DJI Air 3S Review

Review Summary

The DJI Air 3S is DJI's latest mid-range drone that blends professional camera capabilities with robust performance features. It’s ideal for photographers, content creators, and drone enthusiasts who want high-quality imaging and advanced flight options in a compact, travel-friendly package. Here’s an in-depth look at its performance, build, and overall value.

Design & Build Quality

The DJI Air 3S maintains the sleek, foldable design characteristic of DJI’s Air series, making it highly portable at 724 grams. Its compact size and durable build make it suitable for on-the-go shooting. The drone includes a protective cover for its camera and gimbal, along with a solid RC 2 controller featuring a 5.5-inch HD screen, 32GB internal storage, and seamless connectivity. While sturdy, it requires some care in handling due to its exposed propellers and camera, especially for travel.

Camera Quality & Imaging Capabilities

The Air 3S stands out with a dual-camera system that includes a 50MP wide-angle sensor (1-inch CMOS) and a 48MP telephoto lens (1/1.3-inch sensor), providing flexibility in capturing both broad and close-up shots. This setup allows for high-quality 4K video at up to 60fps and slow-motion at 120fps, with excellent color depth thanks to 10-bit HLG and D-Log M profiles. These features allow users to capture vibrant footage with ample dynamic range, particularly useful in low-light conditions. The camera’s only limitation is its fixed aperture, which may necessitate ND filters in bright environments.

Flight Performance & Battery Life

Equipped with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, including a forward-facing LiDAR sensor for improved low-light navigation, the Air 3S provides enhanced safety, even at night. The drone is capable of withstanding winds up to 12m/s (26 mph), making it stable even in challenging conditions. It can reach up to 45 mph in sport mode (though obstacle detection is disabled in this mode), while normal mode supports obstacle tracking at speeds up to 23 mph.

With a 45-minute battery life under ideal conditions, the Air 3S offers extended flight time, and users can further increase airtime with DJI’s Fly More Combo, which includes extra batteries and a hub that allows sequential charging. This combo also allows for power accumulation, which is ideal for users needing prolonged shooting sessions.

Ease of Use & Intelligent Flight Modes

The Air 3S offers a range of intelligent flight modes, including ActiveTrack 360 for smooth subject tracking from various angles. ActiveTrack works well in clear environments but may struggle in dense foliage, where it can lose track or encounter small obstacles. The Return-to-Home (RTH) feature is reliable and further ensures safety, automatically bringing the drone back if signal or battery levels are low.

The remote’s interface and DJI’s intuitive app make the Air 3S easy to control, even for beginners. The app provides access to various shooting modes, and the drone’s internal storage (42GB) is a welcome addition, accommodating users who may forget an SD card or quickly fill one during long sessions.

Value for Money

Priced at approximately $1,099, the DJI Air 3S is a strong investment for those looking for a high-quality, mid-range drone with professional features. While it may not have all the capabilities of DJI’s higher-end Mavic models, the Air 3S offers impressive imaging, extended battery life, and advanced safety features at a competitive price point. It is a particularly appealing choice for users seeking a versatile, high-performance drone without the bulk or cost of DJI’s flagship models.

Who It’s For

• Content Creators: Ideal for photographers and videographers seeking high-quality aerial footage with flexible shooting modes and strong low-light performance.
• Drone Enthusiasts: Great for hobbyists who want to explore advanced drone features, such as LiDAR-based obstacle avoidance and long battery life.
• Outdoor Adventurers: Its portable, rugged design, along with powerful wind resistance, makes it a good fit for those who capture footage in challenging outdoor conditions.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

The DJI Air 3S is an exceptional mid-tier drone offering near-professional imaging quality, extended flight times, and robust safety features. While the fixed aperture and weight restrictions may limit casual users, the Air 3S provides excellent value for serious drone enthusiasts and content creators seeking an affordable yet capable aerial camera. It’s a great investment for capturing both stunning visuals and immersive video content.