The DJI RC Pro 2 is a major upgrade in the world of drone controllers, offering impressive functionality and performance. In this review, I’ll dive deep into the build quality, features, screen capabilities, and overall flight experience. Let’s see if this controller truly lives up to the hype.
DJI RC Pro 2
DJI has made an incredible leap with the release of the RC Pro 2, a controller that comes packed with advanced features. This new design is incredibly exciting for drone enthusiasts, with a fully rotatable screen that folds down and goes into sleep mode. It is compatible with several recent DJI drones, including the Mavic 4 Pro, the Air 3, the Air 3S, and the Mini 4 Pro.
Solid Construction
As soon as you pick up the RC Pro 2, the high-quality build is evident. The controller is equipped with several exclusive buttons, such as a dial and a 5D button, which have become a staple in DJI’s designs. You’ll also find a back button, full-size HDMI port, and an array of microphones that ensure clear audio for your recordings. The built-in microphone system is handy, especially when you want to narrate during a flight.
At the bottom, there are C1 and C2 buttons, and the antennas fold down for a comfortable, compact design. The thumbsticks remain in place even when folded, which is a thoughtful design feature that eliminates the need to remove them for transport. On the back, there’s a small port for connecting a dongle, and USB-C and microSD slots are also included.
Comfortable Design
I particularly love the foldable antenna design, which allows the controller to be angled towards the drone without any hassle. The screen is also easy to interact with, as I never find myself bumping into the screen while adjusting the thumbsticks. The range of motion for the screen is impressive too, allowing it to tilt backward and forward without obstructing any controls. This flexibility enhances the overall user experience, especially during long flights.
Quick Setup
The setup process with the RC Pro 2 is faster than ever. As soon as you unfold the drone, it powers on automatically. Similarly, unfolding the RC Pro 2 screen instantly wakes the controller, making it one of the quickest flight setups I’ve experienced with DJI.
Screen Rotating Feature
A standout feature of the RC Pro 2 is the rotating screen, which also flips the camera on the Mavic 4 Pro. This functionality works flawlessly, and it’s incredibly easy to switch between portrait and landscape modes. You can even adjust the tilt of the screen, offering great flexibility in how you view and control the camera feed.
Controls and Dials
The RC Pro 2 comes with several customizable controls. The main dial allows you to adjust the exposure value (EV) in auto mode and fine-tune settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture in pro mode. The dial’s functionality extends to adjusting focal lengths, zooming in and out, and controlling the tilt. All of these controls are easy to access without having to touch the screen, which is incredibly useful, especially when flying in cold environments or when wearing gloves.
The 5D button, which allows you to navigate through various menus and options with ease, is another valuable addition. Customization is key here, as the controller allows you to adjust different settings like cruise control, camera focus, FPV mode, and more, all through simple button presses.
Stunning Display
The RC Pro 2’s screen is a 7-inch mini-LED display with 10-bit color support and a peak brightness of 2000 nits. The 1920×1200 resolution provides crisp visuals, while real-time HDR footage enhances your flying experience. The display also supports multiple formats, such as D-Log and HLG, ensuring that the color reproduction is accurate and vivid.
Editing on the Go
A major bonus with the RC Pro 2 is its built-in editing capabilities. You can import footage from your drone and edit it directly on the controller. The 128GB of built-in storage allows you to save and edit content on the fly, which is incredibly convenient for content creators. Whether you’re adjusting the video resolution, adding text, or applying filters, the editing system is intuitive and powerful.
The editing suite also allows you to export your videos in various formats and directly upload them to social media, which is a great feature for those who need quick turnarounds on their content.
DJI Simulator
The RC Pro 2 also comes with a full-featured simulator, enabling you to practice flying the Mavic 4 Pro without leaving the ground. The simulator is highly realistic, offering full control of the drone and camera, and includes features like focus tracking and cruise control. The experience is highly immersive and provides a fantastic opportunity for both beginners and experienced pilots to refine their skills.
OcuSync 4 Plus and Range
One of the key performance features of the RC Pro 2 is its OcuSync 4 Plus technology, which provides up to 30 km of range. While this level of range is often unnecessary for most users, it’s reassuring to know that the controller has plenty of wiggle room for environments with potential interference. The controller also handles processing demands without any lag or latency, ensuring a smooth flying experience.
Dynamic Home Points
The RC Pro 2 also includes dynamic home points, which update in real time. This feature allows the drone to follow you if you’re on the move, such as when you’re in a car. Instead of the drone returning to the takeoff point, it will adjust its home point dynamically as you move, which is a fantastic feature for active or fast-paced shoots.
Built-in Microphone
The built-in microphone system is another practical feature of the RC Pro 2. You can record your voice while flying and narrate your experience. This is particularly useful for creating tutorial content or capturing moments when something important happens during a flight, such as spotting wildlife or capturing a perfect shot.
Live Streaming and HDMI Output
Improved live streaming support is another bonus of the RC Pro 2. The controller supports RTMP, and while third-party streaming solutions are coming soon, the HDMI output feature allows for screen mirroring or live view-only options, which is great for broadcasting content.
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Article Summary
Overall, the DJI RC Pro 2 is a phenomenal controller that enhances the overall drone flying experience. It is by far the best controller I’ve used from DJI, thanks to its extensive range of features and excellent performance. From the rotatable screen and customizable controls to the powerful editing and simulator features, this controller takes your drone experience to the next level.
