DJI RC Pro 2 and DJI Mini 4 Pro – First Flight

Good day, folks. Shawn here from Air Photography. Today, I’m sharing a quick video about DJI‘s recently launched DJI Mavic 4 Pro and the new RC Pro 2 controller. We’ll take the DJI Mini 4 Pro for a test flight with this new controller, which many are excited about due to its larger, brighter screen. It’s compatible with the Air 3, Air 3S, and Mini 4 Pro.

Is the RC Pro 2 Worth It for DJI Mini 4 Pro Users?

Whether the RC Pro 2 is worth purchasing for Mini 4 Pro users depends on individual needs. Its substantial price tag may deter some, but the larger screen and easy vertical filming capabilities could make it appealing. With that said, let’s get the drone in the air for a quick flight.

Test Flight Experience

There are trees above me, so I’ll need to be cautious. Switching to video mode, we’ll record in 4K 30, which should be sufficient. It’s a beautiful day, and the landscape has transformed significantly in the past couple of weeks. Previously, everything looked barren, but now it’s vibrant. There’s a train passing by, so let’s check it out.

Flying with the RC Pro 2’s 7-inch screen makes framing shots much easier, and its brightness is a major upgrade. Previously, I used an iPad Mini, but its sustained brightness was lacking. As the device warmed up, the screen would dim, sometimes making it hard to see what I was filming. The RC Pro 2’s bright, large screen solves this issue. Earlier, I spotted swans in the water; I’ll fly over to see if they’re still there.

Audio and Editing Features

The RC Pro 2 has a built-in microphone with noise cancellation, a handy feature. I’m currently filming a point-of-view shot with the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, paired with the DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth. The controller’s embedded audio in both screen recordings and HD files simplifies editing by providing audio cues for syncing footage. While I often use my DJI Mic 2 as a field recorder, the built-in microphone is a nice addition, especially with noise reduction for clearer audio.

Vertical Filming and Social Media

For social media creators, the RC Pro 2’s ability to rotate the screen for vertical filming is a standout feature. The Fly app adjusts seamlessly, keeping critical information accessible and making it easier to frame shots in the proper format. Not everyone films vertically, but this feature is a great addition. I hope flipping to vertical during a horizontal screen recording doesn’t cause issues, but I’ll fix it in post if needed.

Dynamic Home Point and Controller Comfort

A common question is whether the DJI RC Pro 2 supports the dynamic home point feature with drones like the Air 3S, Air 3, or Mini 4 Pro. After checking the settings, it appears this feature isn’t available, though a future Firmware Update might add it.

Some may worry about the RC Pro 2’s size and comfort. Initially, it feels different, but I adapted quickly. The lightweight screen prevents the controller from feeling top-heavy, unlike some setups with large tablets. Overall, it’s comfortable to hold.

Flight Observations and Drone Compatibility

With 69% battery remaining, I flew toward the swans, spotting them in the distance. The RC Pro 2’s compatibility with multiple drones, and potentially future DJI releases, adds versatility. I’m unsure if DJI will extend compatibility to older models, but we’ll see.

I avoided getting too close to the swans to avoid disturbing them. With the Mavic 4 Pro’s zoom, I could’ve gotten a closer shot, but trees caused a weak signal. When the signal dropped, the Mini 4 Pro automatically initiated a return-to-home, reconnecting seamlessly—a reliable DJI feature that’s great for new pilots.

Wrapping Up

This flight demonstrated the Mini 4 Pro with the RC Pro 2. If you’d like to see a similar test with the Air 3S, let me know in the comments. I no longer own the Air 3, having upgraded to the Air 3S, but the experience should be similar.

Another question I’ve received is whether the RC Pro 2 fits in the Air 3S case. It does, but adding the charging hub is tight. Removing the batteries from the hub makes it easier to fit everything.

Hopefully, you found this video valuable. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one!