DJI Air 3S: The Drone That Elevates Your Aerial Photography Game
I’ve been flying drones for years, and every time DJI releases something new, I get that familiar feeling of excitement. And the DJI Air 3S? It did not disappoint. If you’re serious about aerial photography or just looking for a drone that’s powerful yet easy to use, this is definitely one worth considering.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Air 3S so special—and why it could be your perfect new flying companion.
Key Features of DJI Air 3S
The DJI Air 3S is more than just a drone with a fancy camera. It’s packed with smart features that make it stand out, whether you’re a pro or a hobbyist. Here’s what really caught my attention:
Dual-Camera System
First off, the camera setup. The DJI Air 3S isn’t playing around when it comes to capturing stunning visuals. You’ve got a 50MP wide-angle sensor paired with a 48MP telephoto camera. Whether you’re capturing a sprawling landscape or zooming in for some fine details, this camera system delivers. Honestly, the flexibility it offers between those wide and tight shots makes it so much easier to create stunning videos or photos. Plus, it’s equipped for 4K/60fps HDR recording, so you can easily shoot breathtaking videos with excellent dynamic range.
For those of you who love slow-motion footage, the Air 3S doesn’t disappoint with 120fps video capabilities. And the best part? It captures footage in 10-bit D-Log M profiles, which means you’ve got more control during post-production. In simpler terms, this drone gives you raw, professional-grade footage right out of the box.
Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing with LiDAR
One of the best features of modern drones is their ability to sense and avoid obstacles, and DJI really nailed it with the Air 3S. Omnidirectional obstacle sensing, powered by LiDAR, takes the guesswork out of flying in tricky environments. This is a massive help, especially when you’re flying through tight spaces or want to film confidently in low-light conditions. Honestly, knowing that the drone has my back no matter where I fly makes a huge difference in how creatively I can operate it.
Extended Flight Time
Now, if you’ve flown drones before, you probably know the frustration of having to stop in the middle of a great shoot because your battery dies. The Air 3S boasts an impressive 45-minute flight time, which is a game-changer, especially for those long shoots. Whether you’re traveling to remote locations or just don’t want to keep swapping batteries, this extended flight time allows you to stay focused on getting the perfect shot.
DJI Air 3 vs DJI Air 3S: What’s New?
If you already own the DJI Air 3, you’re probably wondering whether the Air 3S is worth the upgrade. I’m here to tell you that, yes, it absolutely is. While both drones are fantastic, the Air 3S offers some serious improvements.
The dual-camera system is the biggest jump—offering more flexibility with the 70mm telephoto lens. It’s perfect for those cinematic, zoomed-in shots that add a whole new dimension to your work. The 1-inch sensor on the primary camera also gives you better dynamic range, especially in low-light situations. The difference might seem subtle at first, but when you see the crispness of the details and the enhanced clarity in shadowed areas, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
And let’s not forget the addition of LiDAR for obstacle sensing, which wasn’t available in the Air 3. This makes flying through complex terrains even smoother and safer.
How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?
The DJI Air 3S isn’t just an upgrade from the Air 3—it holds its own against bigger drones too, like the Mavic 3 Pro. Now, I’ll be real with you—if you’re a hardcore videographer who needs top-of-the-line features, you might still lean towards the Mavic 3 Pro. But here’s the thing: the Air 3S offers pro-level features at a much more accessible price and without the bulk.
It’s more portable, more versatile, and easier to fly than some of the higher-end models, which is why I think it strikes a great balance for most users. You’re not losing out on essential features, but you’re also not lugging around a huge drone for everyday use.
Camera and Imaging Performance: Why It’s a Photographer’s Dream
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why this camera system is so great.
50MP Primary Camera with HDR
If you’ve ever tried shooting high-contrast scenes with a drone, you’ll appreciate the Air 3S’s HDR capabilities. The 50MP primary camera does an amazing job of balancing highlights and shadows, meaning your images will look vivid and true to life. Whether you’re shooting landscapes or cityscapes, you’ll capture the full range of tones, giving you that pro-level look without much post-processing.
3x Optical Zoom for Dynamic Shots
One of the things I love about the 70mm telephoto lens is that it gives you a 3x optical zoom. This makes it incredibly easy to capture close-ups or bring out details in far-away objects without sacrificing quality. It’s a feature I find myself using more than I expected because it’s just so versatile. Whether I’m shooting wildlife or architecture, that zoom creates an extra layer of depth to my footage that makes it stand out.
Smart Flight Features That Make Flying a Breeze
ActiveTrack 360° and Subject Focusing
This is one feature I can’t live without—the ActiveTrack 360°. It’s exactly what you need when you’re filming fast-moving subjects or just want the drone to autonomously follow something while you focus on the camera work. The subject-tracking tech on this drone is top-notch, making it easy to keep your subject in frame without losing focus, even in complex environments.
Enhanced Return-to-Home (RTH)
The Return-to-Home (RTH) feature has also been upgraded to navigate around obstacles as it makes its way back to you. Whether it’s bad weather, low battery, or you’ve just lost sight of the drone, this feature gives you peace of mind. It automatically calculates the safest route home, and believe me, it’s a lifesaver—especially when flying over forests or mountains where you might lose signal.
Pricing and Availability: Is It Worth the Investment?
You can get your hands on the DJI Air 3S for about £959 / €1099, which is an absolute steal when you consider everything it packs in. The Fly More Combo, which includes extra batteries and accessories, goes for around £1439 / €1599.
Sure, it’s not the cheapest drone out there, but when you consider the advanced camera system, extended flight time, and intelligent flight features, I think it offers fantastic value for the price. It’s definitely a smart investment if you want a drone that’s going to serve you well for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the DJI Air 3S?
In a word: yes. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or jumping into the world of drones for the first time, the DJI Air 3S ticks all the boxes. It’s user-friendly, packed with high-end features, and versatile enough to handle a wide range of projects—from casual weekend shoots to professional-grade aerial photography.
If you’re serious about stepping up your game, this drone is worth every penny.
