DJI surprises again with the launch of the DJI Air 3S, a drone that promises to revolutionize the way we capture our adventures. With a super light weight of 724 grams and impressive dual camera technology, it seems that they have achieved the perfect balance between portability and power. If you are into landscape photography, portraits or capturing those unique moments while exploring, this drone has everything you need to take your photos and videos to the next level.
Dual camera for unparalleled captures
One of the big stars of the DJI Air 3S is its dual camera system. The main one has a 1-inch, 50-megapixel CMOS sensor, which means that no matter if you're capturing a sunset or a night scene in the middle of the city, the quality is going to be incredible. The details promise to be impressive, and the video is recorded in 4K at 60 fps or 120 fps, depending on what you need. Plus, if you're the type who prefers to tweak things in post-production, 10-bit video recording is going to give you a ton of flexibility when it comes to editing.
But the story doesn't end here. DJI has added a second camera, a 70mm telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom that lets you play with framing in a super creative way, ideal for portraits or to give that cinematic touch to your shots. And best of all, both cameras have the same video specifications, so there is no difference in quality between the two. So, we can switch between both without worrying about inconsistencies in the images.
Comparison with the DJI Air 3
For those already familiar with the Air series, the big question is: What is the difference between this new Air 3S compared to its predecessor, the DJI Air 3? Well, there are actually quite a few differences that justify the upgrade. For starters, the addition of the telephoto camera is already a major change, as while the Air 3 was great for capturing high-quality photos and videos, the Air 3S adds a new dimension with the second camera, which gives us more creative freedom.
Another key improvement is the video compression algorithm. On the Air 3S, video files are compressed 30% more without losing quality, giving us more storage space, something the Air 3 didn't have. This is a real relief for those of us who often run out of space halfway through our adventures.
Low-light quality has also improved significantly. The Air 3S reaches a maximum ISO of 12800 in normal mode and up to 3200 in D-Log M and HLG modes, making it much more effective in night scenes. This is something we missed on the Air 3. If you're into shooting cityscapes at night or capturing moments in low-light environments, you'll definitely notice the difference.
Safer flights with obstacle detection
One of the aspects that has caught our attention the most about the DJI Air 3S is the improvement in safety during flight. This drone comes equipped with omnidirectional obstacle detection, which means it can "see" around it in 360 degrees. This is achieved thanks to the incorporation of forward-facing LiDAR sensors and six visual sensors (two in front, two behind and two below). What does this mean? Well, we no longer have to worry so much about colliding with an obstacle while flying, especially in low light conditions or in more complex scenarios. What until now
We particularly love how they’ve optimized the “Return to Home” (RPO) feature, which is now much smarter. This ensures that the drone returns to us safely, even when we’re flying in areas where the satellite signal isn’t the best. So if we’re the type who likes to fly in more rural landscapes or in urban areas with tall buildings, this improvement will give us much more peace of mind.
ActiveTrack 360° and new ways to capture content
Another strong point of the Air 3S is the ActiveTrack 360° function. With this option, the drone automatically follows any subject we choose, adjusting the frame according to its surroundings. For example, if we are filming someone running or a cyclist, the drone makes sure that the shot is always dynamic and fluid, even if the subject momentarily hides behind a tree or passes under a bridge.
But the cherry on top is the new Target Focus feature. If we're flying manually and our target moves out of the center of the frame, the drone will adjust the focus to keep it sharp. This is great because it allows us to focus more on creativity, without worrying as much about losing focus while flying.
What else does the DJI Air 3S bring?
If flight performance isn't enough, DJI has added other features that further enhance the experience. For starters, the Maximum flight time is 45 minutes, which gives us a lot more time to explore, try different framings and get those epic shots. We don't have to constantly land to change the battery, which many will appreciate.
Video streaming is also impressive, with O4 technology allowing us to view what the drone is recording in 1080p at 60fps, up to 20km away. This gives us full control even if the drone is far away from us. And for those of us who fear interference, the DJI 4G Cellular Adapter ensures we always have a stable connection.
Finally, another of the improvements that we loved is the 42 GB internal memory, so it is no longer necessary to rely so much on microSD cards, allowing us to record without worrying about running out of space. This is a decision that many users did not like when it was implemented in the DJI Neo, and which will possibly also generate controversy in this new release. They have also added the QuickTransfer option, which allows us to transfer files to our smartphone or computer even when the drone is turned off.
Price and release date
In terms of pricing and availability, the DJI Air 3S is now available to order through the official DJI store and authorized dealers. The basic model with the DJI RC-N3 remote control is priced at 1099 euros, ideal for those looking for a more affordable but complete option. If we prefer a more complete package, the DJI Air 3S Fly More (DJI RC-N3) costs 1399 EUR and includes two additional batteries, ND filters, a charging hub and a shoulder bag, perfect for those looking for more autonomy. In addition, the DJI Air 3S Fly More (DJI RC 2), with the remote controller with a built-in 1080p screen, is available for 1599 EUR. All these models are already available for purchase, with Shipping starting today.