DJI has unveiled its latest mid-range drone, the Air 3S, building upon the success of last year's Air 3 model with notable improvements in low-light performance and obstacle avoidance.
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| Discover the DJI Air 3S, the latest mid-range drone offering enhanced features for enthusiasts and professionals alike |
Key Upgrades
The Air 3S retains the dual-camera setup of its predecessor but now features a larger 1-inch CMOS sensor for the main wide-angle camera. This 50MP sensor, paired with a 24mm equivalent lens, promises enhanced image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The secondary 48MP telephoto camera with a 70mm equivalent lens remains unchanged, offering 3x optical zoom capabilities.
A standout addition is the front-facing LiDAR sensor, a first for DJI drones. Combined with downward infrared time-of-flight (TOF) sensors and six vision sensors, this new omnidirectional obstacle-sensing system significantly improves the drone's ability to navigate and avoid obstacles, particularly during night flights.
Imaging Capabilities
Both cameras on the Air 3S can capture 4K video at up to 60fps in HDR, or 120fps for slow-motion footage. They also support 10-bit D-Log M color profiles, offering up to 14 stops of dynamic range for greater flexibility in post-production.
Flight Performance
The Air 3S boasts an impressive 45-minute maximum flight time per battery charge, though real-world conditions may yield slightly shorter durations. It can resist winds up to 12 m/s (approximately 26.8 mph) and features a maximum transmission range of up to 20 km in FCC-compliant areas.
Pricing and Availability
Available immediately, the DJI Air 3S comes in three configurations:
- Standard package with RC-N3 controller: $1,099 / £959 / AU$1,699
- Fly More Combo with RC-N3 controller: $1,399 / £1,239 / AU$2,129
- Fly More Combo with RC 2 controller: $1,599 / £1,439 / AU$2,429
The Fly More Combo includes additional batteries, ND filters, a charging hub, and a shoulder bag.
Who Should Consider the Air 3S?
The Air 3S is positioned as an ideal upgrade for enthusiasts looking to step up from entry-level drones like the Mini series. However, at 724g, it falls into a weight class that requires more regulatory compliance in many regions, including the need for pilot certification in the EU and UK.
For existing Air 3 owners, the upgrades may not justify an immediate switch, but for those in the market for a versatile, high-performance drone, the Air 3S offers an compelling balance of features and price point, sitting comfortably between DJI's consumer and professional lines.
As drone technology continues to advance, the Air 3S represents another step towards making professional-grade aerial imaging more accessible to enthusiasts and semi-professionals alike.