DJI Smart Controller With Built In Ultra Bright HD Screen Announced

Ultra Bright High Definition Display

Removing the smartphone element of the controller is designed to greatly improve the setup and operation time of the drone and controller. DJI claims the setup time with the Smart Controller to be 30 seconds, compared to a few minutes when using a smartphone. The Smart Controller can run continuously for up to 2.5 hours, a benefit over using a smartphone that could run out of juice when flying (it happened to me once and it was rather terrifying).

The screen itself boasts a 1000 cd/m2 brightness, which is roughly twice as bright as regular smartphone screens. This is ideal for setting the desired exposure, white balance and flying in bright sunlight, where sun shades would have previously been used. The operation temperature range has also had a boost, ranging from -20° C to 40° C, which expands the usability of the setup even more.

The DJI Smart Controller displays full HD video, transmitted over auto switching frequencies (2.4 GHz amd 5.8 GHz respectively) up to 8km. This is designed to sustain the best image quality and reduce interference.

Edit and Share Your Videos and Photos From The SJI Smart Controller

The controller will run the Android system, and will have an optimized version DJI GO 4 installed making use of the larger screen real-estate. A number of third-party apps for editing and sharing aerial videos and photos will also be installed.

Wifi is required to share and transfer files from the Smart Controller to a smartphone using the new Go Share function. It appears that other third party apps can also be installed, but DJI takes no responsibility if something goes wrong when using them. A microSD card port is built into the controller to expand the 16GB on board memory.

The DJI Smart Controller is also capable of livestreaming to social media platforms, with a built in microphone, as well as video playback through the HDMI port up to 4K 60p to external monitors. This is an interesting feature for allowing other crew members such as DoP’s or directors to see the video downlink and influence the composition and style of the aerial shots.

Here are the specifications of the DJI Smart Controller:

Compatible with drones using DJI OcuSync 2.0 (Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom, Mavic 2 Enterprise).

1000 cd/m2 brightness.

5.5 inch screen size.

Controller runs a custom Android system with DJI GO 4 and third party apps.

Auto switching transmission frequencies between 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz.

Transmission distance up to 8km.

HDMI video output up to 4K 60p in H.264/H.265

Quick charging 5000mAh battery capable of 2.5 hours continuous use.

Operation temperature range from -20° C to 40° C.

Detatchable control sticks.

microSD card port for expandable memory.

The DJI Smart Controller will be available to purchase from January 2019 from $649.00, with combination packages also available. However, does the additional price tag really replace using a smartphone all together? At the end of the day, we all usually have our phone in our pockets, some with greater brightness and display resolution than others. It will be interesting to see the uptake of the Smart Controller considering it’s retail price.

Would you invest in the DJI Smart Controller for a brighter screen and expanded functionality? Why wouldn’t you invest in the controller? Let us know in the comments.