The DJI Air 3S: that makes my moment flying

Jobair Tuaha

The DJI Air 3S is an exceptional drone that caters to enthusiasts and professionals alike, blending cutting-edge technology with ease of use.

I kindly ask that you read this entire review article before making any decisions regarding the DJI Air 3S, such as purchasing it. This article contains a wealth of information, including my personal flying experiences with the Air 3S, which I believe are crucial for you to consider. This review is essential to read before you decide to buy. There is much more interesting information eagerly awaiting your attention.

If you choose to make a purchase, you can do so through this article (at the bottom of the article, there is a purchasing link). This allows us to earn a small referral commission, but it won’t increase your purchase cost. However, we encourage you to read the entire article to get all the important details.

As someone who’s spent countless hours flying drones, testing their limits, and capturing breathtaking footage, I can confidently say the Air 3S is a game-changer in the market. In this article, I’ll walk you through my experiences with the DJI Air 3S, covering everything from unboxing to advanced features, while helping you decide if this drone is for you.

Unboxing the DJI Air 3S: First Impressions

Unboxing the DJI Air 3S felt like unwrapping a piece of tech art. The package is compact yet packed with everything you need to get started. Inside the box, you’ll find:

The DJI Air 3S drone
Remote controller
Intelligent Flight Battery
Charging hub
Propellers (spares included)
USB-C cable
Manuals and documentation

From the moment you hold the Air 3S, its premium build quality is evident. The matte finish and sleek design scream sophistication, and its lightweight yet sturdy feel inspires confidence. DJI has clearly invested time and effort in creating a product that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.

Setting Up the DJI Air 3S

Setting up the Air 3S was a breeze. The DJI Fly app, available for iOS and Android, guides you step-by-step through the setup process. Once the app is installed, you’ll connect the drone to your smartphone via the controller. The app prompted me to update the firmware—a quick and painless process—and I was ready to take off in under 15 minutes.

One thing I appreciated was how intuitive the setup process was, even for beginners. DJI’s attention to detail in user experience design ensures that anyone can get started without feeling overwhelmed.

Flight Performance and Controls

The DJI Air 3S’s flight performance is nothing short of stellar. Equipped with DJI’s O4+ transmission system, the drone offers an impressive control range of up to 10 km. I tested this in various environments—urban areas, open fields, and near water and the connection remained rock-solid throughout.

The controls are responsive and precise. Whether you’re performing complex maneuvers or simply hovering for a stable shot, the Air 3S delivers. The controller itself is ergonomic and features customizable buttons, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences.

Wind Resistance

One standout feature is the Air 3S’s wind resistance. On a particularly windy day at the beach, I was skeptical about how well the drone would perform. To my surprise, it held its position with remarkable stability, making it ideal for coastal or mountainous regions where wind can be a challenge.

Camera Quality: A Photographer’s Dream

As someone who values high-quality visuals, the Air 3S’s camera exceeded my expectations. Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, the drone captures 50MP stills 4K video at 60 fps, and 4K video at 120 fps for high-speed recordings. Here’s what impressed me most:

Dynamic Range: The Air 3S handles high-contrast scenes beautifully, preserving details in both shadows and highlights.

Low-Light Performance: I tested the drone during golden hour and in twilight conditions, and the results were stunning. The noise levels were minimal, and the colors remained vibrant.

Zoom Capability: The 3x optical zoom allowed me to capture distant subjects without compromising on quality.

Sample Use Cases

1. Landscape Photography: Capturing wide vistas from a bird’s-eye view is a breeze with the Air 3S. The sharpness and detail in the images make them print-worthy.

2. Real Estate Videography: The drone’s ability to shoot smooth, cinematic footage makes it a valuable tool for showcasing properties.

3. Adventure Filmmaking: Whether it’s tracking a moving car or following a hiking trail, the Air 3S excels in dynamic environments.

Battery Life: Fly Longer

The Intelligent Flight Battery provides up to 45 minutes of flight time on a single charge. In my experience, this claim holds true under optimal conditions. For more intensive flying—like shooting in Sport Mode or battling strong winds—you can expect around 40 minutes, which is still impressive.

The included charging hub is a lifesaver, allowing you to charge multiple batteries simultaneously. During a full day of shooting, I rotated between three batteries, ensuring I never missed a moment.

Intelligent Features: Making Life Easier

The DJI Air 3S is packed with intelligent features that elevate the flying experience. Some of my favorites include:

ActiveTrack: The DJI Air 3S's ActiveTrack 360° system allows the drone to follow a subject seamlessly, even in complex environments. I tested it while cycling through a forest trail, and it maintained a steady lock on me without crashing into trees.

How to use ActiveTrack:

Draw a square around the subject you want to track.
Select the target.
Select Active Track when the green go button appears.
Press the go button to enter ActiveTrack mode.
Press the record button to start recording.

QuickShots: Perfect for beginners or those short on time, QuickShots lets you capture cinematic footage with a single tap. Modes like Dronie, Helix, and Rocket produce professional-looking clips effortlessly.

Key Obstacle Avoidance Features of the DJI Air 3S

1. Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing

The Air 3S is equipped with an advanced omnidirectional obstacle-sensing system, enabling it to detect and avoid obstacles in all directions. This system is particularly effective in low-light conditions, making the drone suitable for nighttime operations.

2. Forward-Facing LiDAR Technology

A notable addition to the Air 3S is the forward-facing LiDAR sensor. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses to measure distances, allowing the drone to create detailed 3D maps of its environment. This technology enhances obstacle detection accuracy, especially in low-light scenarios where traditional vision sensors may struggle.

3. Enhanced Vision System

The drone features an upgraded vision system comprising forward, backward, and downward vision sensors. These sensors work in tandem to provide comprehensive environmental awareness, facilitating safer navigation in complex environments.

4. Advanced Return-to-Home (RTH) Functionality

The Air 3S's RTH feature has been improved to utilize its enhanced sensing capabilities. In well-lit conditions, the drone memorizes its flight path using real-time vision positioning and map construction technologies, ensuring a safe return even in areas with weak satellite signals.

5. APAS 5.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance System)

The inclusion of APAS 5.0 allows the Air 3S to autonomously navigate around obstacles in real time. This system is active in both Normal and Cine flight modes, providing pilots with smoother and safer flight experiences.

Benefits:

Enhanced Low-Light Performance: The integration of LiDAR and improved vision sensors significantly boosts the drone's ability to detect obstacles in low-light conditions, expanding its operational versatility.
Comprehensive Environmental Awareness: The omnidirectional sensing system ensures that the drone can detect obstacles from all directions, reducing the risk of collisions during complex maneuvers.
Improved Flight Safety: Advanced features like APAS 5.0 and the upgraded RTH function contribute to safer flight operations, allowing pilots to focus more on capturing high-quality footage.

Considerations:

While the DJI Air 3S's obstacle avoidance system represents a significant advancement, pilots should remain mindful of its limitations. The system may face challenges in environments with highly reflective surfaces, transparent obstacles, or areas with drastic lighting changes. Therefore, maintaining situational awareness and exercising caution during flight is essential.

In summary, the DJI Air 3S's enhanced obstacle avoidance features make it a compelling choice for users seeking advanced safety and performance in various lighting conditions.

Portability and Durability

The Air 3S is foldable, making it highly portable. It fits snugly into a backpack, leaving room for other gear. Despite its compact size, it’s built to withstand rough conditions. I accidentally bumped it into a tree branch during a test flight—it came out unscathed, save for a minor scratch on a propeller.

Who Is the DJI Air 3S For?

The DJI Air 3S is versatile enough to cater to a wide audience:

Hobbyists: Its user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for casual users.
Content Creators: The high-quality camera and intelligent features are a boon for photographers and videographers.
Professionals: Real estate agents, surveyors, and filmmakers will find the Air 3S’s capabilities more than sufficient for professional use.

Final Thoughts: Is the DJI Air 3S Worth It?

Absolutely. The DJI Air 3S combines performance, portability, and advanced features in a single package, making it one of the best drones in its class. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the world of drones or a seasoned professional seeking a reliable tool, the Air 3S delivers on all fronts.

If you’re ready to elevate your aerial photography and videography game, the DJI Air 3S is an investment you won’t regret.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the DJI Air 3S directly from DJI’s website or through trusted retailers like Amazon.

Get DJI AIR 3S from Amazon

DJI AIR 3S FAQ

1. What are the key features of the DJI Air 3S?

The DJI Air 3S boasts a dual-camera system with a 50MP wide-angle camera and a 48MP medium telephoto camera, 4K video recording at 60fps, advanced obstacle avoidance with LiDAR technology, and a flight time of up to 45 minutes (40 minutes in personal experience).

2. How does the DJI Air 3S perform in low-light conditions?

Equipped with a larger 1-inch sensor and f/1.8 aperture, the Air 3S captures more light, enhancing its performance in low-light environments.

3. What is the maximum flight time of the DJI Air 3S?

The drone has a maximum flight time of about 45 minutes on a single charge. However, if it struggles against winds or encounters obstacles, you may get around 40 minutes of maximum flight time.

4. Does the DJI Air 3S support obstacle avoidance?

Yes, it features advanced obstacle avoidance with LiDAR sensors, enhancing safety during flight.

5. What video resolutions and frame rates do the DJI Air 3S support?

The Air 3S supports 4K video recording at 60fps and offers 10-bit D-Log M for enhanced dynamic range and color grading capabilities.

6. How much internal storage does the DJI Air 3S have?

It comes with 42GB of internal storage and supports microSD cards up to 512GB for additional capacity.

7. What intelligent flight features are available on the DJI Air 3S?

The drone includes features like ActiveTrack 360 for automatic subject tracking and Free panorama mode for capturing expansive shots.

8. Is the DJI Air 3S suitable for professional photography and filmmaking?

Yes, with its dual-camera system, high-quality video capabilities, and intelligent flight features, the Air 3S is well-suited for professional content creation.

9. What is the weight of the DJI Air 3S, and are there any regulatory considerations?

The drone weighs approximately 724 grams, which may require registration and certification for flight in certain regions.

10. Does the DJI Air 3S have an adjustable aperture?

No, the Air 3S does not feature an adjustable aperture, which may limit creative control in varying lighting conditions.

11. What is the maximum transmission distance of the DJI Air 3S?

Under FCC standards, the maximum transmission distance is up to 20 km in unobstructed environments.

12. What remote controllers are compatible with the DJI Air 3S?

The Air 3S is compatible with the DJI RC-N3 and DJI RC 2 remote controllers.

13. What is the price range of the DJI Air 3S?

The DJI Air 3S is available starting at $1,099, with various packages that may include additional accessories.

14. Does the DJI Air 3S support vertical video recording?

Yes, both the wide-angle and telephoto cameras support vertical (9:16) video recording, catering to social media content creation.

15. What accessories are included with the DJI Air 3S?

Depending on the package, accessories may include the remote controller, battery charging hub, ND filters, spare propellers, and a carrying bag.