In this review, we take an in-depth look at the brand-new DJI RC Pro 2, a controller designed to pair with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro. I will walk you through all the features of this controller, what I love about it, what could be improved, and whether it could be considered the perfect controller for DJI drones.
Table of Contents
First Impression
When I first read the rumors and specs about the DJI RC Pro 2, I was expecting a bulky, heavy controller—something that would be cumbersome to carry around. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Compared to the DJI RC2 controller, the RC Pro 2 is much lighter, compact, and easy to carry. This was a welcome change from the original RC Pro, which was quite hefty and not the most portable option. The RC Pro 2 has a big screen, but its weight remains manageable, making it a practical upgrade.
The Display: A Game-Changer
Arguably the best feature of the DJI RC Pro 2 is its incredible fold-out screen. This screen boasts an impressive 2,000 nits of brightness, significantly surpassing the 700 nits of the RC2 controller and even the 1,000 nits on the original RC Pro. The higher brightness makes it much easier to see the display, especially in bright sunlight or high-noon conditions, where previous controllers struggled. I no longer need to search for shade or cover to view the screen, as I did with the RC2 controller.
The screen quality isn’t just about brightness; it also features mini-LED technology, providing stunning color accuracy, sharpness, and contrast. This makes flying the drone in bright environments a breeze, ensuring clear visibility of your footage. Additionally, with the Mavic 4 Pro supporting true vertical shooting, rotating the screen will automatically rotate the camera, offering an effortless transition between horizontal and vertical modes.
Ports and Connectivity
On the bottom of the controller, you’ll find a variety of useful ports. These include an HDMI port for connecting the controller to a TV or monitor, a USB-C port for charging, and a micro SD card slot for additional storage. The controller offers around 4 hours of battery life on a full charge, providing ample time for a flight session.
Customizable Buttons and Controls
The RC Pro 2 controller features a set of physical controls that allow for greater customization. There is a new rotation wheel that can be used to adjust the drone’s exposure or scroll through photos and videos. Additionally, there is a button that lets you quickly switch between different lens options (28mm, 70mm, and 168mm) without needing to touch the screen.
On the top of the controller, you’ll find buttons for video recording, shutter for photos, zoom control, and gimbal rotation, all of which remain similar to the RC2 controller layout. The back of the controller has customizable C1 and C2 buttons and a flap for adding a 3G dongle, allowing for better signal reception in regions where it’s permitted. There’s also a built-in fan to prevent overheating, although it can be quite loud under hot conditions.
Gimbal Control and Flight Sticks
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro features an Infinity Gimbal, and the RC Pro 2 controller allows you to fully customize its controls. The C1 button can be used to rotate the drone in any direction, enabling smooth, continuous spins and rotations with ease. The flight sticks have also been enhanced, but they do take some getting used to. They are highly sensitive, and I had to adjust the tuning, especially in cine mode, to make precise movements. Once you get accustomed to them, they provide great control, but initially, they can be a bit tricky, particularly for smooth orbits and motion shots.
Additional Features and Applications
The RC Pro 2 has a built-in microphone, so you can record your voice while flying your drone, adding convenience for commentary or instructions. If you want even better audio, you can connect a DJI Mic 2. Additionally, the controller offers 128 GB of internal storage, ideal for screen recordings or installing apps.
One of the standout features of the RC Pro 2 is its ability to run apps beyond just the DJI Fly app. Thanks to its Android-based system, you can install third-party apps, browse the internet using Firefox, or even watch YouTube videos directly on the controller’s screen—something the RC2 simply cannot do.
Video Transmission and Compatibility
The DJI RC Pro 2 supports OcuSync 4+, the latest video transmission technology, ensuring a reliable connection and excellent video quality. With OcuSync 4, the RC Pro 2 is compatible with not only the Mavic 4 Pro but also other DJI drones like the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, and Air 3S, offering more versatility and usability across DJI’s drone lineup.
Article Summary
The DJI RC Pro 2 is a significant step up from previous models, thanks to its bright, high-quality screen, customizable controls, and advanced features. While it’s not perfect—issues like the loud fan and the sensitivity of the flight sticks may require some fine-tuning—it is still the best DJI controller I have used. Whether you’re flying the Mavic 4 Pro, Mini 4 Pro, or Air 3S, this controller will provide a fantastic flying experience.
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