DJI Air 3S Upgrade: Is it Worth it?
October 2024 brought the arrival of the DJI Air 3S. It upgrades the popular, well-reviewed Air 3 model that launched in July of last year. The new unit caters to travel content creators, filmmakers, and discerning drone hobbyists. In short, you get everything you love about the Air 3, plus a few extra features.
Is the DJI Air 3S the model you’ve been waiting for? Is it worth switching out your Air 3 to acquire? Should you buy it? Read on to learn all about it.
Overview of the DJI Air 3S
The DJI Air 3S upgrade keeps much of what made the Air 3 so popular. However, it also brings noticeable improvements to the camera, vision sensing, and video transmission systems.
Another noticeable difference between the two units is the increase in internal storage capacity. The newer model offers a sizable bump up from 8 GB up to 42 GB. This upgrade is especially helpful when you forget your SD card at home. It happens to the best of us!
The DJI Air 3S looks much like its predecessor. Even so, it processes images better in dim or dark conditions and adds forward-facing LiDAR obstacle sensing. Therefore, if night shooting matters to your operation, the Air 3S deserves a closer look.
Camera Quality
The DJI Air 3S boasts a substantial upgrade to its dual-camera system. It now features a 1-inch CMOS sensor on the primary wide-angle camera with 50MP effective pixels for stills. This addition improves the Air 3’s 1/1.3″ CMOS (48MP). Furthermore, a more advanced 70mm telephoto lens joins the package. New creative modes such as Hyperlapse add 5.4K time-lapse video. Finally, improvements to ActiveTrack 360° distinguish this product from its predecessors.
Although previous DJI models include this automated tracking feature, the DJI Air 3S sharpens its subject-focusing capabilities. As a result, composition improves when you track moving objects at different angles and speeds. Arguably, it even outperforms the more expensive Mavic 3 Pro.
The image-processing platform is newly enhanced. In addition, you get 14 stops of high dynamic range, compared with 12 stops on the Air 3. That applies to 4K/120fps video (1080p/240fps). Moreover, the field of view is wider.
Whether you use the primary camera or the medium tele camera (3x optical zoom), you can take advantage of the Air 3S’ Free Panorama mode. It stitches multiple images together seamlessly for striking vistas. The Air 3 also offers this feature. With the Air 3S, however, you get extra customization. Specifically, the upgrade lets you choose the starting and end points to frame your final image.
The Air 3S wisely integrates DJI’s O4 FHD video transmission technology. Consequently, you get solid 10-bit transmission for smooth, stable feeds up to 20 km with terrific image quality.
Whether you require vertical stills or 4K/120fps slow-motion video, the Air 3S has what you need. Moreover, increased video ISO limits and next-gen algorithms deliver even greater clarity.
The new model has a larger sensor and improved ISO performance. As a result, you will likely see more detail in the highlights and shadows of your photos and videos. Even so, the difference shows up mainly in a screen-by-screen comparison.
Prosumers and professional shooters already familiar with DJI Air will appreciate these advancements in image quality. Still, they may not justify replacing the already impressive DJI Air 3 ($825 USD on the DJI website).
Given the higher cost, it may be difficult to justify the additional spend if browsing for a new mid-range unit.
Flight Performance
One notable difference sets the brand-new DJI Air 3S apart from its predecessor. It updates LiDAR obstacle avoidance sensing and adds Smart return-to-home (RTH). Together, these memorize flight paths and build flying confidence.
Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing and forward-facing LiDAR especially benefit operators who capture dynamic nighttime imagery. The drone now spots buildings, extended tree branches, and anything else looming in the dark far more easily. Consequently, it stops in time and avoids hazards proactively. In addition, this new model displays which sensors have stopped working because of low light.
The DJI Air 3S is slightly longer and heavier than the Air 3. Otherwise, the two match closely. Top speed stays at 21 m/s horizontally at sea level with no wind. Flying time runs about 44 minutes, one minute less than the Air 3. Maximum flight distance remains 32 km.
Both feature the exact same vertical and horizontal hovering accuracy:
Vertical: ±0.1 m (with vision positioning) and ±0.5 m (with satellite positioning)
Horizontal: ±0.3 m (with vision positioning) and ±0.5 m (with satellite positioning)
Both models also resist strong winds equally well, with a maximum wind speed resistance of 12 m/s. All drone pilots will appreciate that.
Safety Features
DJI builds strong products. In addition, the Air 3S enhances the Air 3’s obstacle avoidance system even further.
The improved omnidirectional LiDAR sensor offers additional peace of mind in low-light conditions around urban areas. That automatic detection is always welcome. You can bypass the hazard entirely, or simply brake and hover. LiDAR technology identifies risks from 0.5 m to 25 m away. Unlike the sensors in the Air 3 and other DJI models, which struggle in low light, LiDAR lets you shoot at all hours without fear of crashing.
During the day, the DJI Air 3S upgrade uses real-time vision positioning and mapping. It memorizes flight paths for trouble-free return-home flights. Meanwhile, six vision sensors and time-of-flight infrared technology keep your drone a safe distance from obstacles.
All of this is supported by the improved O4 video transmission system. Operators get a more robust defence against signal interference.
User Experience
Like many DJI products, the DJI Air 3S delivers an excellent flight experience. Its intuitive features are quick to learn. The DJI Fly app adds easy-to-use editing tools, real-time flight data, and an array of pre-set flight paths. Consequently, sharing your content is simple. This user-friendly design also helps professional operators and hobbyists navigate the drone’s features at any location.
Comparison with Previous Models
We have already established the similarities between the DJI Air 3 and the 3S upgrade. Naturally, you may wonder how DJI’s latest product compares to the rest of its range.
DJI’s professional Mavic 3 Pro targets advanced pilots and industry professionals ($2049 USD on the DJI website). If that model is out of scope, you might instead compare the Air 3 to the Mini line.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro model is a good entry point for new pilots interested in well-built camera drones. It costs less ($759 USD on the DJI website). In addition, its lighter weight (under 249 grams) means you can fly it right out of the box, with no registration or special training required. Of course, qualified instruction for mini drones is always highly recommended.
With the Mini 4 Pro, you get a good sampling of the DJI Air 3S upgrade’s features, in a pared-down form. These include flight times up to 34 minutes, a 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor akin to the Air 3, omni-sensing obstacle detection, and ActiveTrack 360° shooting. Aside from its compact size, the Mini 4 Pro also adds a rotating camera for 4K vertical video. That feature is unavailable in the Air 3S.
When all is said and done, plenty of pilots fly purely for fun. If you are one of them, and you never compare footage side by side with the DJI Air 3S upgrade, the Mini 4 will please you on both handling and image quality.
Cost Considerations
The DJI Air 3S is available for purchase now. The standard kit includes the RN-C3 remote ($1,029 USD on the DJI website). Alternatively, a package adds extra batteries, a charging hub, an ND filter set, and a shoulder bag ($1,315 USD on the DJI website). The slightly more expensive combo ($1,475 USD) differs because it includes the DJI RC 2 remote with a 5.5″ nightbright screen.
Perhaps you want a dependable drone but not a professional model. In that case, the DJI 3S will undoubtedly fit the bill.
Although DJI products aren’t cheap, the value and quality they deliver are typically worth it.
Conclusion: Is the DJI Air 3S Upgrade Worth It?
Perhaps you are ready for a significant upgrade from a mini model, such as the DJI Mini 3. If so, the DJI Air 3S deserves your attention. The same applies if you fly at night often. Its LiDAR obstacle sensing and low-light shooting capabilities make it a worthy investment.
Then again, you may already be happy with your DJI Air 3, and understandably so. In that case, there is really no need to reinvest in the Air 3S model.
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