The DJI Air 3s has been released this month October 2024 and you have probably already heard about it, undoubtedly a worthy successor to the DJI Air 3.
This article will not be exclusive only to the Air 3s, I will talk about the differences it has over its predecessor. In the DJI Air 3s there are no major changes in terms of design, apparently, but there are new features, as it incorporates two major innovations.
- Its new camera with a 1” sensor and brighter
- A LIDAR sensor with which begins a new way of detecting the environment, how it combines with all 360 sensors and their hardware.
The LIDAR sensor is unique to this day for the Air 3s among all DJI drones.
Both DJI models are highly popular among aerial photography enthusiasts and videographers, but what are the key differences between them? In this article, I’ll take an in-depth look at the features, advantages and disadvantages of each drone to help you make the best decision.
Introduction to DJI Air 3s and Air 3 drones
DJI’s drones have set an industry standard for portability, ease of use and image quality. The DJI Air 3, launched as part of the Air series, has long been a favorite thanks to its advanced features and exceptional performance.
However, the arrival of the DJI Air 3s has piqued the interest of many, and it is crucial to understand what this new model has to offer. I’ll tell you about it below.
Design and portability
The C1 class marking along with its 81db indication is no longer a sticker but is engraved on the chassis itself on the underside of the drone near the camera.
One of the main attractions of DJI drones is their compact and foldable design. Both the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3s models maintain this design philosophy, making them ideal choices for travel.
DJI Air 3:
- Dimensions: 180 × 97 × 84 mm (folded).
- Weight: 720 grams.
- Material: Constructed of strong, lightweight yet durable plastic.
DJI Air 3S:
- Dimensions: Similar to the DJI Air 3.
- Weight: 724 grams.
- Material improvements: Uses more robust materials that improve durability.
Camera quality
This drone comes with changes that affect both the 24mm and 70mm lenses; although the 1” sensor is only installed in the 24mm lens, there are improvements in both cameras thanks to the internal processor change.
Another substantial improvement is the possibility of recording video with an HDR mode that allows up to 14 stops and 10-bit D-Log M, which will give us excellent results in those scenes where shadows and highlights converge, or the so-called backlit scenes.
The night mode of the DJI Air 3 disappears as this new drone has ISOs that reach 12800 natively.
Camera quality is undoubtedly one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a drone. Both versions have excellent image capture capabilities, but there are significant differences.
- DJI Air 3:
- Sensor: 1/2″ CMOS.
- Image resolution: 48 MP.
- Video recording: 4K at 60 fps.
- Stabilization: Three-axis stabilization.
- DJI Air 3S
- Focal 24mm f1.8
- Sensor: 1” CMOS, allowing for better capture in low light conditions.
- Image resolution: 12MP (native) and 50MP (digital)
- Grabación de video:
- 1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/120/240
- 2,7K VERTICAL 24/25/30/48/50/60
- 4K a 24/25/30/48/50/60/120
- 5.4K at 60 fps, offering superior image quality.
- Stabilization: Advanced three-axis stabilization with enhanced technology.
- Focal 70mm f2.8 (teleobjetivo)
- Sensor: 1/1.3″
- Image resolution: 12MP and 48 MP
- Grabación de vídeo:
- 4K a 24/25/30/48/50/60/120
- 2.7K VERTICAL 24/25/30/48/50/60 (the camera does not flip over like the Mini 3 PRO and Mini 4 PRO), but directly does a vertical crop as the Air 3 version already did.
- 1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/120/240
- Focal 24mm f1.8
- Cámara optimizada para vídeos de viajes – La…
- Captura vídeos con detalles vibrantes – Graba…
- Modo Panorámica libre – Crea fantásticas…
- Más seguridad al volar por la noche – El LiDAR…
- Regreso al punto de origen inteligente de última…
New manual panoramas
It incorporates a new mode for panoramic photos called Free Panorama in which we can take the photos ourselves which camera in hand and then the drone will join them by itself later.
If with this camera you still find that you can’t get the performance you expect from a sensor that promises to be amazing, I recommend you take a look at my article in which I give you 10 tips on how to take good photos with drones.
Lidar sensor in the DJI Air 3s
The lidar sensor has finally arrived in DJI drones, and it has done so with the privileged Air 3s as the only protagonist.
Normally the obstacle detection sensors work up to 15 lux of luminosity and this drone can operate under conditions of 1-5 lux, to give you an idea, it can capture the brightness of a candle at a distance of 1m.
Sensors and obstacle detection
This Air 3s brings improvements in the Activetrack and in the RTH, being able to have a more controlled and safer return to home since it is able to trace a non-linear trajectory previously recorded in its output, a real madness, really.
If you are looking to perform object tracking work with drones, such as in audiovisual productions for film or television, this drone is the most equipped drone today of the entire range of drones that DJI has.
The sum of its lidar sensor, its obstacle detection system with all the sensors distributed throughout the drone and its advanced and renewed hardware, makes it able to avoid obstacles at higher speeds, from the front at 54km/h, and flying backwards or laterally up to 50km/h, and with any of the 2 cameras.
During obstacle tracking, the configurable “distance circles” already included in the Mini 4 PRO are maintained, allowing you to change the position of the drone with respect to the object it is tracking in mid-flight.
Performance and flight range
The batteries are compatible and interchangeable so you can use them between both drones. The DJI Air 3s has 4276 mA while the Air 3 has 4241mA. One thing that has not changed is that the HUB charger still only charges 1 battery, it does not charge all 3 at the same time.
Flight range is crucial for any drone user. This is where the DJI Air 3S excels, offering remarkable improvements compared to its predecessor.
DJI Air 3:
- Flight time: Approximately 34 minutes, which on paper is not quite real.
- Transmission distance: Up to 10 km under optimal conditions.
DJI Air 3S:
- Flying time: Up to 46 minutes (30-34′ real) depending on weather conditions and our way of flying, allowing for longer recording sessions.
- Transmission distance: Up to 12 km, ideal for wider scans.
Intelligent functions
Both drones have a set of intelligent features that make it easy to record spectacular videos and capture stunning images.
DJI Air 3:
- QuickShots: Includes modes such as Dronie, Circle, and Helix.
- FocusTrack: Allows tracking of subjects.
DJI Air 3S:
- Improved QuickShots: New recording modes allow for more creativity.
- ActiveTrack 4.0: An enhanced version that improves the tracking of moving subjects.
Connectivity and control
It incorporates a new way to transfer our material to other devices, the Quicktransfer at rest, with which we can transfer photos and videos with the drone off.
You will find this option in the Menu > Camera, and at the bottom you will see the option where you can activate and deactivate it. For your information this state will consume 2% of the drone’s battery every 6h, it is really worth it, until it finally turns off automatically after 12h.
Important: Only works with DJI Air 3s batteries.
DJI Air 3:
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and standard remote control.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and standard remote control.
DJI Air 3S:
- Connectivity: Improved connectivity with more robust signal transmission technologies.
- Application: Improvements to the DJI Fly app, offering additional functions and a more user-friendly interface.
Image storage and filters
This new drone has internal memory capacities of 42GB to store photos and videos, a big difference with previous models that could only store up to 8GB, some even less.
The Fly More Combo Pack includes a kit of ND filters that are not combined and will create lighting problems since the filter is unique for the two lenses, and depending on the lens we use, if our work is professional or we are looking for very fine and tight results, it will make us have to lower the drone to change the filter.
Price
How much is the DJI Air 3s worth? Price is undoubtedly a determining factor when purchasing a drone.
- DJI Air 3: Generally in a more affordable price range, ideal for beginners.
- DJI Air 3S: Si bien tiene un costo más elevado, las mejoras en calidad de imagen, duración de la batería y capacidades inteligentes justifican la inversión para aquellos que buscan una experiencia más profesional. Su precio variará dependiendo de los elementos que adquieras junto con el dron:
- Air 3 basic: RC-N3 controller with 1 battery: 1099€.
- Air 3S Fly More Combo RC-N3 (3 batteries in total): 1399€.
- Air 3S Fly More Combo RC2 with display (3 batteries in total): 1599€.
What should I consider when choosing between the DJI Air 3s and DJI Air 3?
The decision between the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S comes down to your specific needs. If you value superior image quality and performance, the DJI Air 3S is the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing too much in terms of quality, the DJI Air 3 is still an excellent choice.
Advantages of the DJI Air 3S
- Superior Image Quality: With its 1” sensor, the DJI Air 3S offers exceptional performance, especially in low light conditions.
- Longer Flight Range: Up to 30-34′ of real flight time means more time to capture that perfect shot.
- Improved Subject Tracking: ActiveTrack 4.0 features are ideal for dynamic shooting.
- More Creative Options: New QuickShots modes allow users to experiment with more recording styles.
Conclusion
In summary, both the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S are impressive drones that offer a wide variety of features. Be sure to evaluate your needs and budget before making your choice.
Image quality, performance and smart features are crucial aspects that will determine which drone is right for you. If you want to take your flying adventure a step further, the DJI Air 3S is definitely a choice that will not disappoint.
Now that you have all the information about the DJI Air 3S, it’s time to take action and make aerial photography an exciting part of your life! And you, which one are you going to buy? Tell us about your experience.
