DJI Air 3s
The DJI Air 3S is redefining what it means to capture the world from above. As a dual-camera drone designed specifically for travel photography, it offers an unparalleled combination of advanced technology and user-friendly features.
With its launch, DJI has once again pushed the boundaries of aerial imaging, providing enthusiasts and professionals alike with tools that not only capture stunning visuals but also inspire creativity and storytelling.
The DJI Air 3S is equipped with a 1-inch primary camera and a 70mm medium tele camera, both offering a dynamic range of up to 14 stops. This setup ensures flagship-level imaging performance, allowing users to embrace grand landscapes while focusing on their highlight moments. Whether you’re a seasoned drone pilot or someone looking to upgrade from the Mini Pro series, the DJI Air 3S promises to enhance your aerial photography experience with its impressive sensor set, top-notch picture quality, and innovative features like the next-gen Smart RTH and multi-scenario tracking. Read our full review below.
Build and Design
The DJI Air 3S is a sleek and sophisticated drone that exemplifies modern design and engineering. Its compact frame is built for portability without sacrificing durability, making it an excellent choice for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The drone’s aerodynamic design not only enhances its flight performance but also contributes to its stability in various weather conditions. Its lightweight structure ensures easy handling, yet it’s robust enough to withstand the rigors of frequent use. The build quality of the DJI Air 3S is impressive, reflecting DJI’s commitment to delivering high-quality products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Camera Specs and Features
At the heart of the DJI Air 3S is its dual-camera system, which sets it apart from many other drones in its class. The primary camera features a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 50MP resolution, capable of capturing stunningly detailed images and videos. This camera supports 4K/60fps HDR and even 4K/120fps video recording, providing users with professional-grade footage.
Complementing the primary camera is a 70mm medium tele camera with a 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. This setup allows for versatile shooting options, enabling users to switch between wide-angle and telephoto perspectives seamlessly. The dual-camera system enhances creative flexibility, making it ideal for capturing both expansive landscapes and intimate close-ups.
Resolutions
The DJI Air 3S excels in delivering high-resolution imagery that meets the demands of professional photographers and videographers. Both cameras offer a dynamic range of up to 14 stops, ensuring excellent detail retention in both highlights and shadows.
This capability is particularly beneficial when shooting in challenging lighting conditions, such as during sunrise or sunset. The drone’s ability to record in 4K (60fps for HDR, 120fps for normal) at various frame rates allows for smooth, cinematic footage that can be easily integrated into professional projects. Whether you’re capturing fast-moving subjects or serene landscapes, the DJI Air 3S provides the resolution needed to produce stunning visual content. You also have the option to shoot at slow motion straight from the controller, which is impressive.
Software and AI Features
DJI has equipped the Air 3S with advanced software and AI features that enhance its usability and performance. One of the standout features is the next-gen Smart Return-to-Home (RTH) system, which intelligently plans the return route even in low-light conditions or areas with weak satellite signals. This feature provides peace of mind by ensuring the drone can safely navigate back to its starting point without manual intervention.
Moreover, the multi-scenario tracking capability allows users to focus on specific subjects while the drone autonomously adjusts its flight path to maintain optimal framing. These intelligent features make the DJI Air 3S a powerful tool for capturing dynamic shots with minimal effort.
Range
The DJI Air 3S boasts an impressive video transmission range of up to 20 kilometers, allowing users to explore vast areas without losing connection. This extended range is complemented by a maximum flight time of approximately 45 minutes under optimal conditions.
However, real-world usage may vary; for instance, in my experience, when flying in challenging environments like Tagaytay or Nasugbu Batangas with strong winds and varying elevations, effective flight time can be around 28 minutes. Despite these conditions, the drone’s range and endurance make it suitable for long-distance exploration and aerial photography missions.
Sensors
Safety is a top priority for DJI, and the Air 3S reflects this with its comprehensive sensor suite designed for obstacle detection and avoidance. The drone features nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing, which includes forward-facing LiDAR and multiple visual sensors strategically placed around the aircraft.
This setup provides robust safety measures for night flying or navigating complex environments. The sensors work together to detect obstacles from all directions, allowing the drone to adjust its flight path automatically to avoid collisions. This impressive sensor array not only enhances safety but also expands creative possibilities by enabling more daring maneuvers in challenging settings.
Battery Performance
The DJI Air 3S is powered by a high-capacity battery that supports extended flight times of up to 45 minutes on a single charge under ideal conditions. This generous battery life allows users to capture more footage without frequent interruptions for recharging. Then again, as mentioned earlier, flight conditions matter and must be heavily considered when flying the drone.
In practice, factors such as wind speed and altitude can affect battery performance; however, even in less-than-ideal conditions, the drone delivers reliable power output that meets most aerial photography needs. The battery’s quick-release mechanism simplifies swapping out batteries during shoots, ensuring minimal downtime between flights.
Accessories
DJI offers several accessory packages for the Air 3S to enhance its functionality and user experience. The Fly More Combo options include additional batteries, ND filter sets for controlling exposure in bright conditions, and a convenient shoulder bag for easy transport. These accessories are designed to maximize the drone’s capabilities while providing added convenience for users who frequently travel or shoot on location.
Unique Features
One of the unique features of the DJI Air 3S is its ability to perform multi-focal aerial photography thanks to its dual-camera system. This capability allows users to experiment with different focal lengths and perspectives without needing multiple drones or lenses.
Its advanced RTH feature sets it apart by offering reliable navigation even when traditional GPS signals are weak or unavailable—a testament to DJI’s innovative approach toward enhancing user safety and convenience.
Verdict
The DJI Air 3S represents an ideal upgrade path for those looking to expand their drone experience beyond entry-level models like the Mini Pro series. Its combination of top-notch image quality—with a dynamic range that captures every nuance—and advanced safety sensors makes it an excellent choice for both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. Whether you’re drawn by its impressive range or captivated by its flexible shooting options enabled by dual cameras—the Air 3S delivers on all fronts as a versatile powerhouse ready to elevate your aerial photography endeavors into new realms of creativity!
Related: DJI Neo Review
Price and Availability
The DJI Air 3S is available in several configurations to suit different needs and preferences.
The standard DJI Air 3S package, which includes the drone and the DJI RC-N3 Remote Controller, is priced at Php 57,990.00. For those looking for more comprehensive options, the DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo with the RC-N3 is priced at Php 72,490.00 and includes the drone, three batteries, a DJI RC-N3 Remote Controller, an ND filter set, and a shoulder bag.
Alternatively, the DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo with the RC2 is available for Php 82,490.00 and comes with similar accessories but features the DJ RC2 controller instead.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
