There isn’t any denying it. The unique DJI RC, launched in 2022 with the Mini 3 Professional, was a success.
The principle interesting issue concerning the then-new distant controller was that it was a extra reasonably priced all-in-one resolution than the extraordinarily costly DJI Good Controller and its successor, the equally costly DJI RC Professional.
One 12 months later, we now have an up to date model of the DJI RC, the DJI RC2, which at the moment works solely with the DJI Air 3.
On this article, we’ll be doing a deep dive into the DJI RC2, specializing in:
- Construct high quality
- Measurement and Weight
- Sustained Display Brightness
- Varied Options, and so forth.
Moreover, we’ll talk about whether or not it’s price getting over the newly launched DJI RC-N2.
Prime Drone Programs
Advantages of the DJI RC2
One can take a look at the DJI RC2 and instantly understand that it will likely be a useful piece of added tech for the Air 3 and subsequent drones which are launched thereafter.
Built-in Display
The very first thing seen on the RC2 is the Android-based, 5.5″ built-in display.
This display is identical dimension because the now-discontinued DJI Good Controller and the present DJI RC PRO.
Couple the display dimension with a continued 700-nit brightness and the DJI RC2 shines as a cheap and reliable all-in-one devoted system.
» MORE: Finest Drone Controllers
Comfort
As a result of the display is constructed into the RC2, there isn’t any longer any have to have to connect a smartphone or system to the controller to fly it.
The DJI Fly app is already loaded onto the distant controller, simply ready to be activated and used.
As no mobile phone is required to fly, getting the Air 3 up within the air and flying takes barely much less time than it will to drag out a mobile phone, connect the cables, activate the RC, and open the DJI Fly app.
With the DJI RC2, it’s as simple as turning on the Air 3 and RC2 and flying. That’s it.
As a result of the DJI RC is a self-contained devoted distant controller for the Air 3, there are not any cables wanted.
That is useful in that there’s one much less factor to fret about.
Connection cables are a further failure level in pictures and videography tools, as they often break or get misplaced or forgotten, bringing the session to a halt.
Not having to take care of cables is one much less merchandise to go flawed as soon as out and about flying.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 Newbies Information (Step-by-Step Information)
Value
The largest profit, one many will respect, is that the RC2 is quite a bit cheaper than the DJI RC Professional.
No, the RC Professional doesn’t at the moment work with the Air 3, nonetheless, it’s nice to see an all-in-one resolution that isn’t upwards of USD 1000.00+.
Presently, the DJI RC2 is promoting on the DJI web site for USD 369.00. Sadly, it appears to be out of inventory fairly incessantly.
When you’ve got an Air 3 and actually want a DJI RC2, there are official DJI ones on Amazon, although barely costlier, on the time of this text’s writing.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Controller (All You Must Know)
Construct/Design
The DJI RC2 is a quality-built distant controller. Utilizing a barely darker grey plastic than the DJI RC, the RC2 seems to be pretty extra skilled and fewer, nicely, hobby-like.
When in hand, the RC2 has completely no flexing or creaking, additionally including to the stable construct.
One of the essential elements of a distant controller, except for how nicely it performs its meant features, is how nicely it feels when utilizing it.
DJI has nailed the ergonomics of all of their controllers, the DJI RC2 being no exception.
Though only a primary rectangle, the RC2 has textured and barely grippy sides that match completely within the hand when holding the distant controller, making the ergonomics spot on.
The entire buttons and scroll wheels are inside attain and have an equally stable really feel to them. Talking of scroll wheels, the wheels on the RC2 are not aluminum, just like the DJI RC.
They’ve been changed with grooved exhausting black plastic, which really has extra grip than the earlier metallic ones.
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Weight/Measurement
The burden of the DJI RC2 is 420g. Barely greater than the 390g of the authentic DJI RC. In comparison with the bigger and costlier DJI RC Professional the RC2 is 240g lighter in weight.
When including up tools in a drone backpack or pictures bag, each ounce and gram counts.
Fortunately the RC2 is gentle sufficient in order to not make a big affect on tools weight.
We have now flown with drones which have huge controllers weighing kilos, not ounces. The burden of the DJI RC2 is welcomed.
The RC2 is barely bigger than the RC-N2, the usual Air 3 controller with out an built-in display. Though bigger, as talked about within the design part, its form, and dimension are fairly ergonomic.
In relation to drone distant controllers, there aren’t too many variations in form: sq., bigger sq., and rectangle.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional with DJI RC (Defined for Newbies)
Display
One of many actually appreciated elements of the all-in-one DJI RC2 is the massive built-in display.
The 5.5-inch display is barely smaller than your commonplace iPhone display, with the next sustained brightness.
The brightness of the RC2 display is a part of what makes it useful to the passion.
The 5.5″ display is a sustained 700-nits of brightness. Whereas the DJI RC Professional is a full 1000 nits, the brightness of the RC2 show is completely acceptable for capturing throughout these awfully vibrant days.
If utilizing a matte display protector, display viewing is even higher.
Though many mobile phone firms emphasize how vibrant their screens are (1000 nit this, 1500 nit that), many if not most of these cell telephones start to dim to the purpose of being unusable (in some instances) after a brief time period in summerlike situations.
I recurrently shoot within the vibrant Central Florida solar, on each the DJI RC and RC2, and have by no means had an issue with seeing the display.
Moreover, the display on the RC2 by no means dims, irrespective of how scorching it’s out. When capturing throughout excessive warmth situations the display stays at full brightness, with out faltering.
Couple this with how handy the RC2 is to the general setup technique of flying and it’s a no-brainer for me.
Outdoors of the brightness of the display, the show is FHD, and the pictures streamed to it usually are not solely clear but additionally fluid operating at a crisp 1080p 60fps.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 Evaluate – Is This the Drone for You?
DJI Fly
One thing that must be talked about right here within the display part, as many know, is that the DJI RC2 runs a preloaded model of the DJI Fly app.
Because the DJI RC2 is Android-based, and is basically an Android sensible system, utilizing DJI Fly on it’s much like the person expertise operating DJI Fly on any Android cellphone.
As a result of the RC2 is a devoted system just for DJI Fly, it runs easily with no indicators of hesitation or stutter.
Moreover, like on any Android system, WiFi could be accessed and the distant controller (and Air 3) firmware could be upgraded as normal.
» MORE: DJI Fly App – Tips on how to Grasp Taking pictures in Handbook Mode
Compatibility
The DJI RC2 (and RC-N2) is at the moment solely appropriate with the DJI Air 3. That is due to the brand new O4 (OcuSync 4.0) transmission system, which we’ll contact on shortly.
There isn’t any telling if DJI plans on making the DJI RC2 backward appropriate to work with the drones the DJI RC works with, being:
- Mavic 3 Sequence
- Air 2S
- Mini 3 Sequence
Likewise, we now have but to see if DJI plans on making the Air 3 and future drones backward appropriate with the DJI RC and DJI RC Professional.
Time will inform what’s in retailer for the DJI RC2, nonetheless, because it stands as of the writing of this text, the DJI RC2 is just appropriate with drones utilizing the O4 transmission system (i.e. Air 3).
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OcuSync 4.0
OcuSync 4.0 is DJI’s latest video transmission system, with OcuSync 3.0 being the one used for the Mavic 3, Air 2S, and Mini 3 sequence.
For the OcuSync 4.0 system within the DJI RC2, the antenna system is comprised of two transmitters and 4 receivers.
This new system, though principally unseen, has telltale indicators within the utilization of two new rabbit ear antennas that flip and fold for most sign protection.
The antennas usually are not for seems to be or nostalgia although. The brand new picture transmission system streams HD video at 60fps, with a a lot stronger transmission system than beforehand, and wishes extra antennas to take action.
OcuSync 4.0 can transmit video as much as a most vary of 12.43 miles (20km).
The transmission sign helps 2.4GHz, 5.1GHz, and 5.8GHz frequency bands offering the DJI RC2 with stronger anti-interference capabilities.
What does all of this imply? Whereas we by no means promote flying past visible line of sight (BVLOS), it does imply the flexibility to fly with a a lot stronger sign that’s much less liable to interference from outdoors sources.
The robust sign is right for these flying in city areas or areas with excessive interference, similar to in a downtown setting or huge subdivisions.
» MORE: What Occurs If a DJI Drone Loses Sign?
Storage Choices
Not like commonplace, non-integrated screened controllers, the DJI RC2 has each inner storage and SD card storage as nicely.
The DJI RC2’s inner storage is 32GB, whereas an SD card of the really useful dimension of 256GB can be utilized.
The explanation for the storage choices is twofold.
Firstly, the inner storage homes DJI information, information that run the distant controller and are wanted for DJI Fly, 11 GB price to be actual. 21GB is then left for user-defined content material.
Secondly, each the inner and SD card storage choices can be utilized for storing screenshots and display recordings.
Screenshots and display recording choices are nice for content material creators who depend on such content material when making drone-related tutorials.
As a bonus, for these not needing to make the most of the SD card slot for content material, the SD card slot can be utilized as a storage slot for an further SD card for the Air 3.
I usually convey SD card storage instances with me on business shoots, full of fairly a couple of SD playing cards.
Nevertheless, when flying recreationally, or simply bringing one drone with me on a shoot, I’ll depart the storage options behind and simply depend on the additional SD card within the RC2 if one thing occurs to the Air 3’s card and I would like the backup.
» MORE: Tips on how to Switch Movies from DJI Fly App to Pc (Step-by-Step Information)
Battery
In accordance with DJI, the DJI RC2 has 2 3100mAh batteries.
This permits the DJI RC2 to run for about 3 hours, give or take a couple of minutes, on the utmost brightness setting.
To cost the inner battery/batteries, it takes 1.5 hours (from useless), utilizing a 9v quick charger.
As with the remainder of the charging ports on the Air 3, the distant controller likewise makes use of a typical USB-C connection, making charging the RC extra handy.
» MORE: Tips on how to Obtain Pictures/Movies from DJI Drones utilizing DJI Fly (Step-by-Step Information)
Charging
Charging the DJI RC2 is finished by the next:
Step 1: Insert the USB-C finish of the included USB-C cable into the USB-C port on the underside proper of the DJI RC2.
Step 2: Plug the usual USB finish into your 65 or 100-watt PD charger.
The LED indicator lights on the face of the distant controller will movement and blink to sign charging.
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Pairing
To Pair the DJI RC2 to the Air 3 (and probably newly launched DJI drones):
STEP 1: Activate the DJI RC2. After it has booted up, faucet the Connection Information button on the DJI Fly app fundamental display.
STEP 2: You’ll be prompted to energy on the Air 3, with directions to take action.
Moreover, there are extra directions to view when tapping the 1/2 on the high of the display. After studying that data, you may Proceed.
STEP 3: After trying to find the Air 3 for a couple of seconds and failing to find it, you’ll be introduced with a message in blue stating “Unable to hook up with plane“? Faucet this message.
STEP 4: You’ll then be delivered to the pairing display.
Press and maintain the ability button on the Air 3 for about 4 seconds. The Air 3 will make an audible sign signifying it’s in pairing mode.
Faucet the Pair button on the backside of the DJI RC2 display. It should beep, loudly, signifying the pairing course of.
After about 10 seconds, the Air 3 ought to pair with the brand new DJI RC2.
» MORE: Tips on how to Pair DJI Air 3 (With Footage)
Options
Though the DJI RC2 is simplistic in design, it has a full function set, worthy of discussing.
We’ll take a look at the entire buttons, switches, and dials on the distant controller, in addition to the features they carry out.
» MORE: DJI Fly App for Mavic 3 (30 Ideas & Step-by-Step Guides)
The face of the DJI RC2
- Return to House button (RTH)
- When pressed and held, the Air 3 will routinely return to the situation marked as house within the DJI Fly app. RTH choices could be adjusted.
- Cine, Regular, and Sport mode swap
- Cine – sluggish clean flight with dampened controls. Tailor-made for getting cinematic pictures
- Regular – straight out of the field, commonplace management velocity
- Sport – permits the Air 3 to fly at speeds as much as 46.9mph. This mode turns off all obstacle-avoidance
- Energy button (press then long-press-hold to activate)
- 4 LED indicator/standing lights and a Energy On LED
- 4 inexperienced LED: 75% – 100% battery life
- 3 inexperienced LED: 50% – 75% battery life
- 2 inexperienced LED: 25% – 50% battery life
- 1 inexperienced LED: 0% – 25% battery life
- 2 Detachable Management Sticks and Stick Holder
» MORE: DJI RC vs DJI RC-N1 (All You Must Know)
The again of the DJI RC2
- C1 and C2 buttons. Could be personalized as follows:
- C1 Button
- Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
- Observe/FPV
- Auxilliary Lights
- Cruise Management
- AE Lock On/Off
- Enhance EV
- Lower EV
- Digital camera Settings
- Change Cameras
- Plan Waypoint Flight
- C2 Button
- Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
- Observe/FPV
- Auxilliary Lights
- Cruise Management
- AE Lock On/Off
- Enhance EV
- Lower EV
- Digital camera Settings
- Change Cameras
- Plan Waypoint Flight
- C1 Button
- 2 Slots to retailer the detachable management sticks
- 2 recessed mounting holes
- Vent
» MORE: How Do I Replace DJI RC Professional? (Step-by-Step Information)
The highest of the DJI RC2
- 2 scroll wheels/dials.
- Left dial
- Proper Wheel/Dial. Could be personalized as follows:
- Zoom In/Out
- Alter Focal Size
- Alter EV
- Alter Shutter Pace
- Alter ISO
- Video report button
- Picture shutter button
- 2 inner/built-in antennas
- 2 rabbit ear adjustable antennas
Button/Dial Modifiers
Moreover, there are modifiers or button and dial combos that carry out sure features as nicely and could be modified:
- C1 Button + Proper Dial
- Zoom In/Out
- Alter Focal Size
- Alter EV
- Alter Shutter Pace
- Alter ISO
- C2 Button + Proper Dial
- Zoom In/Out
- Alter Focal Size
- Alter EV
- Alter Shutter Pace
- Alter ISO
» MORE: Tips on how to Join the DJI Air 3 to a Pc (Video)
The underside of the DJI RC2
- SD Card Slot
- Can settle for SD playing cards as much as 256GB
- USB-C Port
- Mounting Holes – for lanyard clasps, and so forth.
» MORE: Tips on how to Obtain from DJI Air 3 (Step-By-Step Information with Pictures, Screenshots & Video)
Is the DJI RC2 Higher Than The DJI RC?
In a method, the DJI RC2 is healthier than the DJI RC. It’s because it employs the way more highly effective OcuSync 4.0 video transmission system and works with the DJI Air 3.
Presently, except for the RC-N2, no different controllers work with it.
Sadly the DJI RC2 shouldn’t be higher than the DJI RC in that it could solely management the DJI Air 3 on the time of this writing, whereas the DJI RC is ready to management the:
Additionally, as a result of the DJI RC2 has modified in bodily dimensions (with the addition of the exterior antennas), equipment just like the controller solar hood cowl for the DJI RC is not going to work.
When you’ve got a DJI RC, with a solar hood cowl, like I personal, you’ll should buy one other particularly for the DJI RC2.
» MORE: Drone Security Options (All You Must Know)
FAQ’S
Can you put in different apps on DJI RC 2?
Sadly, the reply is not any. Just like the DJI RC, the DJI RC2 can’t set up or sideload any apps. It comes preloaded with DJI Fly and that’s all.
Time will inform if DJI opens up the DJI RC2 to permit different apps to be put in.
Are you able to livestream from DJI RC 2?
On the time of this text’s writing, the DJI RC2 can’t livestream, because it has no entry to YouTube or different streaming functions.
Currrently, the one method to livestream with the Air 3 can be utilizing the DJI RC-N2.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Professional – Tips on how to Reside Stream on YouTube (Video)
Equipment
Though having simply been launched two months in the past (July 2023), there are already fairly a couple of equipment accessible for the DJI RC2.
Distant Controller Solar Hood Cowl
RC Solar Hood Covers are a fantastic concept for the DJI RC2.
Though the RC2 runs at a steady 700 nits, the display can nonetheless forged numerous glare in direct solar, if not utilizing a matte display protector.
RC Solar Hood Covers usually are not solely adjustable, however in addition they permit the RC2 to be saved with the management sticks put in.
» MORE: 27 Finest Drone Equipment (I Can’t Reside With out)
Anti-Glare Glass Display Protector
For added visibility in direct daylight, matte anti-glare display protectors do a fantastic job at reducing down on glare, in addition to offering added safety for the 5.5″ built-in display.
If you have already got a pack of those for a DJI RC, they’ll work on the DJI RC2, because the display dimensions are the identical dimension.
Our Decide
Lanyard Neck Strap
Utilizing a lanyard helps significantly when filming your self doing any sort of exercise, because it frees up the arms for extra pure motion.
Create your personal Lanyard Setup
For these wanting a extra handy lanyard resolution, although finally costlier, you may make the most of a lanyard screw and Peak Design digital camera strap mixture.
I personally use this setup, as I exploit an identical one for all of my floor cameras and it’s handy, sturdy, and swappable between my DJI RC and DJI RC2 utilizing the anchor connectors.
Our Decide
» MORE: Finest Drone Equipment
Disadvantages of the DJI RC2
Though the RC2 is a good funding, there are two obvious disadvantages to proudly owning the DJI RC2.
The primary drawback is that the DJI RC2 doesn’t permit the set up of third occasion apps, that means that if you wish to request LAANC authorization, examine the climate, run Litchi (if/when the Air 3 is supported), or examine another drone-related data apps, you’ll want a further system on-hand, like a smartphone.
The second drawback is that the DJI RC2 doesn’t permit livestreaming utilizing apps like YouTube. Presently, the one method to livestream can be utilizing the usual DJI RC-N2, as talked about within the FAQ.
» MORE: What Equipment Do I Want for My Drone?
Is the DJI RC 2 Value It?
Though there are a adverse right here and there, like no livestreaming or operating third occasion apps, the DJI RC2 is unquestionably price it (in the event you don’t require these choices).
Contemplating the worth of the DJI RC2, both when included within the DJI RC2 Fly Extra Combo, or if bought individually, having a devoted controller with a decently vibrant built-in display is price it.
Likewise, in the event you additionally think about the truth that the sort of setup is handy, fast, and space-saving, one can see that getting the DJI RC2 will even make flying a lot simpler, and even enjoyable.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 3 Professional (Right here’s My Alternative)