In my opinion, it's a controller built into a smart monitor via Android and OcuSync 2.0 and packed in with lots of other features and with the convenience alone, it is more that worth the price. Now I can use my phone as a phone without bring all the extra bits. And just a note, all the other tech companies are overpriced.
yes true..atleast if he got the smart controller in hand,can compare the screen brightness as good crystal sky or otherwise not just review by what dji mention on the paper or else
Brett Garamella oh wow, didn't know the Mavic Pro controller was that price, so this price is kind of accurate for what it features.. Thank you Brett for the reply! 👍🏻
As someone who flies in direct sunlight most of the time, you're waaay off with what you said about brightness. Turning up the iPad brightness does not compare with using an actual outdoor monitor. I have used the CrystalSkys, I have flown with iPads and most frequently my note 10. Screen size is nice but those shades never work as well as you thing they will. Also, there clunky, don't ever fit flush and light always seems to leek in. Plus it adds so much more time to setup. Having a bright monitor like the pro controller or the crystalsky is game changing. Anyone who works in film or does commercial flying will tell you this. The brightness alone is worth it with these. Anyone who wants the brightness of the controller and the screen size of an iPad, I would recommend the crystal sky, they have them in 10 inch screen sizes.
The Smart Controller is indeed love/hate - we've put out two videos now summarising the comments that we've had from our members, one focusing on the negatives, one on the positives - regardless this product is for a certain user, it won't suit everyone but for those that its targeted at (like me!), they will love it.
Thanks for the video and comparison/ review. Most reviews and comparisons out there kind of forgeting the fact that you also need to have a tablet, well not forget but when the price is being mentioned the price of the tablet should also be taken into consideration. Tho many people have on, it's not a fair comparison if it's excluded. Thanks again for the video👍👌
My iPad mini 4 sucks when it gets warm/hot out, making it lag and that I don't like at all. One reason I'm considering the new controller, aside from the brighter screen. Have you not seen lag in hot weather with your iPad? They heat up too much.
Big advantage is that you can have 2 controllers and have a 2nd person to control the camera. Having clean HDMI video output is good for live multi camera broadcast. It costs only 100 less than 5" CrystalSky.
I own the 5.5 Crystal Sky...is the DJI Smart Controller worth buying? I feel that the CS can toggle between several drones whereas the DJI Smart Controller can only connect to drones that utilize Occusync 2.0
Some quarries about DJI Smart Controller (SC)🤔 Q1. What is SRE mode/function on SC? Q2. Does SC have stock Android settings, specifically "Magnify to Zoom"? (Android-Settings>Accessibility>Magnification) (Q2) Useful for Mavic Enterprise Dual since it doesn't have Digital Zoom! Please check these out, thanks🙏
Well said, Brett. You did miss one great alternative. I use the iPad Mini. You still get a large screen AND it fits in the jaws of the regular remote. I got excited about the new Smart Controler but I am over it in one day. Not going to spend that kind of money. Thanks for all you do.
Hey Brett! Thanks again for the great info. I bought the Mavic 2 Pro instead of the zoom after watching your comparison vid. You are the man! I can't believe the smart controller is not allowed in the US yet. I am however living in Sint Maarten until September, so I've been looking for a more portable option here in the Caribbean aside from the DJI RE Goggles I use. I feel like I lose range using those as well. The phone screen's just aren't bright enough in this amazing mid day sunshine. Hopefully I can grab one soon :)
Brett Garamella so I believe I could use a usb if I were to use my iPad, which is great, but wouldn’t be able to use that bottom plug if the phone were mounted. What I meant though was that the DJI goggles use occusync with the Mavic 2 Pro and aren’t connected with a wire to the controller at all. So I’m not sure what to do regarding improved range with those. Although I noticed that using the analog antenna gives me a bit extra distance ... even though it’s only supposed to be for analog radio using racing drones.. right?
Thanks for your unbiased (you didn’t get a free one that you could only say good stuff about) opinion. Well I’ve had many hours on many DJI drones with my iPad mini 4. However the bright screen, and all in one form factor has sold it too me! Ordered and shipped to me today 👍
What do you think will be offered controller wise with the upcoming P5 and Inspire 3. Will this work with them ? Will the design of another controller appear? The design of the P4 controller has been around a while now .
My Galaxy S8 plus matches its brightness and has a bigger screen . Certainly this new controller is not for me, plus I use a iPad mini 4 on cloudy days of when I can fly standing or sitting in the shade. Big screen rocks ! Not much to brag about especially the price. WTF DJI what are you thinking ...? Does it come with Vaseline. ? I love my Mavic Pro and still thinking about making another purchase (zoom) soon but we all pay the top dog the big $$$ don’t we.
Brett, good info. Does the smart remote have GPS so that the maps will be there or do you have to cache them? Also, I use an ipad mini 4 and it gets really hot and sometimes shuts down because of the heat in the summer. Lastly, do you know if the dji share, shares the videos in full 4k to your iphone/jpad? Thanks!
yep try changing the on screen options with a huge light shade on it - fail. The smart controller is a brilliant solution to all the fiddly setups, trying to connect the phone, the wires getting in the way, etc- smart controller ordered! ipad great for screen real-estate but very very bad in bright light
Dear Brett, the DroneDeploy app does not work with DJI Smart Controller. I use this app to work with my DJI Drone. Could you please help me? Thanks. RRos
@@brettgaramella hello! The firmware is always updated. The app installed, however it does not run... Maybe some conflict with Google Play or something like that...
@@brettgaramella I have contacted DJI Support by Forum. They recommended that I contact Drone Deploy about this issue, because they would need to adapt their app to work on the smart controller. Basically, DJI told em that they would need to get the relevant software development kit from DJI and produce a version that works with the smart controller hardware. Could you help me contacting the DroneDeploy Support, because my Enghish is poor. Thank you veru much Brett! RRos
Does anyone know if the smart controller supports multiple model memory? If you have more than one Mavic 2 (A pro and a zoom) can one controller be used with both drones to the extent that you can quickly and easily switch between either of the drones utilizing only a single smart controller?
No it does not support multiple model memory. You'll have to link to either the zoom OR the pro separately. So even though the remote will work on both. You'll just have to take the time to do the linking process whenever switching drones.
Drone fan CCO that’s a deal breaker for me unfortunately. I’m not buying two of these things. But I hate using my phone. “Smart controller” my ass... 🤨 thanks for getting back to me!
Brett Garamella I may look into it, I have an iPad mini that’s just been sitting in my desk that doesn’t get used for anything. More than likely I’ll just end up buying two of these controllers. It would be nice if they would offer some sort of trade-in value for the existing controllers. Especially considering the new smart controller is only adding $400 to the cost of buying a new Mavic 2. But for everyone else who already bought a Mavic two, it’s over $600. Doesn’t really seem fair.
Roger Hi looking to bye the DJI Mavic 2 pro. Hi the smart controller has the battery in it - when continually charging the whole unit - how long will it last 1 to ???? years . No one is talking about the battery life. Does it mean you then have to throw the unit away or sent it away , more money $$$$$$$$.
The new dji smart controller is worth it for new buyers. Existing M2P/Zoom owners who recently bought their drones will have to make their individual justifications for upgrading to the new controller. Dji designed the old kit and gave customers the option to use their own available displays running on android and IOS. No big deal keeping the old or buying a new controller. A buyers market I guess.
You cannot review something you don’t have or never tried. Everything you say is against getting the Smart Controller. I have it and think it was a great investment.
I haven't seen anyone post about successfully running 3rd party apps for mapping other than Litchi (because it's Amazon store). As CrystalSKy owners know, the other apps rely on Google Play Services, which can be sideloaded or downloaded as an APK, but usually are very unstable, crash once you lauch the apps and try to use them, they give errors that Google Play doesn't support the device. So Drone Deploy, Pix4D, Google Maps, GSPro, other apps used for mapping are very questionable on this closed Android system. If anyone that has actually used the controller with these apps without sideloading are using an APK from APKpure or one of the other questionable outlets, let us know.
Nope. I have a CrystalSky which I use for all my drones... And that is a cheaper, more versatile option. I don't like using 3rd party devices and phones because the other software competes continuously for GPS, Wifi and other resources of the device, which the Go app is VERY resource hungry for in operation. they also interfere more than a dedicated crystal sky with the transmission system. On my CrystalSky I get no crashes, no disconnects, and far less frequent, less unstable updates to the firmware and software
HDMI is great option . for use mavic 2 u should get a mobile device by 600 dollars . in long time battery device was damage . i thins this control was good .
I can’t imagine a a shade doing a darn thing. You eye pupil restricts, I don’t have glare issues. I shoot on snow in bright Sun, it just too darn dark. One tree has no definition from another, they are all black, no depth.
Nice video valuable info👍 At 6:16 you mentioned power bank, curious to know if you could charge existing/current Mavic 2 remote controller with a power bank while you are flying the drone🙄
@@brettgaramella I completly agree, never leave for the field without 100% charge. Its when Im mapping and using 5-6 batteries one after the other is when I wish that the controller battery was replaceable. Power bank is not a terrible work around just not ideal.
Not worth it, the price for it is outrageous for what it offers. I agree with you, it’s better to have an Ipad. Still I believe there will be lots of people wasting their money on this gadget just because they have the cash to do so
Save it for when you`ve had one for a while! Soon as you said you don`t actually have one yet and basing it on previous mavic models/experience I thought "here we go" Then after saying it s not worth it you went on for 4 minuites why the s.c. IS an advantage - cables and nasty hood looking things to mess about with - battery life on a phone pad. You said it yourself - expecting to be scrutinised for it! I had enough after that 4 mins. Remember the adage, A little information can be dangerous. BTW you spent half hour saying you had no affiliation with the sc, [no xxxx sherlock!] after the 4 mins I saw who do you have one with?
Yeah I am totally independent... I have used the smart controller with some of my friends, but I prefer the iPad - more screen real estate and less buggy. Plus, I can use my iPad for other things.
Thanks for this biased review of something you havent tried, or even had in your hands! And you start by saying "I'm gonna make an honest review based on experience" Thanks for wasting my time BIG thumbs down!
$1050 in Australia for something that should have come with the drone in the first place, DJI lost me, this ridiculously priced controller was the straw that broke the camels back, DJI are just raping us. Plus the screen should be above the sticks not below, you eyes are above your hands.
This review is pointless!!!! 1. You have to use the product substantially to get an accurate description, opinion, usage. 2. You keep comparing an iPad!! Not everyone has an iPad! So they need to rake that cost into consideration. Even if you go buy an iPad it’s still inferior to the controller other than screen real estate. Not to mention ANY OTHER IPAD, I pad mini has a min of 29 ms lag so take that into consideration. If you have the money buy the controller. If you don’t just know your options.
Why can't they make a drone that operates with the controller without having to fly with having to have WIFI or any other complicated techknowledgy? I would only by keeping drone in sight.
I stopped watching the second you said you didn’t have the remote, if you don’t have the product don’t review it simple as that. Please stop contributing to the scum on YT
10 SECRETS For Cinematic Drone Shots: thedronepilotpro.com
In my opinion, it's a controller built into a smart monitor via Android and OcuSync 2.0 and packed in with lots of other features and with the convenience alone, it is more that worth the price. Now I can use my phone as a phone without bring all the extra bits. And just a note, all the other tech companies are overpriced.
good review but if you don't have it in you hands it's hard to make an honest review..
Pretty stupid review considering he doesn't even have one
yes true..atleast if he got the smart controller in hand,can compare the screen brightness as good crystal sky or otherwise not just review by what dji mention on the paper or else
Great video Brett, the controller could be awesome to get if the price was around $350/$399 but $649??? Too much money I think..
Brett Garamella oh wow, didn't know the Mavic Pro controller was that price, so this price is kind of accurate for what it features.. Thank you Brett for the reply! 👍🏻
Brett Garamella does it work with mavic pro
As someone who flies in direct sunlight most of the time, you're waaay off with what you said about brightness. Turning up the iPad brightness does not compare with using an actual outdoor monitor. I have used the CrystalSkys, I have flown with iPads and most frequently my note 10. Screen size is nice but those shades never work as well as you thing they will. Also, there clunky, don't ever fit flush and light always seems to leek in. Plus it adds so much more time to setup. Having a bright monitor like the pro controller or the crystalsky is game changing. Anyone who works in film or does commercial flying will tell you this. The brightness alone is worth it with these. Anyone who wants the brightness of the controller and the screen size of an iPad, I would recommend the crystal sky, they have them in 10 inch screen sizes.
Hoping you see this. "I would recommend the crystal sky, they have them in 10 inch screen sizes." I only see that the biggest size is 7.85".
The Smart Controller is indeed love/hate - we've put out two videos now summarising the comments that we've had from our members, one focusing on the negatives, one on the positives - regardless this product is for a certain user, it won't suit everyone but for those that its targeted at (like me!), they will love it.
Thanks for the video and comparison/ review. Most reviews and comparisons out there kind of forgeting the fact that you also need to have a tablet, well not forget but when the price is being mentioned the price of the tablet should also be taken into consideration. Tho many people have on, it's not a fair comparison if it's excluded. Thanks again for the video👍👌
Nice.But shoulden you wait until you tried hands on the controller before you comment.Other than that your input is very good to have.Thanks
My iPad mini 4 sucks when it gets warm/hot out, making it lag and that I don't like at all. One reason I'm considering the new controller, aside from the brighter screen. Have you not seen lag in hot weather with your iPad? They heat up too much.
Big advantage is that you can have 2 controllers and have a 2nd person to control the camera. Having clean HDMI video output is good for live multi camera broadcast. It costs only 100 less than 5" CrystalSky.
If my options are between buying an iPad and buying the smart controller. Which would be the better option? Considering the prices are similar
I own the 5.5 Crystal Sky...is the DJI Smart Controller worth buying? I feel that the CS can toggle between several drones whereas the DJI Smart Controller can only connect to drones that utilize Occusync 2.0
Some quarries about DJI Smart Controller (SC)🤔
Q1. What is SRE mode/function on SC?
Q2. Does SC have stock Android settings, specifically "Magnify to Zoom"?
(Android-Settings>Accessibility>Magnification)
(Q2) Useful for Mavic Enterprise Dual since it doesn't have Digital Zoom!
Please check these out, thanks🙏
Well said, Brett. You did miss one great alternative. I use the iPad Mini. You still get a large screen AND it fits in the jaws of the regular remote. I got excited about the new Smart Controler but I am over it in one day. Not going to spend that kind of money. Thanks for all you do.
But you have to have an iPad mini………..
@@MrJayharr58 smart.
If you have to pick your choice. Which will you recommend vs with the epson moverio?
Hey Brett! Thanks again for the great info. I bought the Mavic 2 Pro instead of the zoom after watching your comparison vid. You are the man! I can't believe the smart controller is not allowed in the US yet. I am however living in Sint Maarten until September, so I've been looking for a more portable option here in the Caribbean aside from the DJI RE Goggles I use. I feel like I lose range using those as well. The phone screen's just aren't bright enough in this amazing mid day sunshine. Hopefully I can grab one soon :)
Brett Garamella so I believe I could use a usb if I were to use my iPad, which is great, but wouldn’t be able to use that bottom plug if the phone were mounted. What I meant though was that the DJI goggles use occusync with the Mavic 2 Pro and aren’t connected with a wire to the controller at all. So I’m not sure what to do regarding improved range with those. Although I noticed that using the analog antenna gives me a bit extra distance ... even though it’s only supposed to be for analog radio using racing drones.. right?
Thanks for your unbiased (you didn’t get a free one that you could only say good stuff about) opinion.
Well I’ve had many hours on many DJI drones with my iPad mini 4. However the bright screen, and all in one form factor has sold it too me!
Ordered and shipped to me today 👍
What do you think will be offered controller wise with the upcoming P5 and Inspire 3. Will this work with them ? Will the design of another controller appear? The design of the P4 controller has been around a while now .
Should I buy the DJI Mavic Pro or the phantom because that is all I can buy
The self heating batteries can be used in all the M2 's. Enterprise, zoom, M2Pro. I have all of them and the self heating batteries
My Galaxy S8 plus matches its brightness and has a bigger screen . Certainly this new controller is not for me, plus I use a iPad mini 4 on cloudy days of when I can fly standing or sitting in the shade. Big screen rocks ! Not much to brag about especially the price. WTF DJI what are you thinking ...? Does it come with Vaseline. ? I love my Mavic Pro and still thinking about making another purchase (zoom) soon but we all pay the top dog the big $$$ don’t we.
Brett, good info. Does the smart remote have GPS so that the maps will be there or do you have to cache them? Also, I use an ipad mini 4 and it gets really hot and sometimes shuts down because of the heat in the summer. Lastly, do you know if the dji share, shares the videos in full 4k to your iphone/jpad? Thanks!
I was skeptical when you said that you don't even own one but you still provided some good content here. Thanks.
Does it have better range?
Have this for a year and even while the price is higher than you like to spend I can truly say that it is worth it.
I have the Smart Controller and love it.
yep try changing the on screen options with a huge light shade on it - fail. The smart controller is a brilliant solution to all the fiddly setups, trying to connect the phone, the wires getting in the way, etc- smart controller ordered! ipad great for screen real-estate but very very bad in bright light
Dear Brett, the DroneDeploy app does not work with DJI Smart Controller. I use this app to work with my DJI Drone. Could you please help me? Thanks. RRos
@@brettgaramella hello! The firmware is always updated. The app installed, however it does not run... Maybe some conflict with Google Play or something like that...
@@brettgaramella I have contacted DJI Support by Forum. They recommended that I contact Drone Deploy about this issue, because they would need to adapt their app to work on the smart controller. Basically, DJI told em that they would need to get the relevant software development kit from DJI and produce a version that works with the smart controller hardware. Could you help me contacting the DroneDeploy Support, because my Enghish is poor. Thank you veru much Brett! RRos
Thanks for the thoughtful comments. I think having more batteries and blades is a better way of spending that money.
Does anyone know if the smart controller supports multiple model memory? If you have more than one Mavic 2 (A pro and a zoom) can one controller be used with both drones to the extent that you can quickly and easily switch between either of the drones utilizing only a single smart controller?
No it does not support multiple model memory.
You'll have to link to either the zoom OR the pro separately.
So even though the remote will work on both. You'll just have to take the time to do the linking process whenever switching drones.
Drone fan CCO that’s a deal breaker for me unfortunately. I’m not buying two of these things. But I hate using my phone. “Smart controller” my ass... 🤨 thanks for getting back to me!
Brett Garamella I may look into it, I have an iPad mini that’s just been sitting in my desk that doesn’t get used for anything. More than likely I’ll just end up buying two of these controllers. It would be nice if they would offer some sort of trade-in value for the existing controllers. Especially considering the new smart controller is only adding $400 to the cost of buying a new Mavic 2. But for everyone else who already bought a Mavic two, it’s over $600. Doesn’t really seem fair.
I must buy this it might cost $700 in Switzerland but not too expensive
Roger Hi looking to bye the DJI Mavic 2 pro.
Hi the smart controller has the battery in it - when continually charging the whole unit - how long will it last 1 to ???? years . No one is talking about the battery life. Does it mean you then have to throw the unit away or sent it away , more money $$$$$$$$.
I think it's brilliant has more features than you mentioned
The new dji smart controller is worth it for new buyers. Existing M2P/Zoom owners who recently bought their drones will have to make their individual justifications for upgrading to the new controller. Dji designed the old kit and gave customers the option to use their own available displays running on android and IOS. No big deal keeping the old or buying a new controller. A buyers market I guess.
But there is no support for Pix4D, Aero Ranger, Drone Harmony, ETC
Fantastic!
Hi , great video ... But I am waiting for the Smart controller 2 , I have the money already save for it .:)))))))
You cannot review something you don’t have or never tried. Everything you say is against getting the Smart Controller. I have it and think it was a great investment.
Glad to hear you like it.
@@brettgaramella You should do a follow-up review now that you have it!
GPS?
Well just bought an iPad so i don't think ill be getting the smart controller anytime soon 😅
I haven't seen anyone post about successfully running 3rd party apps for mapping other than Litchi (because it's Amazon store). As CrystalSKy owners know, the other apps rely on Google Play Services, which can be sideloaded or downloaded as an APK, but usually are very unstable, crash once you lauch the apps and try to use them, they give errors that Google Play doesn't support the device. So Drone Deploy, Pix4D, Google Maps, GSPro, other apps used for mapping are very questionable on this closed Android system. If anyone that has actually used the controller with these apps without sideloading are using an APK from APKpure or one of the other questionable outlets, let us know.
Nope. I have a CrystalSky which I use for all my drones... And that is a cheaper, more versatile option. I don't like using 3rd party devices and phones because the other software competes continuously for GPS, Wifi and other resources of the device, which the Go app is VERY resource hungry for in operation. they also interfere more than a dedicated crystal sky with the transmission system. On my CrystalSky I get no crashes, no disconnects, and far less frequent, less unstable updates to the firmware and software
HDMI is great option . for use mavic 2 u should get a mobile device by 600 dollars . in long time battery device was damage . i thins this control was good .
I can’t imagine a a shade doing a darn thing. You eye pupil restricts, I don’t have glare issues. I shoot on snow in bright Sun, it just too darn dark. One tree has no definition from another, they are all black, no depth.
Nice video valuable info👍 At 6:16 you mentioned power bank, curious to know if you could charge existing/current Mavic 2 remote controller with a power bank while you are flying the drone🙄
Yes it is possible, I have used a power bank to charge the remote while in flight many times.
@@brettgaramella I completly agree, never leave for the field without 100% charge. Its when Im mapping and using 5-6 batteries one after the other is when I wish that the controller battery was replaceable. Power bank is not a terrible work around just not ideal.
Cool story bro
That would be a damn big lipstick!
Great vid bro..
Thank you Brett, I guess plenty of people have a lot of money to throw away. I'll save $650 and take 60 seconds to plug in a cable.
There are a lot of people that don't like ios
Not worth it, the price for it is outrageous for what it offers. I agree with you, it’s better to have an Ipad. Still I believe there will be lots of people wasting their money on this gadget just because they have the cash to do so
How the hell are you gonna shit on a controller you dont even own? No wonder you got hella dislikes on this video.
I've used it but I didn't like it enough to buy it.
No it’s not worth $649
Not worth it at all and they make shorter hoods for the iPad. I’m using an iPad Air 2.
Ill stick with my Crystal Sky
Yeahh......this time..😎😎😎😂..but brett is smarter ..
Save it for when you`ve had one for a while! Soon as you said you don`t actually have one yet and basing it on previous mavic models/experience I thought "here we go" Then after saying it s not worth it you went on for 4 minuites why the s.c. IS an advantage - cables and nasty hood looking things to mess about with - battery life on a phone pad. You said it yourself - expecting to be scrutinised for it! I had enough after that 4 mins. Remember the adage, A little information can be dangerous. BTW you spent half hour saying you had no affiliation with the sc, [no xxxx sherlock!] after the 4 mins I saw who do you have one with?
Yeah I am totally independent... I have used the smart controller with some of my friends, but I prefer the iPad - more screen real estate and less buggy. Plus, I can use my iPad for other things.
Thanks for this biased review of something you havent tried, or even had in your hands! And you start by saying "I'm gonna make an honest review based on experience" Thanks for wasting my time BIG thumbs down!
$1050 in Australia for something that should have come with the drone in the first place, DJI lost me, this ridiculously priced controller was the straw that broke the camels back, DJI are just raping us. Plus the screen should be above the sticks not below, you eyes are above your hands.
You say it is brighter than any other smartphone device.
It is not.
I use a Samsung Galaxy Note 9. 1200 Nits.
I am not hungry because I don’t have 💰 to buy food or I need some excise I don’t have a car blah blah lol
The advantage is not having to use your phone and cables and hood shades , Duh
Thank you bud. too much expensive.
This review is pointless!!!!
1. You have to use the product substantially to get an accurate description, opinion, usage.
2. You keep comparing an iPad!! Not everyone has an iPad! So they need to rake that cost into consideration. Even if you go buy an iPad it’s still inferior to the controller other than screen real estate. Not to mention ANY OTHER IPAD, I pad mini has a min of 29 ms lag so take that into consideration.
If you have the money buy the controller. If you don’t just know your options.
I still use an iPad today and love it, but if you enjoy the controller go for it.
Why can't they make a drone that operates with the controller without having to fly with having to have WIFI or any other complicated techknowledgy? I would only by keeping drone in sight.
Fuck no, it's not worth it.
No it isn't worth $450.00 much less $650.00
Prices are always changing.
Hell no it is so overpriced.
I stopped watching the second you said you didn’t have the remote, if you don’t have the product don’t review it simple as that. Please stop contributing to the scum on YT