Controlling a 3 Pro with RC-N1?

[GroovyGeek]

Hi, I just purchased a Mavic 3 Pro with a RC Pro controller on the Classifieds forum. As a hiking photographer the RC Pro is too much, both size and weight wise, so I am thinking of selling the Pro and replacing with a RC-N1. Yup, the RC-N1, not the RC with the built in screen. The rationale is straightforward

1. Better range with the N1, I often fly over ridges and around hills
2. Better battery life, even if I recharge the phone
3. Smaller size - even if marginally so
4. I am about to upgrade my aging phone with a S25U, which has 2000 nits peak brightness that simply wipes the floor with the RC

However I am wondering if the N1, with its limited buttons and customization is capable of lens and aperture selection on the 3 Pro, and whether it is just too much hassle to go back to the screen for everything. Thoughts?

 

[GadgetGuy]

Hi, I just purchased a Mavic 3 Pro with a RC Pro controller on the Classifieds forum. As a hiking photographer the RC Pro is too much, both size and weight wise, so I am thinking of selling the Pro and replacing with a RC-N1. Yup, the RC-N1, not the RC with the built in screen. The rationale is straightforward

1. Better range with the N1, I often fly over ridges and around hills
2. Better battery life, even if I recharge the phone
3. Smaller size - even if marginally so
4. I am about to upgrade my aging phone with a S25U, which has 2000 nits peak brightness that simply wipes the floor with the RC

However I am wondering if the N1, with its limited buttons and customization is capable of lens and aperture selection on the 3 Pro, and whether it is just too much hassle to go back to the screen for everything. Thoughts?

It is too much hassle, and you are severely limited when shooting video.

The range on the 1000 nit RC Pro is much better than with the RC-N1.
The RC Pro has two external antennas, while the RC-N1 utilizes the phone's antenna (when used with a mobile device). The RC Pro's dual antennas contribute to a more stable and potentially wider range

The many additional buttons and second scroll wheel with their customization options allows simultaneous elevation of the gimbal and digital zoom when shooting video. This is especially critical when using the Explore mode for continuous 1x-28x video zoom. If you are only shooting stills, you might be able to make do with just the RC-N1.

2000 nits is also only perceived as 25% brighter than 1000 nits.

Experts estimate that the perceived brightness difference between 1000 nits and 2000 nits is closer to 20-25%

 

[GroovyGeek]

It is too much hassle, and you are severely limited when shooting video.

The range on the 1000 nit RC Pro is much better than with the RC-N1 and the additional buttons with their customization allows simultaneous elevation of the gimbal and digital zoom because of the second scroll wheel when shooting video. This is especially critical when using the Explore mode for continuous 1x-28x video zoom. If you are only shooting stills, you might be able to make do with just the RC-N1.

2000 nits is also only perceived as 25% brighter than 1000 nits.

Experts estimate that the perceived brightness difference between 1000 nits and 2000 nits is closer to 20-25%

Except that... I am dunce who has never shot a second of video on their camera or drone, and have little interest in doing so at any point in my life. This is why I went for the 3 Pro instead of the the Air 3S - because the stills from the Air 3S are very low quality in comparison, looked lower quality than the Air 2S even, despite what many review videos would have you believe.

The only thing I will ever do on a drone are stills, and pretty much the only controls I will use are gimbal up/down, EV compensation, lens selection, maaaybe aperture selection and ISO occasionally. Pitiful, I know...

 

[GadgetGuy]

Except that... I am dunce who has never shot a second of video on their camera or drone, and have little interest in doing so at any point in my life. This is why I went for the 3 Pro instead of the the Air 3S - because the stills from the Air 3S are very low quality in comparison, looked lower quality than the Air 2S even, despite what many review videos would have you believe.

The only thing I will ever do on a drone are stills, and pretty much the only controls I will use are gimbal up/down, EV compensation, lens selection, maaaybe aperture selection and ISO occasionally. Pitiful, I know...

In that case, pick up a used RC-N1 for under $100, and see for yourself. I like having the option of both, where I can also use my RC-N1 with my giant 12.9” iPad Pro, for creating Waypoints, or a better view while flying. I like options!

 

[Cymruflyer]

Something else to remember is that your bright phone will only be that bright for a very limited time. Once it starts to heat up those NITS will drop and drop, so don't be fooled by that 2000 number. Your Smart Controller does not dim as it gets hot, This alone is worth thinking hard about, because if you can't see the screen very well, you can't compose a still shot. I have shot a lot in the Austrian Alps and a phone was impossible to see much of the time. I bought the FeelWorld 7 inch monitor that is 2,400NITS and does not dim at all.

 

[The Norwegian Drone Pilot]

Something else to remember is that your bright phone will only be that bright for a very limited time. Once it starts to heat up those NITS will drop and drop, so don't be fooled by that 2000 number.

This is mostly an iPhone issue.

I use a 'Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6' with my 'DJI RC-N1' controller for my 'DJI Mavic 3 Pro' drone. It works perfectly. I have never ever seen the screen dim at all because it gets too hot.

And my 'Z Fold6' has a 2600 nits 'Dynamic AMOLED 2X' display that simply wipes the floor over the screen on the 'DJI RC' controller I got with the drone. The screen on the Z Fold6 simply looks a million times better than the poor LCD-screen on the 'DJI RC' and 'DJI RC Pro' controllers.

Now, the 'DJI RC Pro' have a 1000 nits display that is 300 nits more over the 'DJI RC' controller, but that still doesn't even comes remotely close to the 2600 nits on my Z Fold6. And the 'RC Pro' controller have the ability to install apps (apk) which the RC controller can't. So, except for that, there isn't many differences between them.

I actually made a comparison between the 'DJI RC-N1' and the 'DJI RC' controller here a while back where you can see what advantages and negative sides each controllers have.

Here it is: DJI RC-N1 vs DJI RC in combination with a high-end smartphone. (some of the points listed will not be valid against the 'DJI RC Pro' controller.

P.S: I had the Z Fold5 back in 2023 when I made that topic. Now I have the Z Fold6 which is even better.

 

[GadgetGuy]

This is mostly an iPhone issue.

I use a 'Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6' with my 'DJI RC-N1' controller for my 'DJI Mavic 3 Pro' drone. It works perfectly. I have never ever seen the screen dim at all because it gets too hot.

And my 'Z Fold6' has a 2600 nits 'Dynamic AMOLED 2X' display that simply wipes the floor over the screen on the 'DJI RC' controller I got with the drone. The screen on the Z Fold6 simply looks a million times better than the poor LCD-screen on the 'DJI RC' and 'DJI RC Pro' controllers.

Now, the 'DJI RC Pro' have a 1000 nits display that is 300 nits more over the 'DJI RC' controller, but that still doesn't even comes remotely close to the 2600 nits on my Z Fold6. And the 'RC Pro' controller have the ability to install apps (apk) which the RC controller can't. So, except for that, there isn't many differences between them.

I actually made a comparison between the 'DJI RC-N1' and the 'DJI RC' controller here a while back where you can see what advantages and negative sides each controllers have.

Here it is: DJI RC-N1 vs DJI RC in combination with a high-end smartphone. (some of the points listed will not be valid against the 'DJI RC Pro' controller.

P.S: I had the Z Fold5 back in 2023 when I made that topic. Now I have the Z Fold6 which is even better.

Which limitations of the DJI RC are improved with the newer DJI RC 2, as you allude to in your linked post? How does the DJI RC Pro compare, for the Mavic 3 Pro?

 

[AlanL]

The RC-N1 was the first controller that DJI included in the box when I first bought my Mavic 3 Fly More package. All of the above comments about the display being hard to see in bright sunlight are entirely correct. Yes it will work with the 3 Pro but it sucks IMHO.

 

[Filmarik]

The RC-N1 was the first controller that DJI included in the box when I first bought my Mavic 3 Fly More package. All of the above comments about the display being hard to see in bright sunlight are entirely correct. Yes it will work with the 3 Pro but it sucks IMHO.

The simplicity of having screen incorporated into the controller on its own is a no brainer. The extra weight is negligible IMHO. I understand that when hiking every ounce counts but large phone is not exactly light either. To me the RC Pro has so many advantages that I would not consider any other controller. Hall sensors on gimbals are another huge plus. They are contactless and way better and more reliable then potenciometers which are in all the other controllers (I believe so, but stand to be corrected).

 

[Starz]

I often fly over ridges and around hills

Potential signal issues. Be safe.

 

[AlanL]

The simplicity of having screen incorporated into the controller on its own is a no brainer. The extra weight is negligible IMHO. I understand that when hiking every punce counts but large phone is not exactly light. To me the RC Pro has so many advantages that I would not consider any other controller. Hall sensors on gimbals are another huge plus. They are contactless and way better and more reliable then potenciometers which are in all the other controllers (I believe but stand to be corrected).

Fully agree - I bought an RC Pro for my Mavic 3 and am using it now with my Mavic 3 Pro. I really can't imagine going back to the RC-N1 and have two of them sitting on a shelf collecting dust.

 

[The Norwegian Drone Pilot]

The simplicity of having screen incorporated into the controller on its own is a no brainer. The extra weight is negligible IMHO. I understand that when hiking every ounce counts but large phone is not exactly light either. To me the RC Pro has so many advantages that I would not consider any other controller. Hall sensors on gimbals are another huge plus. They are contactless and way better and more reliable then potenciometers which are in all the other controllers (I believe so, but stand to be corrected).

What advantages except for integrated screen, being lighter in weight and having some few more buttons / customizable buttons over the DJI RC-N1 / RC-N2 and RC-N3?

Not only that, but when you are out hiking, you already have your phone with you anyways. So, why not use it to something useful?

When the Z Fold7 comes out in August this year, the screen size will increase from 7.6 inch which the Z Fold6 I have now has to 8.0 inch. Having 8 inch of screen is waaay waaaaay better than the small 5.5 inch in the RC / RC Pro controllers.

And the better you see the things on the screen, the better experience you get while flying. And here the 'Dynamic AMOLED 2X' displays on Samsung's phones are unbeatable outside in bright sunlight. Not to mention the matte coating on the screen on the S24 Ultra that makes it even easier to see the content on the screen much easier outside in bright sunlight.

However, if you have a crappy and old smartphone that is both slow and have a poor screen, then you will get a better experience with the 'DJI RC Pro' hands down.

But if you have a high-end smartphone like I have, you will get a better experience with the smartphone in combination with the 'DJI RC-N1' controller for the 'DJI Mavic 3 Pro' drone.

 

[Filmarik]

What advantages except for integrated screen, being lighter in weight and having some few more buttons / customizable buttons over the DJI RC-N1 / RC-N2 and RC-N3?

Not only that, but when you are out hiking, you already have your phone with you anyways. So, why not use it to something useful?

When the Z Fold7 comes out in August this year, the screen size will increase from 7.6 inch which the Z Fold6 I have now has to 8.0 inch. Having 8 inch of screen is waaay waaaaay better than the small 5.5 inch in the RC / RC Pro controllers.

And the better you see the things on the screen, the better experience you get while flying. And here the 'Dynamic AMOLED 2X' displays on Samsung's phones are unbeatable outside in bright sunlight. Not to mention the matte coating on the screen on the S24 Ultra that makes it even easier to see the content on the screen much easier outside in bright sunlight.

However, if you have a crappy and old smartphone that is both slow and have a poor screen, then you will get a better experience with the 'DJI RC Pro' hands down.

But if you have a high-end smartphone like I have, you will get a better experience with the smartphone in combination with the 'DJI RC-N1' controller for the 'DJI Mavic 3 Pro' drone.

There are actually a few other not so obvious but significant advantages. Signal strenght, bit rate of video transfer feed from the drone, extra customizable buttons can be very useful, the overall feel in hand is solid compared to the "cheap" controllers, the buttery smooth contactless hall sensor gimbals contribute to that feel. Will the 8" screen of the Z7 foldable phone fit into the spring loaded arms of those controllers without modification? How heavy will the Z7 be??
At the end of the day the decision will be the OP's one. We are just sharing a few of our own ideas to assist him to make the the right one for him..

 

[Chrislaf]

I too agree with the other posts about the advantages of the RC Pro controller. I too am a hiking photographer and where I live the daily temperatures have been getting down to lows of -17ºC and highs of -8ºC, so having an integrated screen controller such as the RC Pro with lots of customizable buttons is a HUGE help to make my flying experience safe and enjoyable.

Chris

 

[The Norwegian Drone Pilot]

Signal strenght, bit rate of video transfer feed from the drone, extra customizable buttons can be very useful, the overall feel in hand is solid compared to the "cheap" controllers, the buttery smooth contactless hall sensor gimbals contribute to that feel.

Now, the signal strength is better on the DJI RC-N1 over the DJI RC (the first version) as the DJI RC-N1 have the phone holding mechanism that you have to slide out to fit a phone into it that holds the antennas. I have both controllers and have tested it, so I know this pretty well.

The RC Pro however have 4 antennas (2 internal and 2 external). So, the signal will be a bit stronger on it. But the range on the signal from the controllers to the drones are the same within the specification to FAA, EASA and CAA. But you get a better signal strength on the DJI RC Pro and can fly behind trees and such more easily without losing connection.

If you care about not losing connection, then we have the '4G Adapter Dongle' that will give you unlimited range (mostly). And I can use that with my smartphone here in Norway with the 4G dongle attached to my drone (DJI Mavic 3 Pro). The whole set with the adapter, holder for the adapter and 2 antennas costs around 200 dollars.

As both the DJI RC-N1 and DJI RC Pro uses the same 'OcuSync 03+' technology, you will have the same bitrate on the video transfer speed as far as I'm aware.

Yes, the extra customizable buttons are a nice bonus for some. But I can live easily without those extra few buttons. Everything is mostly easily reachable anyways on my big Z Fold6 screen. It gets clumsier to reach on a smaller screen. I know this as well, because I know how it can be to use the DJI RC with the small 5.5 inch screen (as I have this controller as well) compared to my Z Fold6's screen that has a 7.6-inch screen that I use with the DJI RC-N1 controller.

The 'HDMI' output on the RC Pro is also another nice feature to have.

Not going to deny that the "feeling" of holding the DJI RC Pro might feel better over holding the DJI RC-N1. But the thing that matters is that we already have a good grip and pretty alright feeling on the RC-N1 controller.

Will the 8" screen of the Z7 foldable phone fit into the spring loaded arms of those controllers without modification? How heavy will the Z7 be??

You have to use a tablet holder for the DJI RC-N1 to be able to use the Z Fold6 / 7 with the DJI RC-N1 controller.

I use this tablet holder: PGYTECH Tablet Holder V2

So, yes, both the Z Fold6 and 7 will fit in that. Also, the Z Fold7 will be some few grams lighter over the Z Fold6. Z Fold7 is 239 gram.

But the real question is, is those few advantages the DJI RC Pro has worth it when you take into the consideration on how crazy expensive the RC Pro controller is over the RC-N1?

If the RC Pro have had a 7.5 to 8-inch screen, nice OLED screen, at least 1500 nits brightness and have costed like 800 dollars, you could sign me up for buying it.

 

[Filmarik]

Now, the signal strength is better on the DJI RC-N1 over the DJI RC (the first version) as the DJI RC-N1 have the phone holding mechanism that you have to slide out to fit a phone into it that holds the antennas. I have both controllers and have tested it, so I know this pretty well.

The RC Pro however have 4 antennas (2 internal and 2 external). So, the signal will be a bit stronger on it. But the range on the signal from the controllers to the drones are the same within the specification to FAA, EASA and CAA. But you get a better signal strength on the DJI RC Pro and can fly behind trees and such more easily without losing connection.

If you care about not losing connection, then we have the '4G Adapter Dongle' that will give you unlimited range (mostly). And I can use that with my smartphone here in Norway with the 4G dongle attached to my drone (DJI Mavic 3 Pro). The whole set with the adapter, holder for the adapter and 2 antennas costs around 200 dollars.

As both the DJI RC-N1 and DJI RC Pro uses the same 'OcuSync 03+' technology, you will have the same bitrate on the video transfer speed as far as I'm aware.

Yes, the extra customizable buttons are a nice bonus for some. But I can live easily without those extra few buttons. Everything is mostly easily reachable anyways on my big Z Fold6 screen. It gets clumsier to reach on a smaller screen. I know this as well, because I know how it can be to use the DJI RC with the small 5.5 inch screen (as I have this controller as well) compared to my Z Fold6's screen that has a 7.6-inch screen that I use with the DJI RC-N1 controller.

The 'HDMI' output on the RC Pro is also another nice feature to have.

Not going to deny that the "feeling" of holding the DJI RC Pro might feel better over holding the DJI RC-N1. But the thing that matters is that we already have a good grip and pretty alright feeling on the controller (which I have on my RC-N1).

You have to use a tablet holder for the DJI RC-N1 to be able to use the Z Fold6 / 7 with the DJI RC-N1 controller.

I use this tablet holder: PGYTECH Tablet Holder V2

So, yes, both the Z Fold6 and 7 will fit in that. Also, the Z Fold7 will be some few grams lighter over the Z Fold6. Z Fold7 is 239 gram.

But the real question is, is those few advantages the DJI RC Pro has worth it when you take into the consideration on how crazy expensive the RC Pro controller is over the RC-N1?

If the RC Pro have had a 7.5 to 8-inch screen, nice OLED screen, at least 1500 nits brightness and have costed like 800 dollars, you could sign me up for buying it.

The RC N1 is 387g and Z6 is 239g Total weight without the tablet holder 625g. The V2 tablet holder is 141g. Total 766g. The RC Pro is 680g. Considering the size of the holder and having to carry an extra item I do not see the practicality of this set up, especially for hiking. To me it is a no brainer. The RC Pro would be my choice. Just saying..

 

[GroovyGeek]

Saying the 4G dongle gives you "unlimited range" is a bit optimistic. I use my drone almost exclusively in the back country, without cell signal. And yes, I agree that if you have to carry additional contraptions you might was well carry the RC pro.

In my case I will carry the S25U with me anyway, because I use it for my photography. The cell phone makes it much easier than a camera to see how a composition under weird angles works. I also find that I can see alternative compositions easier on a cell screen than looking though a viewfinder. Bottom line is the cell phone is with me at all times anyway. Under those conditions an RC N1 still seems like a good compromise.

In any case my new (to me) M3P will be here Tuesday, I guess I will see how the RC Pro feels before making a decision. The RCN1 can now be had under $50 used so I will probably pick one up anyway.

 

[Filmarik]

Saying the 4G dongle gives you "unlimited range" is a bit optimistic. I use my drone almost exclusively in the back country, without cell signal. And yes, I agree that if you have to carry additional contraptions you might was well carry the RC pro.

In my case I will carry the S25U with me anyway, because I use it for my photography. The cell phone makes it much easier than a camera to see how a composition under weird angles works. I also find that I can see alternative compositions easier on a cell screen than looking though a viewfinder. Bottom line is the cell phone is with me at all times anyway. Under those conditions an RC N1 still seems like a good compromise.

In any case my new (to me) M3P will be here Tuesday, I guess I will see how the RC Pro feels before making a decision. The RCN1 can now be had under $50 used so I will probably pick one up anyway.

Let us know what you decide. I'd like to know out of curiosity if for nothing else

 

[Meta4]

Hi, I just purchased a Mavic 3 Pro with a RC Pro controller on the Classifieds forum. As a hiking photographer the RC Pro is too much, both size and weight wise, so I am thinking of selling the Pro and replacing with a RC-N1. Yup, the RC-N1, not the RC with the built in screen. The rationale is straightforward

1. Better range with the N1, I often fly over ridges and around hills
2. Better battery life, even if I recharge the phone
3. Smaller size - even if marginally so
4. I am about to upgrade my aging phone with a S25U, which has 2000 nits peak brightness that simply wipes the floor with the RC

However I am wondering if the N1, with its limited buttons and customization is capable of lens and aperture selection on the 3 Pro, and whether it is just too much hassle to go back to the screen for everything. Thoughts?

When the first Mavic 3 was released, it came with the RC-N1.
That suited me fine as it allowed me to keep using my favourite 8 inch tablet as a flying screen.
When the Mavic 3 pro was released, it came with an integrated screen controller.
I sold that without even trying it because its phone-sized screen was too small.
I do a lot of serious photography and rely on having a screen large enough to see what's going on.

 

[The Norwegian Drone Pilot]

Saying the 4G dongle gives you "unlimited range" is a bit optimistic. I use my drone almost exclusively in the back country, without cell signal. And yes, I agree that if you have to carry additional contraptions you might was well carry the RC pro.

Yes, true to som points. If you have cell signal (4G), you will have connection to your drone with the dongle. As I'm living in Norway, we have pretty good coverage over the whole country.