(Credit: DJI)
It's been a little more than a year since DJI launched its dual camera Air 3 drone, but it's already back with a follow-up: the Air 3S. And while there aren't a laundry list of upgrades to the already-solid drone, the 3S comes with a main camera that, on paper, promises better picture quality than the original, plus upgraded obstacle detection powered by LiDAR.
One Drone, Two Cameras
The Air 3 was the first in the series to come with a twin lens camera system, a feature that continues on with the 3S. The 3S swaps out the original's primary 24mm camera for one with a larger image sensor, a Type 1 chip with a staggering 50MP pixel count. This is good news for photographers, especially as the sensor's relatively large surface area should provide better fine detail and color depth than the 48MP Type 1/1.3 chip in the Air 3. The numbers may not seem that different, but Air 3S has a 70% larger surface area, which typically translates to better photos.
(Credit: DJI)The 24mm camera supports 10-bit video recording at up to 4K60 with an HDR HLG color profile or at 4K120 in SDR. Expert-level creators can also take advantage of the flat 10-bit D-Log M to record footage that's suitable for color correction for delivery to either SDR or HDR displays. A wide angle conversion lens is also available, broadening the view to around 15mm for epically wide views. ND filters are available too, and are a practical necessity since the camera omits an adjustable aperture.
Meanwhile, the secondary camera is unchanged; it's a 3x telephoto (70mm equivalent) with a Quad Bayer 48MP Type 1/1.3 sensor behind it. The longer lens provides more compression for aerial scenes, for a different perspective on the world than you get with most drones. In our Air 3 review, we praised the Tele for its clear 4K video and likened its still quality to a good smartphone.
FAA Registration Required
The Air 3S is what we'd consider a small drone, but it's not ultra-light. Its rotor arms fold down for easy storage and transport—it takes up about the same amount of space as a typical 70-200mm F2.8 zoom in your gear bag—but at around 1.6 pounds is heavy enough to require FAA registration. That means that amateur pilots and pros alike will need to register the drone with the FAA prior to flight. The aircraft is suitable for professional use as the required Remote ID broadcast tech is built-in.
There are some upgrades to the aircraft itself aside from the camera. For one, the obstacle-detection system is bolstered by forward-facing LiDAR, which DJI says should provide more reliable detection and avoidance when flying at night. And downward-facing infrared and all-around visual sensors carry on, so the drone can avoid obstacles when flying in any direction during daylight hours.
(Credit: DJI)The battery provides up to 45 minutes of flight time between charges, about the same as the Air 3, so you can stay up in the air for longer or make shorter flights on a single battery than competitors with lesser longevity.
Storage is upgraded versus the Air 3, which shipped with a paltry 8GB internal memory. The 3S has more than fivefold that amount, 42GB, plus a microSD slot to supplement it. However, with that much memory built in, many creators can skip a memory card entirely.
Pricing and Availability
The DJI Air 3S is available to order today for immediate shipping and costs $1,099 to start. The base price includes a single flight battery and the DJI RC-N3 remote and requires a smartphone for camera view and control.
There are two Fly More Combo options available; both include three flight batteries, a multi-battery charger, a set of ND filters, and a shoulder bag. For $1,399, you'll get these accessories along with the RC-N3 remote, or you can step up to a $1,599 version and get the DJI RC 2 instead. The RC 2 includes a built-in touch screen and app, so you don't need to connect your phone to fly.
(Credit: DJI)We expect to review the Air 3S as time allows, so check back soon for test results. In the meantime, you can consult our top drones list to see the best-performing UAVs we've flown.