Crystal Sky Monitors

[Advexure]

Updates on Advexure pre-orders will be here: DJI CrystalSky - Pre-order now available at Advexure

Well folks, it sounds like all CrystalSky all models may be held up until June...the Goggles stole the show and stole the production line

We will be back here with another update as we have more information available. Any specific questions please don't hesitate to give us a call or shoot us an email.

 

[Tommcmick]

Updates on Advexure pre-orders will be here: DJI CrystalSky - Pre-order now available at Advexure

Appreciate the update guys...I heard today that the DJI Goggles are not actually made by DJI, any idea if this is true? Very surprised they were on time with their date for those and curious if maybe it's because they aren't the ones actually producing them. Also curious if this could be the same for the CrystalSkys. Anybody know if DJI has another large manufacturer supplying or manufacturing integral components or assemblies for them on these kinds of accessories?

 

[Florida Drone Supply]

Appreciate the update guys...I heard today that the DJI Goggles are not actually made by DJI, any idea if this is true? Very surprised they were on time with their date for those and curious if maybe it's because they aren't the ones actually producing them. Also curious if this could be the same for the CrystalSkys. Anybody know if DJI has another large manufacturer supplying or manufacturing integral components or assemblies for them on these kinds of accessories?

I would venture to say that is unlikely that DJI has gotten into the bright display production business. There do not seem to be a lot of manufactures that actually produce the displays in their devices - even with all the devices Apply sells they source their displays from someone. When you look at SmallHD and Atomos (who both have daylight viewable monitors) their brightnesses max out at 1000 and 1500 nits as I recall. For DJI to push the envelope up to 2000 nits they certainly must be getting them from an experienced display manufacturer. This is just an educated guess on my part and I really don't know enough about any other internal components to speculate...but 3rd party displays does not seem to be too much of a stretch to imagine.

 

[mpaerial]

@Advexure Do you have any more updates on CrystalSky? I am waiting on 2 of the middle ones. I was in on Monday to demo the new goggles and Cavan thought DJI would have another update by the end of the week

 

[Advexure]

@Advexure Do you have any more updates on CrystalSky? I am waiting on 2 of the middle ones. I was in on Monday to demo the new goggles and Cavan thought DJI would have another update by the end of the week

Hey @mpaerial - Latest information is all models won't start shipping until June. I'm not sure what information Cavan had for you on Monday but this is the information we have to work with this at this time. Any updates for Advexure pre-orders will be posted here: DJI CrystalSky - Pre-order now available at Advexure Hopefully we're not waiting too much longer...weather is getting sunny across the country and aren't we all looking forward to ditching the sunshades and monitor hoods!?!

 

[mpaerial]

Copy copy. Waiting anxiously thanks!

 

[Raphael Dahan]

Hey @mpaerial - Latest information is all models won't start shipping until June. I'm not sure what information Cavan had for you on Monday but this is the information we have to work with this at this time. Any updates for Advexure pre-orders will be posted here: DJI CrystalSky - Pre-order now available at Advexure Hopefully we're not waiting too much longer...weather is getting sunny across the country and aren't we all looking forward to ditching the sunshades and monitor hoods!?!

Tracktenna, when?

 

[Advexure]

Tracktenna, when?

Unfortunately no date on the Tracktenna at this time. Turn notifications on for this thread DJI Tracktenna - High Gain Antenna as updates will be posted here as we have them available.

 

[Raphael Dahan]

Unfortunately no date on the Tracktenna at this time. Turn notifications on for this thread DJI Tracktenna - High Gain Antenna as updates will be posted here as we have them available.

Thanks Advexure, will be the first to order that from you.

 

[Advexure]

Effective today, June 2nd: The CrystalSky 7.85" High Brightness and the 7.85" Ultra Brightness will begin selling at a promotional price as shown below.

DJI CrystalSky 5.5-inch, High Brightness - $469

DJI CrystalSky 7.85-inch, High Brightness - $599 (was $699)

DJI CrystalSky 7.85-inch, Ultra Brightness - $849 (was $999)

Those with past pre-orders of the CrystalSky at Advexure will receive an adjustment to their original pre-order to reflect this promotional price change. For the latest updates on shipping estimates please see this thread.

-The Advexure Team

 

[smoak5]

Cool! Any idea why the change in price? I ordered pretty early the 1000 nit 7" monitor. Now the price is compelling to get the 2000nit one....any way to change the order and not get effected by my place in line?

 

[Alpina540i]

How is it you guys are pre ordering but Dji is not? When are these expected to ship?

Thanks

 

[SRJ_Inspire _2_ES_MD]

Waiting to see the answer!

 

[Advexure]

We are not aware of a reason for the promotional price at this time.

@smoak5 - Please shoot us a direct email and we can definitely take a look. You may not hear back from us until Monday as we are out at Cinegear here in LA starting around noon today through Sunday.

@Alpina540i - Pre-orders opened to dealers shortly after the release announcement. We do not have any information as to why DJI.com would not be allowing pre-orders. This would be a question for DJI's online sales team as the direct channel is managed out of China and is completely separate from North American Dealers.

 

[mpaerial]

We are not aware of a reason for the promotional price at this time.

@smoak5 - Please shoot us a direct email and we can definitely take a look. You may not hear back from us until Monday as we are out at Cinegear here in LA starting around noon today through Sunday.

@Alpina540i - Pre-orders opened to dealers shortly after the release announcement. We do not have any information as to why DJI.com would not be allowing pre-orders. This would be a question for DJI's online sales team as the direct channel is managed out of China and is completely separate from North American Dealers.

Got my refund. Thank you @Advexure. Now even more happy I bit the bullet on the brighter one. Hoping to have mine by the 4th of July. Can DJI do it????

 

[Advexure]

Got my refund. Thank you @Advexure. Now even more happy I bit the bullet on the brighter one. Hoping to have mine by the 4th of July. Can DJI do it????

We're hearing that a lot. Everyone who was on the fence between the High and Ultra Brightness models and went big with the Ultra are definitely happy they made that decision...and their wallet is a bit happier too after the promotional price announcement I sure hope early July is attainable!

 

[Mad_angler1]

Hi All, I have been lucky enough to be able to get my hands on both the 5.5" and 7.85" Crystalsky devices from DJI, if you don't know CrystalSky comes in 3 versions, a 5.5” 16/9 1920 x 1080 1000 nits screen model, a 7.85” 4/3 2048X1536 1000 nits model and finally later in the year DJI will ship a 2000 nits version of the 7.85”, all three models boast the same features with the main deference being screen size and brightness, to give you an idea the increased brightness level compared to other devices an iPad mini 4 outputs around 450 nits, the iPhone 7+ is around 600 nits so these are substantially brighter than what we have had on offer before.

After receiving the test units here is my first thoughts on the units after a few hours use

Further to this below is a more in depth look at the devices, this is a cut down version of the review due to the 20 image restriction on here, the full review is on my RCG blog.


The 5.5” CrystalSky Unboxing

When you receive the devices they come in what we have come to expect from DJI, very nice clean packaging with everything nicely held in place and plenty of protection.

Once you open the box you remove a protection lid of foam to reveal the device

Once the CrystalSky is removed this reviles the batter and charger base below

Something to note at this point is that neither CrystalSky actually come with the mains adapter, there will be more on this later.


The Device Its self

It comes fitted with a protection sheet on the screen that needs to be removed before use, the screen its self is much less reflective than it looks initially.

Along the top you have a speaker on the top RH side and below the flat bar in the centre is the built in GPS/GLONASS antenna as well as some air ducting for the internal fan.

IO & Ports


On the RH side is the IO ports

HDMI Output - this allows you to connect the device to a larger screen or FPV goggles, this mirrors the devices screen and can output unto 1080P 60FPS.

USB A Port - For connecting external storage such as a memory stick or hard drive, this allows you to share files or transfer your footage.

Micro USB port - This is one of two ways you can connect to your DJI controller, just use a Micro USB cable to to connect from here to your controller.

3.5mm Audio Socket - For outputting audio to speakers or headphones


Controls

Located on the right hand side and consist of 5 Buttons

The top button is the Power/Wake control, long press to shutdown or reboot the device and short press to enter standby.

Next is Function 1, this can be mapped to a number of preselected options like brightness control or screen grab.

Button 3 is the Menu button that access a quick menu that shows the device status and allows you to change some features, more on this later.

Button 4 is Function 2, again the same as F1.

Button 5 is the back button.

On the bottom you have more ports

USB C - In the centre is the USB C port thats the main IO port for connecting to DJI controllers’s, DJI have made a specific adapter that allows you to connect to the RC with no wires from the device, more on this later.

Air Duct and Screws - The two screw holes are for the additional adapter and the vent on the right hand side is the main internal cooling fan output, this needs to be kept clear when in use.

Duel Micro SD Card - CrystalSky has two micro SD card ports so you can upload, edit and transfer you footage from your camera on the device


Power

On the rear you have the battery slot that takes the removable battery

CryatalSky does also have an internal battery but this is only used as a backup to keep the device running when you swap the battery over, main power comes from the external 7.2v 4920mah Lipo battery, its 90*45*26mm in size.

This battery is custom DJI pack that has the usual features of an integrated power button to see the battery level via 4 led’s, it uses the same DJI pattern your used to on their drones with flashing and solid led’s to represent level.

The pack has the usual custom connectors and slot into the back of the device, when the battery is removed there a cover that flips down to protect them from damage, this is a nice touch.

When fitted there is no getting away from the fact the device is much larger than say an iPad or iPhone, the pack does stick out and the device with the pack fitted is 153.76 x 84.94 x 39.6mm.

But overall once fitted it does balance nicely and in usage this is not an issue at all.


Charging

CrystalSky comes with a base to allow you to charge up to 2 batteries, this charges these one at a time starting with the one with the highest charge, It does not come with the actual mains adapter though, DJI expect you to already have a charger thats is compatible from one of their drones, this is the usual one used on the Phantom 3 series, Phantom 4 Seres and Inspire series, its the round RC charging port, Mavic Pro and Spark and OSMO users are out of luck here though as the Mavic Pro and Spark charger is not compatible.
The Base has a USB port on one side that allows you to charge other devices when not charging batteries, it also has a Micro USB port for updating firmware, on the other side is the charge port, this is the same port DJI uses on their Phantom and Inspire series controllers, you will need one of the adapters from those models to charge CrystalSky, there is also an internal buzzer to let you know when charging has completed, this is switchable so you can choose to have it on or not.


The 7.85” CrystalSky Model.

Sporting a 7.85” 4:3 2048X1536 Screen this model has all the same ports and IO features of the 5.5”

While it has all the same ports due to the larger size DJI have been able to move the Micro SD card ports to the side with all the rest of the ports.

This now means the bottom is clear for just mounting fixings, fan duct and the USB C port

Unlike the 5.5” version the 7.85 has 2 additional mounting holes on the right hand side for additional fixing options

And on the rear the setup is the same with the battery slot in the lower half of the back


Physical Size between the two models.

Opinions after Use

I am extremely impressed with both devices to be honest, I have always been an IOS guy but these have changed me, the UI is very clean and the customised software is very quick, accessing menus and settings is quick and has virtually no lag at all.

In the field I have not had a chance to mount either device to the Mavic property but have flown both extensively using various methods of mounting from tripod to hand held

The screen with its 1000nits of brightness is instantly better, its very hard to demonstrate or show this in stills or in footage but I can say its absolutely better than my iPhone 7+ when viewing side by side in bright sunlight, the image is like it actually pops off the screen with the OSD colour detail being especially noticeable, its a hard thing to describe but its not one thing, to me its a combination of the increased brightness added to the screen being much less reflective than most of the Apple devices means its really an improvement over what we had before.

Overall I do think DJI have a winner here with CrystalSky, while this won't be a device for everyone due to its size/weight and add the fact it can't currently run 3rd party apps means some users won't be interested but those with multiple craft or those looking for a rugged professional setup this will surely be a very attractive option.

For me I am sold and truly are very impressed with both of these devices, even though its larger than my iPhone 7+ I hope to use CrystalSky as my primary device for my Mavic now on, OSMO users should also take note too, those flying the larger craft such as the Phantom 4 Pro or Inspire 2 the 7.85” is a really nice when used with the DJI mounting bracket.

Just remember neither device ships with a power adapter so you will need one of the ones from a Phantom 3,4 and Inspire series, OSMO and Mavic users will need to look at getting one if you don't already and there are a number of cheap 3rd party chargers that work well to.

Overall both models are a great choice if your looking for a dedicated device and you in the market to change.


Thanks

Mad

 

[Advexure]

Mad – Thanks for the very thorough and high quality review. Glad to hear you are enjoying both pristine innovations. Your opinions are right on with the hands on experience we've had with the CS models. Well said.

Now here's to DJI getting the 7.85 production unit models started shipping soon!

 

[Sputnik]

I also just received the 5.5 for use on my Osmo Raw, and intend to get the big brother for my Inspire depending on the performance of this one. My first use was yesterday and while I can confirm it is very bright (bright enough to use in direct sunlight which is awesome!) there are several annoying things which may be dealt with in an update. First of all, there is a LOT of lag at times, often to the point of a momentary freeze. Not a big deal with the Osmo, but definitely a concern with an Inspire. The touch screen is not very sensitive at all, to the point that putting any kind of protector on it may render it dangerously unresponsive. But finally, and most important.... did DJI do away with the zebras on the Crystal Sky? I can't find it anywhere, and that's a HUGE loss for me. There is a very small histogram you can call up, but it's nowhere near as useful as the zebras were. Has anyone who has one of these found the zebras hidden somewhere in the UI? I've looked everywhere and understand it's more a feature of the DJI Go app but still can't find it. Perhaps I need to update the app but loathe doing that in the middle of a shoot....

 

[Florida Drone Supply]

I also just received the 5.5 for use on my Osmo Raw, and intend to get the big brother for my Inspire depending on the performance of this one. My first use was yesterday and while I can confirm it is very bright (bright enough to use in direct sunlight which is awesome!) there are several annoying things which may be dealt with in an update. First of all, there is a LOT of lag at times, often to the point of a momentary freeze. Not a big deal with the Osmo, but definitely a concern with an Inspire. The touch screen is not very sensitive at all, to the point that putting any kind of protector on it may render it dangerously unresponsive. But finally, and most important.... did DJI do away with the zebras on the Crystal Sky? I can't find it anywhere, and that's a HUGE loss for me. There is a very small histogram you can call up, but it's nowhere near as useful as the zebras were. Has anyone who has one of these found the zebras hidden somewhere in the UI? I've looked everywhere and understand it's more a feature of the DJI Go app but still can't find it. Perhaps I need to update the app but loathe doing that in the middle of a shoot....

There is an update available if you haven't done so after receiving the Crystalsky. Zebras/Over Exposure Warning is there under camera settings, at least with the 4.1.0 app and 02.02.06.05 . I am not seeing any lag issues.