Good day, folks! Shawn here from Air Photography. I’m out flying my DJI Mavic 4 and thought I’d share my updated thoughts on the DJI RC2 Pro. I’ve already made several videos, including a full review of the RC2 Pro and details in my initial Mavic 4 Pro review, but I wanted to revisit my user experience after using it for a couple of months.
This video is for those on the fence about purchasing it, as it’s a significant investment at $999 USD. Depending on your country, the price may vary. Here in Canada, it’s listed at $999 USD on the DJI website, which converts to about $1,500 CAD with taxes and exchange—a hefty sum for a controller. Does it justify the cost? For me, it’s a yes and no.
DJI RC Pro 2 vs DJI RC 2: What You Get for the Money
The DJI RC2 has more than met my needs over the past couple of years. It’s a great controller with a built-in screen, quick to deploy, and performs well. For most people, the RC2 is more than adequate. However, the RC2 Pro offers compelling upgrades, like its larger 7-inch screen with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. I didn’t realize how much I appreciated this until I switched back to the RC2 a couple of weeks ago. The larger screen makes a noticeable difference for visuals and lining up shots, and the brightness is a game-changer. I’ve grown accustomed to it, and it genuinely enhances the flying experience.
Unique Features of the DJI RC Pro 2
The RC2 Pro’s screen is rotatable, which is great for vertical filming. While I usually film in a traditional aspect ratio and crop for social media, the vertical layout works well for those who prefer it. The DJI Fly app adapts seamlessly, and with drones like the Mavic 4 Pro or Mini 4 Pro, the camera automatically adjusts. The control sticks on the RC2 Pro are slightly softer, with less tension than the RC2. It’s not better or worse—just different. It takes some getting used to, but muscle memory adapts quickly. When I switched back to the RC2, its sticks felt stiffer, but it wasn’t an issue.
Comfort and Portability
I was initially concerned that the RC2 Pro would be bulky or uncomfortable, especially compared to my experience with mounting an iPad on older controllers, which often felt top-heavy. However, DJI nailed the design. The RC2 Pro is comfortable to hold, even for extended flights, and doesn’t feel top-heavy. When folded, it’s only slightly bulkier than the RC2 and fits easily into the R3S bag or the Mini 4 Pro’s bag.
Additional Features
The RC2 Pro includes a built-in microphone, which I don’t use for professional recordings but find handy for screen recordings or embedding audio in Mavic 4 HD videos. This simplifies syncing footage in post-production. The built-in flight simulator is another great feature, offering a realistic experience for beginners or experienced pilots honing their skills. While the RC2 now has a simulator via a firmware update, the RC2 Pro’s version is more advanced.
Media management is also improved. The RC2’s limited memory made file transfers cumbersome, but the RC2 Pro’s 128 GB of internal storage, expandable storage, and built-in files app make it much easier. It also supports clean HDMI output, with or without telemetry, which is a nice touch for some users.
Is the DJI RC Pro 2 Worth the Price?
DJI sent me the RC2 Pro for evaluation, but I’ve been reflecting on whether I’d spend $1,500 CAD to buy it myself. As a drone enthusiast who flies frequently—sometimes almost daily—for fun, YouTube, and commercial work, I think it’s worth it. The RC2 Pro is compatible with my main drones (Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic 4 Pro), and I expect it to remain relevant for future DJI models . I’d love to see DJI make the Avata 2 compatible with this controller for an immersive forest-flying experience on its big screen.
That said, for most users, the RC2 is perfectly adequate. Its flight experience is excellent, and while it requires attaching the sticks (a 10-second task), it’s just as quick to deploy. The RC2 Pro’s premium features are nice but not essential for everyone.
Final Thoughts
That’s my experience with the DJI RC2 Pro after months of use. I hope this video helps answer your questions if you’re considering it. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments: Are you thinking about buying it? If you own it, are you glad you spent the money? Your feedback will be valuable to other viewers. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drones is the DJI RC Pro 2 compatible with?
It is compatible with the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic 4 Pro, and Shawn expects it to remain relevant for future DJI models.
How good is the DJI RC Pro 2's screen?
It has a larger 7-inch screen with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and the screen rotates for vertical filming, with the DJI Fly app adapting automatically.
What does the DJI RC Pro 2 offer over the DJI RC 2?
A larger, brighter screen, 128 GB of internal storage with a files app, clean HDMI output, a built-in microphone, and a more advanced built-in flight simulator. Its control sticks are also slightly softer.
Is the DJI RC Pro 2 worth the money?
For a frequent flyer doing fun, YouTube, and commercial work, yes. For most users the standard RC 2 is perfectly adequate, and the Pro's premium features are nice but not essential.
Is the DJI RC Pro 2 comfortable to carry and hold?
Yes. It is comfortable even for extended flights, doesn't feel top-heavy, and when folded is only slightly bulkier than the RC 2, fitting the R3S bag or the Mini 4 Pro's bag.
