 2 is in a barely darker grey tone than the DJI RC.
Additionally, the display dimension and the display brightness are precisely the identical. On this case, the display might be a real and unaltered carryover from the DJI RC.
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Battery
Winner: DJI RC
Once we come to the battery life, I discover this one to be a bit fascinating. We will see the DJI RC controller has a greater battery life than that of the newer DJI RC 2 controller.
There are a couple of elements right here that might play a job on this, in fact. Nevertheless, you’d have anticipated the other to be true.
The principle issue for this might very nicely be the extra highly effective transmission system and the 2 extra antennas. In spite of everything, it’s not as if extra energy goes to the display, as these are the identical.
That energy consumption needs to be coming from someplace. It needs to be from the processors and the O4 protocol. A few of that’s indicated within the Transmitter Energy, as proven under.
The DJI RC 2 operates primarily at 33dBm, and the DJI RC solely operates at 26dBm. As each use the identical 3.6V battery, this needs to be the facility draw, resulting in an hour distinction in working occasions per cost.
Once more, a trade-off. Higher transmission at the price of energy consumption.
DJI RC
- Transmitter Energy (EIRP)
- 2.400-2.4835 GHz: <26 dBm (FCC), <20 dBm (CE/SRRC/MIC)
5.725-5.850 GHz: <26 dBm (FCC), <23 dBm (SRRC), <14 dBm (CE)
DJI RC 2
- Transmitter Energy (EIRP)
- 2.4 GHz: <33 dBm (FCC), <20 dBm (CE/SRRC/MIC)
5.1 GHz: <23 dBm (CE)
5.8 GHz: <33 dBm (FCC), <14 dBm (CE), <30 dBm (SRRC)
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Connection sort
Right here, they each have the identical form of interface as most DJI units as of late, with connectivity being by means of USB-C and Micro SD.
Right here once more, within the newest model of the DJI RC 2, there may be nonetheless no devoted HMDI out. Possibly within the DJI RC 3? It positive could be good, trace, trace!
Inside Storage
Winner: DJI RC 2
Lastly, we come to the storage. Right here, DJI has given out a boon for no matter cause.
They elevated the interior storage to 32 GB. That is, in fact, an enormous leap up from the 8 GB accessible internally that the DJI RC controller affords.
This additional storage can are available actually useful, and fingers crossed, it is going to enable for third-party app use down the highway.
As of this time, that’s one factor that continues to be the identical between the 2 RC controllers. No means to make use of third occasion apps nonetheless.
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Must Know)
Conclusion
In the end, sure, we must say that the brand new DJI RC 2 controller is certainly an improved model of itself in comparison with that of the DJI RC controller.
After all, the fact is that we are able to’t actually put these to a head-to-head comparability, as they function totally different techniques that don’t cross over to 1 one other. That’s a disgrace! Disgrace on you, DJI, SHAME!
I might have gladly whipped open my pockets to buy the DJI RC 2 controller if it labored with O3 transmission system drones.
Being restricted to solely two drone techniques limits the DJI RC 2 controller fairly a bit.
Add in the truth that though the vary challenge from the DJI RC controller has not solely been fastened however enhanced even.
However the lack of with the ability to use a third occasion app remains to be a serious downside for the DJI RC controllers as a complete.
You’ll nonetheless want to make use of the DJI RC-N1 or the DJI RC-N2 for that means, or eek, spend much more to improve to the DJI RC Professional, that’s, in the event you use a DJI O3-transmission system.
Presently, there could be no such possibility for a DJI O4 transmission system moreover the DJI RC-N2 controller.
In some methods, DJI is a willy firm, and that may very well be the explanation for bringing such inside reminiscence to bear with the DJI RC 2 controller, as with that quantity of inside reminiscence, it may maintain an working system that may enable for downloading and working recordsdata.
Guess we’ll simply need to see. It’s unhappy to see that a few of the best controllers of all time are being held again by such seemingly easy limitations.
Regardless of this, I might full-heartedly advocate not simply one in all these controllers however each. It depends upon what you’re flying as to which one you would use.
Having both will definitely enhance your flying expertise and make your life simpler by dropping the twine – or is it slicing the twine? Wow, do they understand how a lot a few of these cords price?
Fly Protected, Fly At all times, At all times Fly Protected!
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