The DJI Copilot functions like a miniature computer. Much like a computer, transfer rates when using the Copilot can vary due to a wide range of variables.
The device being ingested
The transfer rate of the device you are ingesting will affect how long the ingestion takes. For example, ingesting data from a portable hard drive is typically going to be slower than ingesting from a solid state drive. Most SD and MicroSD cards have a rating that indicates the speed they should transfer at. You can use the transfer rate shown on the LCD screen of the Copilot to compare with the rated speed of the device you are ingesting.
The file system of the device being ingested
The file system of the device you are ingesting will impact your transfer rates by a small amount. The Copilot is shipped in the exFAT file system. Due to this, ingesting devices that are also formatted exFAT will typically be slightly faster than other file systems.
The file size of what you are ingesting
Ingesting a device full of small files will take longer than ingesting a device of the same size full of large files. This is because for each file that is copied, the Copilot has to search and find it, then create a directory and other metadata entries that are mostly invisible to the user. This process does not take very much time, but if you are copying a large amount of small files, this can add up.
The temperature of the DJI Copilot
Normally the temperature of the DJI Copilot should not affect the transfer rate. However, if the the Copilot gets too warm, it will reduce its performance rate until the Copilot reaches a cooler internal temperature.
What MicroSD adapter you are using
The MicroSD card adapter that is included with your Copilot is rated at UHS1. If you are using a UHS2 rated MicroSD card, be sure to use the MicroSD adapter that came with it to ensure you are getting the maximum transfer rate out of your device.
Depending on the type of files you are ingesting, and what you are ingesting from, the exFAT file system your Copilot comes in may not perform as fast as other file systems. If you work with a lot of small files, or you want to test the performance of another file system, then you can reformat your DJI Copilot. Please be aware if you do reformat your Copilot to something other than exFAT, it will no longer work between both Macs and Windows PC's.
If you work with Macs, you will want to reformat your Copilot to Mac OS Extended Journaled (HFS+). Instructions can be found below:
MacOS 10.6 - 10.10
MacOS 10.11+
If you work with Windows computers, you will want to reformat your Copilot to NTFS. Instructions can be found below:
- Make sure your DJI Copilot is connected to the computer and showing in "This PC".
- Once you locate the drive in "This PC", right click on the drive and select "Format"
- Select NTFS from the File System drop down and name your drive under Volume Label
- Make sure Quick Format has a checkmark in the box, and then click "Start".
