After three months of flying drones with the DJI RC Pro 2 and DJI RC 2 in Norway and on the go, I’m sharing my honest, unsponsored take on whether the €1,299 RC Pro 2 is worth the upgrade over the €379 RC 2. From stunning screen quality to portability challenges, this review dives into real-world use for hiking, travel, and cinematic filming. Whether you’re a drone enthusiast or a professional creator, here’s everything you need to know to decide which controller suits your adventures.
Key Points
- The DJI RC Pro 2 offers superior screen quality and advanced features, but it’s bulkier and more expensive than the DJI RC 2.
- For hiking and travel, the lighter, more portable DJI RC 2 seems better, especially for 70% of flights.
- For static filming, the RC Pro 2 is likely worth the investment if budget allows, due to its enhanced screen and features.
- Research suggests the choice depends on your needs: portability for travel or premium features for professional use.
Screen Quality and Features
The DJI RC Pro 2 has a 7-inch Mini-LED screen with 2000 nits peak brightness, offering a stunning visual experience compared to the DJI RC 2’s 5.5-inch FHD screen. It also includes features like screen rotation, an HDMI port for external display, and compatibility with the DJI mic system, which are great for professional or static filming. However, these features may be less critical for on-the-go use.
Portability and Price
The RC Pro 2 is heavier (750g vs. 420g) and bulkier, making it less ideal for hiking or travel, where the lighter DJI RC 2 is more practical. At €1,299, the RC Pro 2 is significantly more expensive than the RC 2 at €379, which might not be justified for everyone, especially if portability is a priority.
Usage Context
For 70% of flights, especially during hikes, the DJI RC 2 seems to be the better choice due to its smaller size and ease of carrying. For static filming or situations where screen quality and advanced features matter, the RC Pro 2 is likely the preferred option, provided you can afford it.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of DJI RC Pro 2 vs. DJI RC 2
This note provides a comprehensive analysis of the DJI RC Pro 2 and DJI RC 2 remote controllers, based on the user’s personal experience and available specifications. The user shared their three-month experience using the RC Pro 2, particularly in Norway and during travel, comparing it to the RC 2. This section expands on their observations, incorporating technical details to offer a thorough understanding for potential buyers.
User Experience Overview
The user has been using the DJI RC Pro 2, primarily with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, for three months, focusing on hiking and travel scenarios in Norway. They highlighted the following key points from their experience:
- Screen Quality: The RC Pro 2’s 7-inch Mini-LED screen, with 2000 nits peak brightness and 1600 nits sustainable brightness, was described as “absolutely stunning” and the best they’ve seen in a controller. However, they noted that while the visual experience is satisfying, the final video output from the drone’s camera is what truly matters.
- Portability: The RC Pro 2 was found to be bulkier and heavier compared to the RC 2, making it cumbersome for hiking. The user prefers the RC 2 for 70% of their flights, especially during hikes, due to its lighter weight and smaller footprint.
- Features: The RC Pro 2 offers advanced features like screen rotation (which syncs with the drone’s gimbal for vertical shooting), an HDMI port for external display, and compatibility with the DJI mic system for audio recording. These were appreciated for professional workflows but less relevant for travel.
- Price Consideration: At €1,299, the RC Pro 2 is significantly more expensive than the RC 2 at €379. The user concluded it’s worth it if you can afford it, but not necessary for everyone, especially for travel-focused users.
Detailed Comparison of Specifications
To provide context for the user’s experience, here is a detailed comparison of the DJI RC Pro 2 and DJI RC 2, based on available data from Heliguy DJI RC Pro 2 Review and other sources:
General Specifications
| Feature | DJI RC 2 | DJI RC Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 420g | Approximately 750g |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 168.4 x 132.5 x 46.2 mm (without sticks), 168.4 x 132.5 x 62.7 mm (with sticks) | 182 x 139 x 61 mm |
| Battery Life | 3 hours | 4 hours |
| Battery Capacity | 22.32Wh (3.6V, 3100mAh × 2) | 44.64Wh (7.2V, 3100mAh × 2) |
| Price | €379 | €1,299 |
- Weight and Size: The RC Pro 2’s heavier weight (750g vs. 420g) and slightly larger dimensions align with the user’s observation of it being bulkier, especially for hiking. The RC 2’s compact design is more suitable for on-the-go use.
- Battery Life: The RC Pro 2 offers a longer battery life (4 hours vs. 3 hours), which could be beneficial for extended flights, though the user did not mention this as a deciding factor.
Screen and Display
- DJI RC 2: Features a 5.5-inch FHD screen, which is smaller and likely has lower brightness compared to the RC Pro 2.
- DJI RC Pro 2: Boasts a 7-inch Mini-LED screen with 2000 nits peak brightness and 1600 nits sustainable brightness, supporting 10-bit color depth. This aligns with the user’s praise for its superior visual experience, particularly for static filming.
- User Insight: The user noted that while the screen quality is impressive, it’s mainly for visual satisfaction during flight, with the final drone footage being more critical. They preferred the RC Pro 2 for static shots where screen clarity matters.
Transmission and Range
- DJI RC 2: Uses O4 transmission system, with a maximum distance of 10 km.
- DJI RC Pro 2: Uses O4/O4+ transmission system, with a maximum distance of 15 km, supported by enterprise-level multibeam high-gain antennas.
- User Insight: The user did not mention transmission range as a significant factor, focusing more on portability and screen quality. However, the longer range of the RC Pro 2 could be beneficial in open areas.
Additional Features
- DJI RC 2: Lacks advanced features like an HDMI port, screen rotation, and DJI mic system compatibility.
- DJI RC Pro 2: Includes an HDMI port for connecting to external displays, screen rotation for seamless switching between horizontal and vertical shooting (syncing with the drone’s gimbal), and compatibility with the DJI mic system via USB-C or Bluetooth for audio recording.
- User Insight: The user found the HDMI port useful for sharing footage with a group and appreciated the DJI mic system for workflow efficiency, especially for creators documenting flights. However, these features were less relevant during hikes, where portability was prioritized.
Compatibility
- DJI RC 2: Compatible with drones like DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Air 3S, DJI Air 3, DJI Neo, and DJI Flip.
- DJI RC Pro 2: Compatible with DJI Mavic 4 Pro, DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Air 3S, and DJI Air 3, among others.
- User Insight: The user mentioned using the RC Pro 2 with the Mavic 4 Pro, indicating compatibility was not an issue, but did not compare compatibility extensively.
Practical Implications for Users
The user’s experience highlights a trade-off between portability and premium features:
- For Hiking and Travel: The DJI RC 2’s lighter weight (420g) and smaller size make it more practical for 70% of the user’s flights, especially during hikes. The user noted carrying the RC Pro 2 felt like “walking with a small laptop,” which was cumbersome, particularly with a lanyard where antennas poked their belly.
- For Static Filming: The RC Pro 2 is preferred for situations where the user is stationary, such as capturing cinematic shots. Its superior screen quality, longer battery life, and advanced features like HDMI output and mic compatibility make it ideal for professional or group use.
- Price vs. Value: At €1,299, the RC Pro 2 is a significant investment. The user concluded it’s worth it if you can afford it and prioritize screen quality and features, but for budget-conscious users or those focused on travel, the RC 2 at €379 offers sufficient functionality.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Based on the user’s experience and the detailed comparison, the choice between the DJI RC Pro 2 and DJI RC 2 depends on your specific needs:
- If you frequently hike, travel, or need a portable solution, the DJI RC 2 is likely the better choice due to its lighter weight and lower cost.
- If you prioritize screen quality, advanced features, and are willing to invest in a premium controller for static filming or professional use, the DJI RC Pro 2 is worth considering, provided your budget allows.
This analysis supports the user’s honest, unsponsored opinion that while the RC Pro 2 is an amazing piece of technology, it may be something you want but don’t necessarily need, especially for travel-focused users.
