Litchi users, happier than using DJI Go 4?

naiku · May 29, 2020

I have been happy using DJI Go 4 on my Mavic Air and Mavic 2 Pro, but have been curious as to whether I should try using Litchi or not. For those of you that have switched, are you happy with it? Do you feel that it is worth the $24.99 cost compared to DJI Go 4 which is free? Any compatibility issues? I've been doing some reading about the app, just not sure if it will be worthwhile to use and would hate to spend the $25 (I realize it's not a lot) on something that I end up feeling is not really a worthwhile change to the free app.

Currently I primarily use my M2P for still images and hyperlapse, slowly studying towards getting the part 107 in case that makes any difference.

Thanks.

Meta4 · May 29, 2020

naiku said:
but have been curious as to whether I should try using Litchi or not. For those of you that have switched ..

Although some might use Litchi as a replacement for DJI Go, the major reason for using Litchi is to use the features it offers that are not available in DJI Go.
It's not a replacement, it's an additional app for specialised missions just like mapping apps are.

Cdcolt · May 29, 2020

I agree with Meta4. I use Litchi for the excellent Waypoint functionality which is not available for the MA in the Go4 App.

Jeff A · May 29, 2020

When I started flying drones (3 months ago, ie Newbie) I heard that some operators had stopped using DJI Go 4 in favor of Litchi. My thoughts were "Not going to happen". Now I am deep into Litchi and it offers so much capability I cant remember the last time I flew with DJI Go 4. In addition, I am enrolled in a Phantom Filmschool course and many lessons revolve around the use and capabilities of Litchi. Now I can truly tell you that I would never own a drone that could not be flown using Litchi.

There has been talk that DJI will walk away from crashes that were being flown using Litchi. I have yet to thoroughly research this. If I find that it is true, you can bet I will never extend my Care Refresh plan when it comes due. IMHO, a Drone without Litchi is a crippled Drone.

Meta4 · May 29, 2020

Effects said:
There has been talk that DJI will walk away from crashes that were being flown using Litchi.
I have yet to thoroughly research this. If I find that it is true, you can bet I will never extend my Care Refresh plan when it comes due.

If there is evidence that 3rd party software caused the loss of the drone DJI would reject a claim, as you would expect them to..
I'm unaware of any incident where it could be shown that Litchi caused any crash or loss of a drone.
But if you fly with lose the drone on a Litchi flight and can't produce the drone for DJI to examine, you will be out of luck as DJI will not accept a Litchi flight log.

DanaMc · May 30, 2020

Effects said:
When I started flying drones (3 months ago, ie Newbie) I heard that some operators had stopped using DJI Go 4 in favor of Litchi. My thoughts were "Not going to happen". Now I am deep into Litchi and it offers so much capability I cant remember the last time I flew with DJI Go 4. In addition, I am enrolled in a Phantom Filmschool course and many lessons revolve around the use and capabilities of Litchi. Now I can truly tell you that I would never own a drone that could not be flown using Litchi.

There has been talk that DJI will walk away from crashes that were being flown using Litchi. I have yet to thoroughly research this. If I find that it is true, you can bet I will never extend my Care Refresh plan when it comes due. IMHO, a Drone without Litchi is a crippled Drone.

I am confident it won’t be long before Litchi updates come out for the MA2. Its too popular and capable not to be compatible.

Edward Knight · May 30, 2020

Meta4 said:
If there is evidence that 3rd party software caused the loss of the drone DJI would reject a claim, as you would expect them to..
I'm unaware of any incident where it could be shown that Litchi caused any crash or loss of a drone.
But if you fly with lose the drone on a Litchi flight and can't produce the drone for DJI to examine, you will be out of luck as DJI will not accept a Litchi flight log.

Litchi uses the DJI SDK and I believe Litchi has the blessing of DJI. The fact that there is a fee for Litchi is understandable; you are paying for features that DJI does not offer in their app even though DJI could include additional features. After all the functions to add additional features are in the SDK.

Edward Knight · May 30, 2020

The only time I use the DJI Go 4 app is the set/change parameters which can not be done in Litchi. It is a one-time fee of $25; well worth it for the additional features that the Litchi programmers provide. I don't think they do it out of the goodness of their heart. Would you go to work everyday and perform your job and agree to do it without any financial compensation? Also, they add additional features from time to time and provide updates frequently.

Aaron24 · May 30, 2020

Meta4 said:
Although some might use Litchi as a replacement for DJI Go, the major reason for using Litchi is to use the features it offers that are not available in DJI Go.
It's not a replacement, it's an additional app for specialised missions just like mapping apps are.

This is why I use it. Not to replace the default app but to enhance what I want to do but can’t do in DJI Go. It’s well worth the money in my opinion. But I would continue to use Go for everyday flying.

Bill Dunnuck · May 31, 2020

It would be interesting if Litchi would include use of CrystalSky in their new app fo MA2. Maybe not possible due to 32 to 64 bit rate compatibility. Seems there are many CS users that are unable to use their expensive monitors with current DJI Fly app. DJI has stated using the CS with Fly App will not happen. Wish I had bought a 65 inch smart TV instead of the CS.

Greekislandlover · May 31, 2020

Like other here, I don't view it as a replacement for the GO4 app. There are a lot of things I like about the GO4 app, and I figure that if I crash when using it, I have a better chance of claiming under DJI care. I mostly fly with the GO4 app, and I do use the POI modes.

The reason I use Litchi s because DJI waypoints is so far behind. With Litchi I can plan the flight path with Google earth and Google maps to see exactly where the flight will go, and see obstacles which are by and large correct. I can also see on Google earth what the camera will see - I can even select my drone to see the camera view! Litchi also has people producing routines such as spirals you can build into your run.

Lots of functionality that DJI simply cannot compete with. Also, Litchi is a mature product that is still being maintained and works well in both Android and Apple versions.

DJI GO4 cant do this:-

It was done with Litchi Spiral Maker and adding waypoints before and after the spiral in Litchi itself.