DJI Air 3S overview: A travel-ready digicam drone

FTC disclaimer: I didn’t receives a commission by DJI or another occasion to write down this DJI Air 3S overview. I do earn cash off affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests I make a small p.c of any purchases you make from the hyperlinks under. Thanks upfront for supporting The Drone Woman!

What’s the very best drone for journey photographers? Proper now, it’s the DJI Air 3S.

Particularly as a result of its forward-facing LiDAR for enhanced impediment detection, 42GB of inside storage, highly effective construct even in wind, and a dual-camera system, it’s a wonderful companion for anybody severe about journey pictures.

I simply spent the week on the Hawaiian island of Oahu to place within the arduous give you the results you want — testing it out. Once I was there, it was excessive humidity and, although I didn’t fly it in direct rain, it was at all times fairly tough climate. Regardless of the wind (partially to flying near the ocean, in addition to typically rougher climate), it held up. And even in Hawaii’s wet, overcast November days, the Air 3S delivered vibrant, vibrant photographs.

Suffice to say, I’m in love with the DJI Air 3S. Let this DJI Air 3S overview be proof!

If you happen to’re somebody who takes your drone with you once you journey, that is the very best drone you should purchase proper now. However I will provide you with extra to work with (and to make your case why this drone is worth it), with my full DJI Air 3S overview. Right here’s an in-depth have a look at how the Air 3S compares with different DJI drones, its very best customers, and why it’s positively well worth the worth.

DJI Air 3S: key options for vacationers

There are all kinds of specs to notice on the DJI Air 3S. However since I’m pegging this as the very best drone for journey proper now, listed here are the specs that traveler will particularly love.

• Compact measurement: It weighs 724 grams and folds as much as 214.19×100.63×89.17 mm. Even with the carrying case, which is included once you purchase the Fly Extra Combo, it could possibly simply match into one other backpack. I put the Air 3S shoulder bag inside a backpack alongside my laptop computer, charger and different necessities like my pockets and snacks. All of it simply match beneath the seat in entrance of me on the airplane.
• Ahead-Going through LiDAR Expertise: This enables for extra exact impediment detection, particularly in low-light situations. Particularly after I’m someplace new and unfamiliar with the atmosphere, I respect the peace of thoughts of improved impediment avoidance.
• Panorama Mode: This mode makes it simpler to routinely seize ultra-wide-angle pictures with out third-party software program. Given how panoramas and holidays go collectively like peanut butter and jelly, that is so handy.
• Enhanced Inside Storage: 42GB of built-in storage permits extra time capturing and fewer time swapping SD playing cards. It’s additionally much less fear about packing them! I’m at all times shedding stuff after I journey, so not worrying about this is really easy.
• Highly effective wind velocity resistance: This drone is tremendous strong, with 12 m/s of wind resistance. I used to be capable of fly over a windy seaside in Hawaii with no downside. There have been conditions the place I bought flying tremendous excessive, and the controller alerted me that it was too windy and provided to return the drone to residence. I typically didn’t take up the supply, however as an alternative lowered my altitude. I liked the auto alerts in realizing after I was in a secure or unsafe wind zone. And even in pretty windy situations, I might nonetheless fly. In spite of everything, I solely had just a few days in Hawaii and needed to seize as a lot footage as I might. I might’t let wind cease me!

What’s new and improved from previous DJI Air fashions

The primary Mavic Air launched again in January 2018 as a small, moveable drone very like what DJI’s entry-level drone on the time, the DJI Spark, provided. Nevertheless it was a giant improve from the Spark, because it had the power to fold up just like the Mavic Professional to develop into even smaller, plus extra highly effective options included gesture management, the power to shoot 4K video, plus options like TapFly and ActiveTrack.

Since then, the Mavic Air line has flourished, serving a candy spot between smaller drones just like the DJI Mini sequence (which don’t succeed as effectively in tough situations like wind) versus the DJI Mavic sequence, which sits at a worth level larger than what many photographers can afford.

After which DJI dropped the DJI Air 3S on Oct. 15, beginning at $1,099. That’s the identical worth because the DJI Air 3 upon its launch — but this one is a transparent improve.

Right here’s a have a look at how the Air 3S has superior from earlier fashions within the Air sequence:

Clearly the DJI Air 3S brings substantial upgrades in impediment sensing, storage, and digicam high quality. And certain, whereas the Air 3 is a powerful drone in its personal proper, the Air 3S’s options cater to vacationers wanting extra flexibility and ease when capturing high-quality content material.

Associated learn: DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S: is it well worth the improve?

4 issues I really like probably the most in regards to the DJI Air 3S

There’s so much to like about this drone. However these have been my 4 private favourite options.

Digital camera

The DJI Air 3S actually shines with its digicam upgrades, offering sharp, high-resolution footage. Take a look at my YouTube video embedded simply above this paragraph to see pictures in flight!

With its bigger sensor (1-inch CMOS, 50MP Efficient Pixels), larger dynamic vary, and higher low-light efficiency, this drone can shoot largely professional-grade photographs and movies that may be greater than high-enough high quality for one thing like a wedding ceremony or live performance recording.

Battery life

The prolonged battery lifetime of the DJI Air 3S (45 minutes) relative to one thing just like the DJI Mini 4K (simply 31 minutes) gives unbelievable comfort. I felt okay taking lengthy flights (and a number of flights all through one roadtrip across the island of Oahu, sans automotive charger) with out continually worrying about recharging.

DJI has streamlined its footage switch course of on the Air 3S, coming a good distance from the clunky days of connecting GoPro cameras again within the Phantom 1 days. Earlier than, enhancing footage was a headache.

These days, it’s fast and environment friendly to get content material from the drone to your telephone (and finally Instagram, or wherever you put up). After flying, I powered on the drone, opened the DJI Fly App, and immediately downloaded my footage. This comfort allowed me to add pictures to my Instagram (@thedronegirl) proper after flying!

Wind resistance

Regardless of less-than-ideal climate situations throughout my time in Oahu, the Air 3S — with its 12 m/s wind velocity resistance — dealt with Hawaii’s gusty winds impressively. Usually, with a lighter drone or in a much less strong mannequin, I’d look forward to calmer climate. I’m typically a risk-averse pilot! Alas, I didn’t have the posh of time on this journey. Fortunately, the Air 3S’s superior wind resistance allowed me to fly anyway, capturing the footage I wanted even on tough wind days.

What sort of drone pilot is the DJI Air 3S greatest for?

The DJI Air 3S is mostly good for you in the event you establish as a…

• Journey photographer: Its high-resolution digicam and lengthy flight time makes capturing landscapes, seashores and cities simple.
• Intermediate to superior person: This drone is simple to fly however has sufficient options to attraction to skilled pilots looking for pro-level footage.
• Company and authorities skilled: Privateness-conscious customers profit from Native Information Mode, making the Air 3S appropriate for delicate environments.
• Out of doors adventurer: Whether or not you’re mountaineering, browsing, or exploring, the Air 3S is rugged sufficient to deal with varied situations.

That mentioned, skip the DJI Air 3S in the event you establish as a…

• Informal hobbyist or newbie: This drone is overkill in the event you’d moderately have a easy, budget-friendly drone. For these people, the DJI Neo or DJI Mini 4K is best. In spite of everything, they’re less complicated plane with a lower cost tag. And between these, which s higher? Take a look at my breakdown of the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K.
• Pilot flying in advanced landscapes:  Individuals who solely plan to fly in city or densely populated areas could be annoyed by the potential for sign interference. They may additionally get tripped up byr the no-fly restrictions frequent in these areas. (In fact, at all times fly solely in authorized airspace!) DJI’s geo-fencing software program is nice for most individuals because it largely prevents person error from flying in locations you’re not imagined to. However some individuals would moderately fly in locations they’re not imagined to. In that case, discover a DJI various.
• Extremely-light traveler: I mentioned it is a nice journey drone, but it surely’s nonetheless a lot bulkier than the Mini line. These prioritizing ultra-portability over functionality should still discover the Air 3S to be a bit too cumbersome. If you happen to nonetheless need high-end digicam specs however need one thing pocket-sized (I’m taking a look at you, carry-on solely vacationers), go together with the DJI Mini 4 Professional.

Deciding between the DJI Air 3S versus different drones

I dropped a bunch of drone names above. Need to be taught extra? Right here’s a quick comparability of the DJI Air 3S towards its closest opponents.

DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Mini 4 Professional

Each the DJI Air 3S and Mini 4 Professional are travel-friendly (largely given their small measurement). However, they differ in options and goal customers. Right here’s how they examine:

At simply 249 grams, the Mini 4 Professional is far more moveable. It’s additionally cheaper. And since it weighs underneath 250 grams, it’s exempt from many types of regulation. Notably, the Mini 4 Professional doesn’t must be registered with the FAA for leisure operations. It additionally doesn’t must be Distant ID compliant. 

Nonetheless, the Air 3S has superior flight time, digicam high quality and obstacle-sensing tech. That makes it a better option for these prioritizing high-end footage and longer flights.

DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Mavic 3 Professional

The Mavic 3 Professional is DJI’s top-tier mannequin, so how does the extra budget-friendly Air 3S examine? Do you actually need to pay roughly twice as a lot for the DJI Mavic 3 Professional?

The Mavic 3 Professional is the skilled’s selection with extra versatile lenses and ProRes recording. However in the event you’re a traveler wanting wonderful high quality with out additional weight and value, the Air 3S strikes that steadiness.

Is the DJI Air 3S well worth the worth?

Beginning at $1,099, the Air 3S is dearer than newbie drones. Nonetheless, it’s effectively under the Mavic 3 Professional’s price ticket. For worth delicate pilots, there are many nice, low-cost DJI drones underneath $600.

The most cost-effective DJI drone that I like to recommend is the DJI Neo, which is simply $199. In fact, the DJI Air 3S and Neo are very completely different drones, and it’s hardly truthful to match them. The Neo is a selfie or indoor drone. The Air 3S is for pilots who need huge, sweeping pictures however at a lower cost (and with just a few much less specs) than the DJI Mavic 3.

Right here’s a have a look at the obtainable configurations:

I typically advocate the Fly Extra Combo with DJI RC 2. Positive, the shoulder bag and additional batteries are good. However, the true motive to go together with it’s for the DJI RC 2. The RC 2 controller has a built-in display, which eliminates the necessity to join a smartphone. That removes one main friction level: needing to verify your telephone is charged and related (cables, ugh). With only one connection level, that is a lot better for pilots who need to be within the air shortly.

Annoyingly, that brings the value up by $500. I feel it’s price it, as flying is a lot extra seamless and pleasurable. You’ll get far more use out of the drone. And in the event you’re judging the worth by worth per flight, I assure you’ll fly extra with the DJI RC 2 versus the DJI RC-N3. Do some woman math, and extra flights = extra worth, which is well worth the improve.

DJI Air 3S overview: the ultimate verdict

The DJI Air 3S is a premium journey drone that mixes high-end options with portability. From forward-facing LiDAR for safer navigation to a spacious 42GB storage capability, it excels in ease of use, picture high quality and journey readiness. Positive, it’s priced above entry-level fashions, so it’s not for everybody. However, the Air 3S’s options make it worthwhile for vacationers and photographers looking for a high-quality, user-friendly drone.

Whether or not you’re taking pictures panoramic cityscapes or ocean waves (like I did in Hawaii), the Air 3S is greatest for anybody wanting easy-to-gather, high-quality aerial footage.

FTC disclaimer: No, DJI does NOT pay me for evaluations!

I earn cash by means of affiliate hyperlinks. While you purchase a drone by means of one of many hyperlinks on this information, I do make a small fee. Thanks upfront for contemplating procuring by means of my web site! It retains extra guides like this DJI Air 3S overview coming!

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