Thanks for trying out my comparability of the DJI RC 2 and DJI RC. It’s not usually that we will have a look at two merchandise which might be so comparable, and but they’re fairly a bit completely different.
As we have a look at one era from one other, we will all see collectively what was carried out 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 sort of fly all of it, I’ve had many controllers in my fingers through the years. Some had been simply terrible; for some others, you possibly can in all probability pay for a small automobile for what they price.
You need to be choosy relating to 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 had been launched not solely to the DJI RC 2 controller but in addition 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 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 subject that was obvious with the first-generation RC controller.
Past that, you gained’t see another 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 present 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 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 appear very comparable, pretty equivalent, 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 had been going for aesthetics and design. They could not have realized simply how a lot impact that selection 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 together 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 present and paired with two inside antennas. This was a sensible transfer and a singular approach of coping with that vary subject.
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 essentially the most dependable video transmission ever with a DJI client distant controller.
This isn’t the one change, in fact, however it’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 might be discovered beneath 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
Moreover the brand new and distinctive antenna design, which supplies 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 and was obtainable at a value level that made it simpler for many shoppers to afford.
It was pretty apparent that the inside antenna selection would restrict vary. It was a tradeoff, like most issues in drones. In an effort to get one factor, you must sacrifice one other.
As time performed out, that selection was certainly range-limiting. Now, we now have a newly designed transmission system and antenna design. One which employs the present inside antennas and makes use of the outside ones to type a fair stronger array and higher connectivity of the controller to the drone.
It could 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 unique design.
Both approach, 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 techniques and would even be the identical sort of antenna array discovered on the DJI RC Professional controller.
Regardless 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 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 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 one in every of these techniques.
Should 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 web site, with 32 GB of obtainable reminiscence on board, all hope just isn’t misplaced at the very least, and you possibly can in all probability get carried out what you have to.
Actually, 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 pictures 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 modern as DJI, we now have come to carry them to a really excessive normal. It’s not our fault as shoppers; 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 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’s nonetheless a lag, it has decreased much more with the DJI 04 transmission system and is sort of imperceptible. This additionally supplies 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 aren’t 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 might be stated for the DJI RC controller; it would solely ever work with drones that work inside the DJI O3 transmission sphere. Techniques such because the DJI Mini 3 collection, the DJI Air 2S and the present DJI Mavic 3 techniques.
As such, in case you fly a DJI drone system that makes use of one in every of these controllers, having one available is advisable. It can change the way you fly, certainly.
The problem is that you simply’ll have a look at the DJI RC 2 and need it to your drone, even if 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 just 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 obtainable for DJI O4 Techniques, 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 assist the superior DJI O3+ video transmission expertise.
It has a shiny 700 nit, FHD 5.5inch built-in display, eradicating the necessity to provide your separate show gadget.
It incorporates a 4-hour battery for 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 way 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 preserve its firmware updated.
» MORE: DJI RC Overview (Every thing You Must Know)
With the built-in 5.5″ display, we get a few of our favourite capacities, akin to having the ability to Display Report, or Display Shot, with that skill solely a swipe away. Nicely, two swipes, truly. Swipe down!
The DJI RC Controller additionally gives some programable buttons for enhancing your management and personalizing it extra in direction of your flying model.
As a lower-cost different to the DJI RC Professional controller, it would 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 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 gorgeous 5.5-inch 1920×1080 FHD 700 nit shiny show and a brand new, extra highly effective processor.
» MORE: DJI RC 2 Overview (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’ll be able to immerse your self in any artistic shot and seize spectacular moments with ease and information that you simply’re in full management. Improved from the final era in all the suitable methods.
Our Decide
Head-to-Head Comparability
There are a lot of 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 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 now have among the specs for these two controllers. Proper from the highest, we see that they’ve completely different weights. A matter of 30 grams distinction.
Wanting ripping my controller aside to confirm, it could appear that the newly employed exterior antennas often is 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’s only 30 grams.
Measurement, Shade, and Display Brightness
Winner: Tie, tie, tie
Subsequent, we now have three classes which might be precisely the identical.
The controller’s general measurement is similar between the 2 fashions, and when taking a look at them facet by facet, 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 measurement 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
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 just a few 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 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, 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)
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Connection sort
Right here, they each have the identical form of interface as most DJI gadgets today, 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. Perhaps 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 purpose.
They elevated the interior 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 additional storage can are available in actually helpful, and fingers crossed, it would 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 skill 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 truth is that we will’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 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 subject from the DJI RC controller has not solely been fastened however enhanced even.
However the lack of having the ability to use a third occasion app remains to be a significant downside 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 skill, or eek, spend much more to improve to the DJI RC Professional, that’s, in case you use a DJI O3-transmission system.
Right now, there could 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 explanation 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 enable for downloading and operating information.
Guess we’ll simply need to see. It’s unhappy to see that among the best controllers of all time are being held again by such seemingly easy limitations.
Regardless of this, I might full-heartedly suggest not simply one in every of these controllers however each. It depends upon what you’re flying as to which one you possibly can use.
Having both will definitely enhance your flying expertise and make your life simpler by dropping the wire – or is it slicing the wire? 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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