DJIDrone, UAV Ultra High Brightness Crystal Sky, 7.85" - Black - CP.BX.000224

One reason I’m writing this review is because I’ve read a lot of bad ones, which I would have agreed with my first week or two trying to use my 7.85” Ultra-Bright CrystalSky Monitor. However, after a number of struggles myself initially, I decided to watch some YouTube tutorials. One note here: I bought my CSM from B&H Photo in NYC in about April of 2019, so this is a review after 15+ months of using it. Many of the other reviews might be from users fairly early on after their purchase. The CSM definitely has a little tougher learning curve than a PC, tablet, iPad or smart phone whether iOS or Android based. There are some odd things about its copying/editing functions which require more time and patience to learn.I recognize people claim that it has an old, slow processor. This might be true, but aside from requiring slightly more time to copy or move video files, I’ve found it to be extraordinarily good at copying ALL my 4K (up to 120 fps) files to/from all SanDisk, Samsung and/or Lexar SD microchips (aka TF chips), PROVIDING THAT THE DISKS MEET THE SPEED REQUIREMENTS OF THE VIDEO FILES BEING COPIED. Also, Max size is 256 GB. Copying 4K 30, 60 or 120 fps files from the Internal storage or an inserted TF chip to a USB 2.0 thumb drive will not work, as few if any thumb drives are “fast enough.”There are a few things I really dislike about my CSM. But, as we all know, technology keeps improving and sometimes when we take big tech leaps, some “side effects” can sometimes be unpleasant and of course we will not be 100% happy until perfection is achieved. What I’m talking about here primarily are 3 things— a) the CSM puts out a lot of heat in order to provide BY FAR the brightest anti-sun glare monitor anywhere, b) it is somewhat heavy for its size, thicker and more awkward even than a tablet or iPad, doesn’t have a handle and is a lot less durable than anyone wants in a $980 (now $1,100) device, c) it requires add’l hardware that isn’t cheap (many options here, including a lot of lousy ones), isn’t easy or cheap to get a case for. I did manage to find a felt case (not great, stitching is coming apart in 3 months) & it took a month to arrive from DJI in China.My CSM is actually far better as a drone monitor than my IPhone XS Max or 11. There are only a couple DJI apps on it so compared to my phones and tablets that have literally hundreds of apps, the CSM is unencumbered. Because of the 2,000 nits brightness, I never need a sunshade or add’l lighting. No iPad, tablet or smart phone even comes close.The CSM works great with my DJI Spark, Mavic Air (1), Phantom 3 Pro and Phantom 4 Pro. I could also use it with my Mavic 2 Pro but normally I use my Smart Controller for it instead. The CSM also does great at yielding a 2nd HDMI port so I can send it to a big screen monitor or goggles or glasses for FPV, experiencing rides, etc. for spectators or S&R personnel.With regards to the previous rating categories, none of them make any sense to me relative to this type of equipment. They have listed “Thickness,” “Warmth,” and “Sheerness.” So I will explain my ratings— “Thickness” is rather undesirable so I gave it 2 stars because it’s quite thick compared to any other displays available. “Warmth” is also typically undesirable here but is great in cold seasons. So, I gave 4 stars since no season was specified. “Sheerness” sounds like what you want in lingerie or pantyhose...but not with a drone monitor! So, I gave 5 stars since I cannot downgrade a product for something not really applicable.I’ve tried every monitor method available and once I found a great mounting bracket system I began to love my 7.85” Ultra Bright CrystalSky Monitor a lot. And, when I figured out how to use it for copying and moving files, I truly fell in love with it. It’s 4K ultra bright screen is pure pleasure and usually looks shockingly impressive to a spectator, whether during a flight or during a video replay, doesn’t matter.All that leads me to a summary like this—If I had to buy a new one now due to dropping mine and destroying it accidentally, it would be a VERY TOUGH PILL to swallow. I doubt I’d buy another one @ $1,100. But, if the price was more like $550-650, it would be an automatic replacement purchase, even with the older processor. Now, the big question for those starting from scratch (no Cendence charger, no extra batteries, etc): Is it worth it to buy this if you need to blow about $1,500-1,800 on everything, incl mobile chargers, etc.? This is an easy answer— Unless you are a true professional that really needs the extra brightness, OR are stinking rich with a greater need for tax write-offs than $$$$, this won’t be a worthwhile buy!But it’s STILL AWESOME in bright sun, especially when upgrading from a crappy little smart phone. And, great for fast copying of a couple files to hand to a client or partner. If I didn’t have one I’d probably try to find some good deals, especially since so many people give up quickly and never realize the benefits at all, as opposed to just giving up. But, it depends on one’s needs and of course, the budget.We need a BRAND NEW CRYSTALSKY MONITOR with UPGRADED EVERYTHING! And, with 100% backward compatibility with all past DJI drones, regardless of signaling methodology.PLEASE DJI!!!!! But, with an option to either use the heat emissions or NOT. And, with bigger capacity internal storage, and at least 3 TF chip drives.

First lets just say it, this tablet has a 6 year old processor in it and it just can not keep up the DJI app anymore. All that bunk about lower lag times and better optimization might of been true 5 years ago but now this device will be the weak point in your setup because it simply can not provide fluid frame rates with its sub par slow hardware. That is if you get one that doesn't burn out in the first 2 hours and that seems to be the common route for the ultra bright model. Its the last piece of DJI hardware to ever get an update meaning the newest flagship Mavic 2 still does not work with the crystal sky over a month after it came out. Avoid the crystal sky at all costs, get a good hoodman hood and bright tablet and be done with it.

So right after I ordered this I found out that you don't get a charger but then when I got my item all I got was the screen and no batteries! Not happy!

Looks awesome but after using it for 5 mins the screen what black.. Contacted DJI trying to get a new one and its a 25 day wait!DJI is horrible with customer support.But their drones are the best on the market.

I bought this one from DJI directly, and I have gone through 3 Units that burn out within a few weeks. Now I’m told they don’t have any stock to replace my unit. I feel a letter to the Atourney General and the Better Buisness Beural is warranted. just by Apple. You will get better customer service and reliability. Notice the burn in on the top right hand corner. All three units did this. And there have been many complaints of overheating. The product is nice car when it works. But maybe at a price point of 2 dollars...don’t spend the money I did, not worth it!!

Warning don't waste your money first one worked for two days kept shutting off and video was distorted second one one day overheating and I was flying in 71° weather IT WAS NOT HOT Not even 10 minutes INTO THE flight and monitor Overheating warning Came on two times after restart buyer beware read the reviews before you buy it And be prepared to send it back I got my full refunds on both and I bought the second one from a different vendor than I did the first one And nothing but problems I'll continue using my Apple iPhone which I never had problems with the only thing the monitor did have great lighting

I wated for 5 months to get the 7.85 ultra high brightness 2000 nit, I am very disappointed.IT loses connection and is not dependable. I have a 5.5 crystal sky that works much better. I have a mavic pro platinum, and phantom 4 pro. I was going to use the 7.85 for the phantom 4 pro, but IT doesn't work on either. YOU would think that something this expensive and made just for their products would work. HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED.