Thanks for trying out my comparability of the DJI RC 2 and DJI RC. It’s not usually that we will take a look at two merchandise which can be so related, and but they’re fairly a bit totally different.
As we take a look at one technology from one other, we will all see collectively what was completed otherwise 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 through the years. Some had been simply terrible; for some others, you would most likely pay for a small automobile for what they price.
You have to be choosy relating to 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 latest launch of the DJI Mini 4 Professional and the Air 3, we had 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 screen able to as much as 700 nits of brightness. This affords an ultra-versatile controller and represents the mid-tier controller choice 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 had 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 situation that was obvious with the first-generation RC controller.
Past that, you received’t see some other distinction externally. The true modifications 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 present restricted to the DJI Mini 4 Professional and the Air 3.
It’s a positive advice for anybody with these methods, 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
After we look visually on the two controllers, the DJI RC and the DJI RC 2, they give the impression of being very related, 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 are able to virtually forgive DJI for the error of inside antennas on the DJI RC controller. They had 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 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 effectively, with the 2 new exterior antennas added to what was already current and paired with two inside antennas. This was a sensible transfer and a novel means of coping with that vary situation.
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 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 will be discovered beneath by studying additional.
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What are the Primary Variations?
What’s new between the DJI RC and the DJI RC 2 Controllers?
Transmission
Moreover the brand new and distinctive antenna design, which gives 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 screen and was accessible at a value level that made it simpler for many shoppers to afford.
It was pretty apparent that the inside antenna alternative would restrict vary. It was a tradeoff, like most issues in drones. So as to get one factor, it’s important to sacrifice one other.
As time performed out, that alternative was certainly range-limiting. Now, we’ve got a newly designed transmission system and antenna design. One which employs the prevailing inside antennas and makes use of the outside ones to kind an excellent 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 unique 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 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.
Regardless of the true trigger or cause behind the change, I feel we will all agree that it was the precise transfer to make, and as customers, we’re grateful.
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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 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.
For those who’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 least, and you would most likely get completed what it’s essential.
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 Newcomers)
Processing Energy
With an organization as modern as DJI, we’ve got come to carry them to a really excessive commonplace. It’s not our fault as shoppers; DJI did it to themselves with a protracted monitor document 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 geared up 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 sort of 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 greatest variations between these two controllers is that they’re incompatible with each other or with the identical drones.
You merely usually are not going to have the ability to use the DJI RC 2 Controller with something apart from a DJI O4 Transmission system drone, which is at present solely the Air 3 and the Mini 4 Professional.
The identical will be mentioned for the DJI RC controller; it should solely ever work with drones that work throughout the DJI O3 transmission sphere. Methods such because the DJI Mini 3 collection, 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’ll change the way you fly, indubitably.
The problem is that you just’ll take a look at the DJI RC 2 and wish it on your drone, even when 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 Methods, 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 assist the superior DJI O3+ video transmission know-how.
It has a shiny 700 nit, FHD 5.5inch built-in display screen, eradicating the necessity to provide your separate show system.
It incorporates 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 way 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 maintain its firmware updated.
» MORE: DJI RC Overview (All the things You Have to Know)
With the built-in 5.5″ display screen, we get a few of our favourite capacities, comparable to with the ability to Display Report, or Display Shot, with that means solely a swipe away. Properly, two swipes, really. Swipe down!
The DJI RC Controller additionally affords some programable buttons for enhancing your management and personalizing it extra in direction of your flying type.
As a lower-cost various to the DJI RC Professional controller, it should 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 smooth 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 screen.
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 Have to 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 just’re in full management. Improved from the final technology in all the precise methods.
Our Decide
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 |
| Suitable 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 got 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 might appear that the newly employed exterior antennas often is 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’s only 30 grams.
Dimension, Colour, and Display Brightness
Winner: Tie, tie, tie
Subsequent, we’ve got three classes which can be precisely the identical.
The controller’s total measurement is identical 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 measurement 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 are able to see the DJI RC controller has a greater battery life than that of the newer DJI RC 2 controller.
There are just a few components right here that might play a job on this, in fact. Nevertheless, you’ll have anticipated the alternative to be true.
The primary issue for this might very effectively be the extra highly effective transmission system and the 2 further 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 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 must 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 kind of interface as most DJI gadgets nowadays, with connectivity being by way of 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 cause.
They elevated the inner 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 further storage can are available in actually helpful, and fingers crossed, it should 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 means to make use of third occasion apps nonetheless.
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Have to 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 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 1 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 methods limits the DJI RC 2 controller fairly a bit.
Add in the truth that though the vary situation 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 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 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.
Right now, there can be no such choice 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 permit for downloading and operating information.
Guess we’ll simply should 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 certainly one of these controllers however each. It is dependent 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 reducing the twine? Wow, do they understand how a lot a few of these cords price?
Fly Secure, Fly At all times, At all times Fly Secure!
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