DJI Air 3S review specs and price

DJI Air 3S Review

Let’s get real: drones are cool. But finding one that balances pro-level features with portability? That’s like trying to find a quiet coffee shop on a Monday morning—nearly impossible. Enter the DJI Air 3S, the latest mid-range marvel that’s got creators buzzing. I’ve spent weeks testing this thing—from windy Hawaiian beaches to foggy UK cliffs—and here’s the pc… er, scoop on whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

Meet the DJI Air 3S: What’s New?

Released in October 2024, the Air 3S isn’t a radical overhaul of its predecessor, the Air 3. Instead, it’s a polished upgrade that fixes a few gripes (like that pesky small sensor) and throws in some spicy new tech. Priced at $1,099 for the base kit, it’s DJI’s answer to travelers and enthusiasts who want flagship features without the Mavic 3 Pro price tag .

Key Upgrades at a Glance:

• 1-Inch Wide-Angle Sensor: Say goodbye to grainy low-light shots. This larger sensor captures 50MP stills and 4K/120fps video with 14 stops of dynamic range—perfect for golden-hour landscapes or moody cityscapes .
• LiDAR-Powered Obstacle Avoidance: Fly at night without sweating bullets. The front-facing LiDAR detects obstacles even in pitch darkness, while omnidirectional sensors keep you from clipping trees (or seagulls).
• 42GB Built-In Storage: No more panic-deleting footage mid-flight to free up space. Pair it with a microSD card, and you’re set for hours of shooting .
• Free Panorama Mode: Draw a box around your scene, and the drone automatically stitches a panoramic masterpiece. I used this to capture a surreal circular rainbow in fog—no Photoshop needed.

Real-World Testing: How Does It Hold Up?

Let’s cut through the specs and talk real life. During a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, I tossed the Air 3S into a backpack alongside my laptop and snorkel gear. Despite 80% humidity and gusts strong enough to ruin a bad haircut, this drone didn’t flinch.

Wind Resistance? Check.

With 12 m/s wind resistance (that’s ~26 mph for us non-metric folks), the Air 3S stayed steady even near choppy ocean waves. One time, the controller warned me of high winds and suggested returning home. I ignored it (live dangerously, right?), lowered the altitude, and kept filming. Spoiler: It survived—and the footage was butter-smooth .

Battery Life: No “Low Power” Panic

DJI claims 45 minutes of flight time. In reality, I got ~38 minutes with moderate wind—enough to scout locations, frame shots, and still land with 10% to spare. Pro tip: Spring for the Fly More Combo ($1,399). Three batteries = zero FOMO .

Low-Light Hero

Shooting a seaside sunset? The 1-inch sensor crushed it. But the real test was a foggy dusk in Cornwall, UK. While the telephoto lens struggled a bit (more on that later), the wide-angle delivered crisp, noise-free footage that made my Instagram followers think I’d hired a cinematographer .

Who’s It For? (And Who Should Skip It)

Perfect For:

1. Travel Photographers: Fold it, toss it in a bag, and shoot everything from Icelandic glaciers to Tokyo skylines. The dual-camera system means you’re ready for wide vistas and tight details .
2. Content Creators: Vertical 2.7K/60fps video? Check. Slow-mo up to 240fps? Check. The RC-2 controller’s 5.5-inch screen lets you frame TikTok clips without squinting at your phone .
3. Adventure Junkies: Hiking, surfing, or dodging rogue tree branches? The Air 3S’s rugged build and obstacle sensors have your back .

Think Twice If:

1. You’re a Casual User: The DJI Mini 4 Pro ($759) is lighter, cheaper, and doesn’t require FAA registration. Unless you need pro specs, save the cash .
2. You Hate Paperwork: At 724g, the Air 3S needs FAA registration (U.S.) or a £100 competency course (UK). For hassle-free flying, grab a sub-250g drone .
3. You Own the Air 3: The upgrades are sweet but incremental. Unless low-light performance or storage is a dealbreaker, stick with what you’ve got.

Flaws? Let’s Keep It 100

No drone’s perfect. Here’s where the Air 3S stumbles:

1. Telephoto Lens in Low Light: The 70mm lens (f/2.8) is great for portraits but gets noisy at dusk. Stick to the wide-angle after sunset .
2. No Adjustable Aperture: Want that creamy bokeh? You’ll need ND filters. Swapping them mid-flight? A pain.
3. Gimbal Protector Feels Cheap: For $1K+, DJI could’ve included the sturdier Mavic-style cover .

DJI Air 3S vs. Competitors

VS. DJI Mini 4 Pro

• Air 3S Wins: Better cameras, longer flight time (45 vs. 31 mins), LiDAR obstacle sensing.
• Mini 4 Pro Wins: Under 250g (no registration), cheaper, ultra-portable .

VS. Mavic 3 Pro

• Air 3S Wins: Half the price, similar image quality, better slow-mo.
• Mavic 3 Pro Wins: Adjustable aperture, Hasselblad color science, longer range .

Practical Tips for Buyers

1. Get the RC-2 Controller: The built-in screen is brighter than your future and saves you from phone glare.
2. ND Filters Are a Must: For cinematic daytime videos, grab a set. DJI’s pack costs ~$99.
3. Master ActiveTrack 360º: Draw a box around your subject, and let the drone orbit them like a paparazzi bot. Works wonders for hiking shots .
4. Check Local Laws: Flying in the EU? You’ll need to stay 50m from people. The DJI Fly app updates restrictions in real-time—use it .

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

If you’re a travel photographer, semi-pro creator, or just someone who wants the best without selling a kidney—yes. The Air 3S nails the essentials: killer image quality, rugged portability, and smarts that’ll save you from costly crashes.

But if you’re a casual flyer or already own the Air 3 drone ? Meh, maybe wait for the Air 4. Either way, this drone’s a reminder that DJI still rules the skies—one LiDAR sensor at a time.

Also Read: NEHEME NH525 Foldable Drone Review 2024