Tablet, Phone or RC2 which do you prefer?

[1gratefulflyingdawg]

So many questions when you are considering a new hobby. Considering a Mini 4 Pro I have an IPad Pro an iPhone 15 Pro, and a iPhone 8 Max that is not in use. Fully aware of the issues with sunlight and screens outside. Would like to hear from others the pros and cons of phones vs. tablets vs the screen on the RC 2.

I was considering the Avata 2 but I think it would be better for me to not have my first drone be FPV.

I appreciate everyone input and advice and I have another question coming if I don’t find the answer in previous posts.

 

[Johnmcl7]

I've used all three with the Mavic 2 Pro and they each have their advantages and disadvantages although for me, my preference is the integrated controller. Though I live in Scotland where we rarely see the sun so viewability of the screen is not really an issue.

The phone is the most portable solution since you can use the smaller controller design and you'll have your phone on you as well. Phones also usually offer a larger screen than the 5.5in on the RC2 which can make it a bit easier to frame shots and see where the drone is looking.

The tablet is clearly a lot less portable than the phone and can be awkward to carry with the drone if using a small camera bag however it offers a fantastic view of what the drone is seeing and can make it much easier to frame shots or video.

The RC2 has a small 5.5in screen which can be a bit trickier to use and the controller unit is quite a bit heftier since it's basically a phone and controller stuck together and can't be separated. I'm not up to date with the RC2 so I don't know if it's possible to sideload applications or any limits similar to that. However its big advantage is the convenience since you can simply power on the controller, click connect and it's good to go. With the phone or tablet solution, you need to get the controller powered up, get the USB cable out, place the phone/tablet onto the controller, connect the cable, unlock the device, open the app, connect to the drone and the same in reverse. That sounds like I'm exaggerating the sequence but for me when I'm using the drone out a walk or cycle I really value being able to get the drone quickly up and back away again.

In terms of the Avata vs the Mini 4 Pro it depends on what you want from the drone. I have the original Avata and it's incredibly fun to fly feeling like a little guided rocket where I can take shots diving into forests and similar I would never do with the normal drone. For me though it's a bit of an expensive novelty and given the choice again I wish I hadn't bought it since it rarely gets any use. The Mavic is a really good platform for general videos and photos so it's had plenty of use however just to stress that is just my personal view and there's clearly plenty out there who enjoy the Avatas and FPV flying.

 

[1gratefulflyingdawg]

Thanks so much for your perspective. Since I posted this I saw there is a new controller with a flip up screen and nearly 3x the brightness.

 

[PakNheat380]

7 inch tablet with high nits.

 

[Rohn]

Thanks so much for your perspective. Since I posted this I saw there is a new controller with a flip up screen and nearly 3x the brightness.

Remote controller with flip up screen? My rc pro is 1000 nit but no flip up. Are you talking about a tablet holder?

 

[Kilrah]

Remote controller with flip up screen?

RC Pro 2 that was just announced along with the Mavic 4.

 

[1gratefulflyingdawg]

Remote controller with flip up screen? My rc pro is 1000 nit but no flip up. Are you talking about a tablet holder?

Yes Tablet or iPhone I have both that could be put to exclusive work as a display.

 

[BOREAS]

Yes Tablet or iPhone I have both that could be put to exclusive work as a display.

I live in Greece and I assume the sunlight here is similar where you are. I have tried both smartphones and ipads as displays and found the ambient brightness causes too many problems for me. I then bought a DJI Smart controller which was a little better - 1000 nits?

I still use my Smart controller for the flying app but a Swit CM-S75C video monitor for the photography viewfinder. The Swit has up to 3000 nits brightness + all the photographic tools I need. It is attached to the DJI controller by a LifTHor RC Pro mount. I can also use it with a tripod when I need to sit down.

LifThor Manuals | LifThor Tablet Holders by Thor's Drone World

Home of LifThor SiF, Tablet Holders for DJI Mavic Series & Autel EVO

www.lifthor.com

I bought the Swit second hand on ebay. There are many other bright video monitors that could be used and I am sure other attachments. If your sunlight is regularly above UVI 8, I would not recommend phones or ipads.

Best wishes

 

[1gratefulflyingdawg]

I live in Greece and I assume the sunlight here is similar where you are. I have tried both smartphones and ipads as displays and found the ambient brightness causes too many problems for me. I then bought a DJI Smart controller which was a little better - 1000 nits?

I still use my Smart controller for the flying app but a Swit CM-S75C video monitor for the photography viewfinder. The Swit has up to 3000 nits brightness + all the photographic tools I need. It is attached to the DJI controller by a LifTHor RC Pro mount. I can also use it with a tripod when I need to sit down.

LifThor Manuals | LifThor Tablet Holders by Thor's Drone World

Home of LifThor SiF, Tablet Holders for DJI Mavic Series & Autel EVO

www.lifthor.com

I bought the Swit second hand on ebay. There are many other bright video monitors that could be used and I am sure other attachments. If your sunlight is regularly above UVI 8, I would not recommend phones or ipads.

Best wishes

Thanks