There isn’t a 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 answer than the extraordinarily costly DJI Sensible Controller and its successor, the equally costly DJI RC Professional.
One yr later, now we have an up to date model of the DJI RC, the DJI RC2, which at present 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
Dimension and Weight
Sustained Display screen Brightness
Numerous Options, and so forth.
Moreover, we’ll focus on whether or not it’s price getting over the newly launched DJI RC-N2.
High Drone Programs
Advantages of the DJI RC2
One can have a look at the DJI RC2 and instantly notice that will probably be a useful piece of added tech for the Air 3 and subsequent drones which can be launched thereafter.
Built-in Display screen
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 Sensible 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.
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Comfort
As a result of the display is constructed into the RC2, there isn’t a 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 cellular phone is required to fly, getting the Air 3 up within the air and flying takes barely much less time than it might to tug out a cellular phone, connect the cables, activate the RC, and open the DJI Fly app.
With the DJI RC2, it’s as straightforward 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 an extra failure level in images 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 Rookies Information (Step-by-Step Information)
Value
The most important profit, one many will respect, is that the RC2 is loads cheaper than the DJI RC Professional.
No, the RC Professional doesn’t at present work with the Air 3, nevertheless, it’s nice to see an all-in-one answer 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 continuously.
If in case you have an Air 3 and actually need a DJI RC2, there are official DJI ones on Amazon, although barely dearer, 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, effectively, hobby-like.
When in hand, the RC2 has completely no flexing or creaking, additionally including to the stable construct.
One of the crucial vital elements of a distant controller, other than how effectively it performs its meant features, is how effectively 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 now not aluminum, just like the DJI RC.
They’ve been changed with grooved laborious black plastic, which truly has extra grip than the earlier metallic ones.
» MORE: DJI RC and Air 2S Compatibility (Defined)
Weight/Dimension
The burden of the DJI RC2 is 420g. Barely greater than the 390g of the unique DJI RC. In comparison with the bigger and dearer DJI RC Professional the RC2 is 240g lighter in weight.
When including up tools in a drone backpack or images bag, each ounce and gram counts.
Fortunately the RC2 is gentle sufficient in order to not make a major influence 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.
On the subject of 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 Rookies)
Display screen
One of many actually appreciated elements of the all-in-one DJI RC2 is the big built-in display.
The 5.5-inch display is barely smaller than your normal iPhone display, with a better 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 taking pictures throughout these awfully vivid days.
If utilizing a matte display protector, display viewing is even higher.
Though many cellular phone corporations emphasize how vivid 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 circumstances) after a brief time frame in summerlike situations.
I usually shoot within the vivid 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, regardless of how sizzling it’s out. When taking pictures 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.
Exterior of the brightness of the display, the show is FHD, and the photographs streamed to it will not be solely clear but in addition fluid working at a crisp 1080p 60fps.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 Evaluate – Is This the Drone for You?
DJI Fly
One thing that ought to 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 good system, utilizing DJI Fly on it’s just like the consumer expertise working 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 will be accessed and the distant controller (and Air 3) firmware will be upgraded as standard.
» MORE: DJI Fly App – How you can Grasp Taking pictures in Handbook Mode
Compatibility
The DJI RC2 (and RC-N2) is at present 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 a 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, now we 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, nevertheless, because it stands as of the writing of this text, the DJI RC2 is barely 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 collection.
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 largely unseen, has telltale indicators within the utilization of two new rabbit ear antennas that flip and fold for max sign protection.
The antennas will not be 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 desires 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 power to fly with a a lot stronger sign that’s much less liable to interference from exterior sources.
The sturdy sign is good for these flying in city areas or areas with excessive interference, corresponding to in a downtown setting or huge subdivisions.
» MORE: What Occurs If a DJI Drone Loses Sign?
Storage Choices
Not like normal, non-integrated screened controllers, the DJI RC2 has each inner storage and SD card storage as effectively.
The DJI RC2’s inner storage is 32GB, whereas an SD card of the really useful dimension of 256GB can be utilized.
The rationale for the storage choices is twofold.
Firstly, the inner storage homes DJI recordsdata, recordsdata 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 additional SD card for the Air 3.
I usually carry SD card storage circumstances with me on industrial shoots, crammed with fairly a couple of SD playing cards.
Nevertheless, when flying recreationally, or simply bringing one drone with me on a shoot, I’ll go away 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: How you can Switch Movies from DJI Fly App to Laptop (Step-by-Step Information)
Battery
In accordance with DJI, the DJI RC2 has 2 3100mAh batteries.
This enables the DJI RC2 to run for roughly 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 regular USB-C connection, making charging the RC extra handy.
» MORE: How you can Obtain Pictures/Movies from DJI Drones utilizing DJI Fly (Step-by-Step Information)
Charging
Charging the DJI RC2 is completed 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 circulation and blink to sign charging.
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Pairing
To Pair the DJI RC2 to the Air 3 (and more than likely 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 foremost 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 prime of the display. After studying that info, you possibly can Proceed.
STEP 3: After trying to find the Air 3 for a couple of seconds and failing to find it, you’ll be offered with a message in blue stating “Unable to connect 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: How you can Pair DJI Air 3 (With Photos)
Options
Though the DJI RC2 is simplistic in design, it has a full characteristic set, worthy of discussing.
We’ll have a look at all the 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 dwelling within the DJI Fly app. RTH choices will be adjusted.
Cine, Regular, and Sport mode change
Cine – sluggish clean flight with dampened controls. Tailor-made for getting cinematic pictures
Regular – straight out of the field, normal 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. Might be personalized as follows:
C1 Button
Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
Observe/FPV
Auxilliary Lights
Cruise Management
AE Lock On/Off
Enhance EV
Lower EV
Digicam Settings
Swap Cameras
Plan Waypoint Flight
C2 Button
Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
Observe/FPV
Auxilliary Lights
Cruise Management
AE Lock On/Off
Enhance EV
Lower EV
Digicam Settings
Swap Cameras
Plan Waypoint Flight
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. Might be personalized as follows:
Zoom In/Out
Alter Focal Size
Alter EV
Alter Shutter Pace
Alter ISO
Video document button
Photograph shutter button
2 inner/built-in antennas
2 rabbit ear adjustable antennas
Button/Dial Modifiers
Moreover, there are modifiers or button and dial mixtures that carry out sure features as effectively and will 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: How you can Join the DJI Air 3 to a Laptop (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: How you can Obtain from DJI Air 3 (Step-By-Step Information with Pictures, Screenshots & Video)
Is the DJI RC2 Higher Than The DJI RC?
In a technique, the DJI RC2 is healthier than the DJI RC. It is because it employs the far more highly effective OcuSync 4.0 video transmission system and works with the DJI Air 3.
Presently, other than the RC-N2, no different controllers work with it.
Sadly the DJI RC2 will not be higher than the DJI RC in that it could possibly 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 won’t work.
If in case you have a DJI RC, with a solar hood cowl, like I personal, you’ll need to 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 not 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 not livestream, because it has no entry to YouTube or different streaming purposes.
Currrently, the one option to livestream with the Air 3 can be utilizing the DJI RC-N2.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Professional – How you can Dwell 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 obtainable for the DJI RC2.
Distant Controller Solar Hood Cowl
RC Solar Hood Covers are a terrific thought 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 will not be solely adjustable, however in addition they enable the RC2 to be saved with the management sticks put in.
» MORE: 27 Greatest Drone Equipment (I Can’t Dwell With out)
Anti-Glare Glass Display screen Protector
For added visibility in direct daylight, matte anti-glare display protectors do a terrific job at slicing 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 Choose
Lanyard Neck Strap
Utilizing a lanyard helps drastically when filming your self doing any kind of exercise, because it frees up the fingers for extra pure motion.
Create your individual Lanyard Setup
For these wanting a extra handy lanyard answer, although finally dearer, you possibly can 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 Choose
» MORE: Greatest 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 enable the set up of third social gathering apps, which means that if you wish to request LAANC authorization, verify the climate, run Litchi (if/when the Air 3 is supported), or verify every other drone-related info apps, you’ll want an extra system on-hand, like a smartphone.
The second drawback is that the DJI RC2 doesn’t enable livestreaming utilizing apps like YouTube. Presently, the one option 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 Price It?
Though there are a unfavourable right here and there, like no livestreaming or working third social gathering apps, the DJI RC2 is unquestionably price it (in case 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 vivid built-in display is price it.
Likewise, in case you additionally consider the truth that one of these setup is handy, fast, and space-saving, one can see that getting the DJI RC2 may also make flying a lot simpler, and even enjoyable.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 3 Professional (Right here’s My Alternative)