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 can be so comparable, and but they’re fairly a bit completely different.
As we take a look at one era 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 era or not.
As an avid drone flyer each commercially and as a hobbyist, and as somebody who has been lucky to form of fly all of it, I’ve had many controllers in my fingers through the years. Some have been simply terrible; for some others, you can in all probability pay for a small automobile for what they value.
You have to be choosy in terms 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 ought to be enjoyable! Lets?
Temporary Overview
With the current 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.
Identical to the primary era of this controller, the DJI RC controller, it gives a built-in 5.5″, 1920×1080 FHD display screen 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 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 adjustments with the second-generation RC controller are inside, with new and improved, extra highly effective processors, with a giant 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 techniques, very similar to the DJI RC controller, which is right for any drone it really works with. Having both as your management station is a positive win.
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Fast Verdict
After we look visually on the two controllers, the DJI RC and the DJI RC 2, they give the impression of being very comparable, pretty an identical, 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 a giant 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 could not have realized simply how a lot impact that alternative would have on transmission vary.
Okay, I do know, giving them the advantage of 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 current and paired with two inside antennas. This was a wise transfer and a novel means 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, 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 under by studying additional.
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What are the Major 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 gives higher vary and connectivity between the craft and the controller… Nicely, 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 screen and was obtainable at a value level that made it simpler for many customers to afford.
It was pretty apparent that the inside antenna alternative would restrict vary. It was a tradeoff, like most issues in drones. With a purpose to get one factor, you need to sacrifice one other.
As time performed out, that alternative 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 simply added a path for the sign to get past the controller housing. Which was a limitation within the authentic design.
Both means, 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 shouldn’t be new to DJI as that is the very setup discovered with most of their a lot larger tier techniques and would even be the identical kind of antenna array discovered on the DJI RC Professional controller.
Irrespective of the true trigger or purpose behind the change, I believe we are able to all agree that it was the precise transfer to make, and as customers, we’re grateful.
» MORE: DJI OcuSync 3.0 (Defined For Freshmen)
Inner Storage
One other differentiating characteristic 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 throughout the DJI RC controller to an honest quantity at 32 GB of inside storage. That’s a big step up for an inside reminiscence quantity for one in all these techniques.
In the event you’ve ever come right into a state of affairs the place you’ve maxed out your card or left it at house for some purpose, and even misplaced the little bugger whereas on website, with 32 GB of accessible reminiscence on board, all hope shouldn’t be misplaced not less than, and you can in all probability get completed what you might want to.
Actually, at 4K 60fps, 8 GB isn’t a lot and was a little bit of an odd alternative for any drone flying and recording within the DJI 03 spectrum. If pictures 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’ve come to carry them to a really excessive commonplace. 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 geared up 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 almost imperceptible. This additionally gives 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 will be stated for the DJI RC controller; it can solely ever work with drones that work throughout the DJI O3 transmission sphere. Programs such because the DJI Mini 3 sequence, the DJI Air 2S and the present DJI Mavic 3 techniques.
As such, for those who fly a DJI drone system that makes use of one in all these controllers, having one readily available is advisable. It’ll change the way you fly, unquestionably.
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 shouldn’t be an organization recognized for going backward with issues, so it’s simple to imagine that the DJI RC 2 will solely ever be obtainable for DJI O4 Programs, 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 brilliant 700 nit, FHD 5.5inch built-in display screen, eradicating the necessity to provide your separate show gadget.
It encompasses a 4-hour battery for a great 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 fingers.
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 hold its firmware updated.
» MORE: DJI RC Assessment (Every little thing You Must Know)
With the built-in 5.5″ display screen, we get a few of our favourite capacities, akin to with the ability to Display screen Report, or Display screen Shot, with that capability solely a swipe away. Nicely, two swipes, really. 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 can depart 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 screen, 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 screen.
It options the identical light-weight physique, which homes the beautiful 5.5-inch 1920×1080 FHD 700 nit brilliant show and a brand new, extra highly effective processor.
» MORE: DJI RC 2 Assessment (Every little thing 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 possibly can immerse your self in any inventive shot and seize spectacular moments with ease and data that you simply’re in full management. Improved from the final era in all the precise 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 completely 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 screen 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’ve a number of the specs for these two controllers. Proper from the highest, we see that they’ve completely 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 will be the trigger for many of this weight change.
Both means, 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 is just 30 grams.
Measurement, Shade, and Display screen Brightness
Winner: Tie, tie, tie
Subsequent, we’ve three classes which can be precisely the identical.
The controller’s total dimension is similar between the 2 fashions, and when them aspect by aspect, they’re the identical, with solely a slight coloration distinction actually marking them aside.
The DJI RC 2 is in a barely darker grey tone than the DJI RC.
Additionally, the display screen dimension and the display screen brightness are precisely the identical. On this case, the display screen might be a real and unaltered carryover from the DJI RC.
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Battery
Winner: DJI RC
After we come to the battery life, I discover this one to be a bit attention-grabbing. 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 components right here that would play a task on this, in fact. Nonetheless, you’d have anticipated the alternative to be true.
The primary 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 screen, as these are the identical.
That energy consumption must be coming from someplace. It must 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 must 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)
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Connection kind
Right here, they each have the identical kind of interface as most DJI units today, 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. Perhaps 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, in fact, an enormous leap up from the 8 GB obtainable internally that the DJI RC controller gives.
This further storage can are available actually helpful, and fingers crossed, it can enable for third-party app use down the street.
As of this time, that’s one factor that continues to be the identical between the 2 RC controllers. No capability to make use of third celebration 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.
In fact, the fact is that we are able to’t actually put these to a head-to-head comparability, as they function completely different techniques that don’t cross over to at least one one other. That’s a disgrace! Disgrace on you, DJI, SHAME!
I’d 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 mounted however enhanced even.
However the lack of with the ability to use a third celebration app remains to be a significant disadvantage for the DJI RC controllers as an entire.
You’ll nonetheless want to make use of the DJI RC-N1 or the DJI RC-N2 for that capability, or eek, spend much more to improve to the DJI RC Professional, that’s, for those who use a DJI O3-transmission system.
Right now, 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 may very well 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 may enable for downloading and working recordsdata.
Guess we’ll simply must see. It’s unhappy to see that a number of the best controllers of all time are being held again by such seemingly easy limitations.
Regardless of this, I’d full-heartedly suggest not simply one in all these controllers however each. It is determined by what you’re flying as to which one you can use.
Having both will definitely enhance your flying expertise and make your life simpler by dropping the wire – or is it chopping the wire? Wow, do they understand how a lot a few of these cords value?
Fly Secure, Fly All the time, All the time Fly Secure!
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