Thanks for testing my comparability of the DJI RC 2 and DJI RC. It’s not usually that we will have a look at two merchandise which can be so comparable, and but they’re fairly a bit totally different.
As we have a look at one era from one other, we will all see collectively what was finished otherwise and whether or not that was an enchancment over the previous era 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 in all probability pay for a small automotive for what they value.
You ought to be choosy in the case of controllers, as they’re what you’ll spend essentially 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 additionally to a brand new DJI 04 transmission system.
Similar to the primary era of this controller, the DJI RC controller, it gives a built-in 5.5″, 1920×1080 FHD display able to as much as 700 nits of brightness. This gives 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 will see that the brand new model has exterior antenna, fixing the vary problem that was obvious with the first-generation RC controller.
Past that, you gained’t see every other distinction externally. The actual adjustments with the second-generation RC controller are inside, with new and improved, extra highly effective processors, with an enormous improve 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 advice for anybody with these methods, very like the DJI RC controller, which is good for any drone it really works with. Having both as your management station is a positive win.
» MORE: The best way to Fly DJI Air 3 Drone (With DJI RC 2)
Fast Verdict
After we look visually on the two controllers, the DJI RC and the DJI RC 2, they appear very comparable, 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 this planet 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 properly, 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 singular manner of coping with that vary problem.
The brand new array varieties a complete 2T4R system, or 2 transmission 4 receivers. This improve system doubles the transmission energy of the unique RC, delivering essentially the most dependable video transmission ever with a DJI client distant controller.
This isn’t the one change, after all, but it surely’s a doozy and one which makes the DJI RC 2 controller superior to its predecessor, the DJI RC.
The opposite adjustments past the newly elevated vary will be discovered beneath by studying additional.
» MORE: How Drone Controllers Work (Defined for Freshmen)
What are the Principal Variations?
What’s new between the DJI RC and the DJI RC 2 Controllers?
Transmission
In addition to 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 adjustments, 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 out there 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 the intention to get one factor, it’s important to sacrifice one other.
As time performed out, that selection was certainly range-limiting. Now, we have now a newly designed transmission system and antenna design. One which employs the prevailing inside antennas and makes use of the outside ones to kind a fair stronger array and higher connectivity of the controller to the drone.
It might appear that DJI didn’t actually take away the inside antennas; they simply added a path for the sign to get past the controller housing. Which was a limitation within the authentic design.
Both manner, it’s a substantial enchancment to the DJI RC controller design, growing vary to a whopping 20km with the brand new 04 transmission protocol and the great 2T4R antenna system.
This setup just isn’t new to DJI as that is the very setup discovered with most of their a lot greater tier methods and would even be the identical sort of antenna array discovered on the DJI RC Professional controller.
Irrespective of the actual trigger or purpose behind the change, I feel we will all agree that it was the suitable transfer to make, and as customers, we’re grateful.
» MORE: DJI OcuSync 3.0 (Defined For Freshmen)
Inner 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 inner storage from the measly 8 GB discovered inside the DJI RC controller to a good quantity at 32 GB of inside storage. That’s a big step up for an inside reminiscence quantity for certainly one of these methods.
Should you’ve ever come right into a scenario the place you’ve maxed out your card or left it at dwelling for some purpose, and even misplaced the little bugger whereas on website, with 32 GB of accessible reminiscence on board, all hope just isn’t misplaced no less than, and you would in all probability get finished what you have 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 images are the objective, then yeah, okay! Solely 8 GB for video? Not a lot!
» MORE: Understanding SD Playing cards for Drones (Defined For Freshmen)
Processing Energy
With an organization as progressive as DJI, we have now come to carry them to a really excessive customary. It’s not our fault as customers; DJI did it to themselves with a protracted observe report of excellence.
Following alongside that line, the DJI RC 2 controller has been outfitted with newly designed and sooner 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 just get an ultra-smooth app and system operation in addition to a near-seamless plane management expertise from each flight.
Though there’s nonetheless a lag, it has decreased much more with the DJI 04 transmission system and is almost imperceptible. This additionally offers for enhanced video playback and even smoother general operation.
» MORE: What Occurs If a DJI Drone Loses Sign?
Compatibility
One of many greatest variations between these two controllers is that they’re incompatible with each other or with the identical drones.
You merely should not 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 will be stated for the DJI RC controller; it’ll solely ever work with drones that work inside the DJI O3 transmission sphere. Methods such because the DJI Mini 3 sequence, the DJI Air 2S and the present DJI Mavic 3 methods.
As such, in the event you fly a DJI drone system that makes use of certainly one of these controllers, having one readily available is advisable. It should change the way you fly, definitely.
The difficulty is that you just’ll have a look at the DJI RC 2 and wish it to your drone, even when you’ve got 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 just isn’t an organization identified for going backward with issues, so it’s straightforward to imagine that the DJI RC 2 will solely ever be out there for DJI O4 Methods, a lot because the DJI RC will forevermore be delegated to solely working DJI O3 transmission system drones.
» MORE: Are DJI Controllers Interchangeable? (What You Must Know)
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 know-how.
It has a shiny 700 nit, FHD 5.5inch built-in display, eradicating the necessity to provide your separate show gadget.
It encompasses 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 supply a strong grip and ease of use by its ergonomic design. Even after a while of holding it, it nonetheless feels snug 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 must preserve its firmware updated.
» MORE: DJI RC Overview (All the things You Must Know)
With the built-in 5.5″ display, we get a few of our favourite capacities, corresponding to with the ability to Display Report, or Display Shot, with that potential solely a swipe away. Properly, two swipes, truly. Swipe down!
The DJI RC Controller additionally gives some programable buttons for enhancing your management and personalizing it extra in the direction of your flying fashion.
As a lower-cost different to the DJI RC Professional controller, it’ll 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
We earn a fee in the event you make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
01/19/2024 05:56 pm GMT
DJI RC 2
Constructing on the success of its predecessor and mixing the identical modern design with its already famous excellent efficiency, DJI RC 2 is a next-generation controller that provides pilots superior management with the distinctive comfort of a built-in display.
It options the identical light-weight physique, which homes the beautiful 5.5-inch 1920×1080 FHD 700 nit shiny show and a brand new, extra highly effective processor.
» MORE: DJI RC 2 Overview (All the things You Must Know)
The RC 2 controller is right here to play tough and dominate the sphere. 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 information that you just’re in full management. Improved from the final era in all the suitable methods.
Our Decide
Head-to-Head Comparability
There are various similarities between the DJI RC controller and the DJI RC 2 controller. That’s to be anticipated, as they’re only one era from each other.
Surprisingly, for as many similarities they’ve, they’re additionally very totally different from each other.
On this part, let’s have 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 Measurement | 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 Traditional 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 have now a number 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 could appear that the newly employed exterior antennas stands out as the trigger for many of this weight change.
Both manner, 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 durations. Grant you, it’s only 30 grams.
Measurement, Coloration, and Display Brightness
Winner: Tie, tie, tie
Subsequent, we have now three classes which can be precisely the identical.
The controller’s general dimension is identical between the 2 fashions, and when taking a look at them facet by facet, they’re the identical, with solely a slight colour 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.
» MORE: Finest Drone Controllers
Battery
Winner: DJI RC
After 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 number of elements right here that would play a job on this, after all. Nonetheless, you’ll have anticipated the alternative to be true.
The principle issue for this might very properly 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 beneath.
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 ability draw, resulting in an hour distinction in working instances 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)
» MORE: How Lengthy to Cost DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Professional Controller (Defined)
Connection sort
Right here, they each have the identical form of interface as most DJI gadgets today, with connectivity being by USB-C and Micro SD.
Right here once more, within the newest model of the DJI RC 2, there’s nonetheless no devoted HMDI out. Possibly within the DJI RC 3? It positive can be good, trace, trace!
Inner Storage
Winner: DJI RC 2
Lastly, we come to the storage. Right here, DJI has given out a boon for no matter purpose.
They elevated the inner storage to 32 GB. That is, after all, an enormous leap up from the 8 GB out there internally that the DJI RC controller gives.
This further storage can are available actually helpful, and fingers crossed, it’ll permit for third-party app use down the street.
As of this time, that’s one factor that is still the identical between the 2 RC controllers. No potential to make use of third social gathering apps nonetheless.
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Must Know)
Conclusion
Finally, 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 truth is that we will’t actually put these to a head-to-head comparability, as they function totally different methods that don’t cross over to at least one 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 methods limits the DJI RC 2 controller fairly a bit.
Add in the truth that though the vary problem from the DJI RC controller has not solely been mounted however enhanced even.
However the lack of with the ability to use a third social gathering app remains to be a serious disadvantage 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 potential, 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 can be no such possibility for a DJI O4 transmission system apart from the DJI RC-N2 controller.
In some methods, DJI is a willy firm, and that might be the rationale for bringing such inside reminiscence to bear with the DJI RC 2 controller, as with that quantity of inside reminiscence, it might maintain an working system that might permit for downloading and working recordsdata.
Guess we’ll simply must see. It’s unhappy to see that a number of the biggest controllers of all time are being held again by such seemingly easy limitations.
Regardless of this, I might full-heartedly advocate not simply certainly one of these controllers however each. It relies on 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 reducing the twine? Wow, do they understand how a lot a few of these cords value?
Fly Protected, Fly All the time, All the time Fly Protected!
» MORE: Drone Batteries (In-Depth Data)
