The DJI Smart Controller for the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom drones has been announced at CES. The Smart Controller features an ultra-bright display screen and optimized controls and allows users to fly the Mavic Pro 2 and Mavic Zoom without using a smartphone or tablet.
DJI Smart Controller
The DJI Smart Controller features a 5.5” screen built into the controller itself. It has been designed so that you no longer need to connect to a mobile device. This makes the whole process of getting your drone up in the air a lot quicker and easier. It can be paired with DJI’s newest drones including Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic 2 Pro which use DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 video transmission system. The DJI Smart Controller supports automatic switching between 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, reducing the influence of environmental interference on drone operation and image quality. This also ensures reliable long-range transmission at distances of up to 8 km.
Users can take advantage of its compact, highly portable design that has been optimized for use in direct sunlight. The ultra-bright display has an output of 1000 cd/m2, twice the brightness of standard smartphones. The brightness can be manually and automatically adjusted. When Auto mode is enabled, the DJI Smart Controller will automatically adjust its brightness using a built-in light sensor, making it optimal for the human eye according to the surrounding environment.
The DJI Smart Controller comes with a built-in microphone and speaker for expanded options such as live streaming. It can also playback video through the HDMI port at 4K 60fps with H.264 and H.265.
A customizable Android dashboard supports DJI GO 4, DJI Pilot, along with various third-party apps such as editing programs. The DJI GO 4 app also touts several new features including SkyTalk, that allows pilots to live stream the drone’s camera feed to social channels including Facebook, Instagram, and WeChat.
Another new feature is DJI GO-Share which easily transfers imagery from the Controller to your mobile device. The DJI Smart Controller brings a new level of reliability when flying, with 2.5 hours of battery life and the ability to operate in adverse temperatures as cold as -4°Fahrenheit and as hot as 104°Fahrenheit.
What is interesting is that users can download third-party apps through the built-in browser or install APK files from a microSD card. (DJI will not be liable for any permission or safety issues resulting from the use of third-party apps. If an installed third-party app prevents you from enjoying optimal use of your controller, DJI suggests you remove the app or restore the controller to the original factory settings.)
Price and Availability
The new Smart Controller will be available for purchase beginning in early 2019 for the retail price of $749 USD. Combination packages of the Smart Controller with Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom will be available as well.
Is it worth the high asking price?
The Smart Controller looks to be a great idea, but to me, it seems extremely pricey given the fact it is going to cost almost half the price of a Mavic Pro 2 or Mavic 2 Zoom. What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.
Specifications
DJI Smart Controller
OcuSync 2.0
Operation Frequency Range
2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.725-5.850 GHz[1]
Max Transmission Distance (unobstructed, free of interference)
2.400-2.4835 GHz:
8 km (FCC), 4 km (CE), 4 km (SRRC), 4 km (MIC)
5.725-5.850 GHz:
8 km (FCC), 2 km (CE), 5 km (SRRC)
Transmitter Power (EIRP)
2.400-2.4835 GHz:
25.5 dBm (FCC), 18.5 dBm (CE), 19 dBm (SRRC), 18.5 dBm (MIC)
5.725-5.850 GHz:
25.5 dBm (FCC), 12.5 dBm (CE), 18.5 dBm (SRRC)
Wi-Fi Protocol
Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless Display, 802.11a/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi with 2×2 MIMO is supported
Operation Frequency Range
2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.150-5.250 GHz
5.725-5.850 GHz
Transmitter Power (EIRP)
2.400-2.4835 GHz:
21.5 dBm (FCC), 18.5 dBm (CE)
18.5 dBm (SRRC), 20.5 dBm (MIC)
5.150-5.250 GHz:
19 dBm (FCC), 19 dBm (CE)
19 dBm (SRRC), 19 dBm (MIC)
5.725-5.850 GHz:
21 dBm (FCC), 13 dBm (CE), 21 dBm (SRRC)
Bluetooth Protocol
Bluetooth 4.2
Operation Frequency Range
2.400-2.4835 GHz
Transmitter Power (EIRP)
4 dBm (FCC), 4 dBm (CE), 4 dBm (SRRC), 4 dBm (MIC)
Battery
18650 Li-ion (5000 mAh @ 7.2 V)
Charge Type
Supports USB power adapters rated 12 V/2 A
Rated Power
15 W
Storage Capacity
ROM 16 GB + scalable (microSD)
Charging Time
2 hours (using a USB power adapter rated 12 V/2 A)
Working Time
2.5 hours
Video Output Port
HDMI Port
Power Supply Current / Voltage (USB-A port)
5 V/ 900 mA
Operation Temperature Range
-4° to 104° F (-20° to 40° C)
Storage Temperature Range
<1 month: -22° to 140° F (-30° to 60° C)
1-3 months: -22° to 113° F (-30° to 45° C)
3-6 months: -22° to 95° F (-30° to 35° C)
>6 months: -22° to 77° F (-30° to 25° C)
Charging Temperature Range
41° to 104° F (5° to 40° C)
Supported Aircraft Models
Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom
GNSS
GPS+GLONASS
Weight
Approx. 630 g
Supported SD cards
microSD™
Supports microSD cards with a capacity of up to 128 GB and R/W speed up to UHS-I Speed Grade 3
