DJI Launches Air 3S: Reviewers Praise Its Dual-Camera Setup and Nighttime Features

Dual-Camera Drone Offers Nighttime Capabilities and Advanced Safety Feature

DJI, the global leader in drone technology, has introduced its latest model, the DJI Air 3S, designed for travel photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. With dual cameras, a range of advanced features, and improved low-light performance, the Air 3S is set to raise the bar for aerial photography. This release marks a significant upgrade from the previous Air 3 model, adding features like a 1-inch-CMOS camera, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, and more.

Dual-Camera Excellence for Day and Night

The DJI Air 3S boasts a dual-camera setup, comprising a primary 1-inch-CMOS camera and a 70mm medium tele camera. Each camera delivers stunning detail, even in challenging lighting conditions, with the ability to shoot in 10-bit color and support dynamic range up to 14 stops.

The 50MP primary camera supports 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/120fps video recording, offering high-quality imagery even in low-light settings like sunsets and nightscapes. The secondary 70mm medium telephoto camera, with 48MP resolution and 3x optical zoom, excels at capturing compressed depth-of-field shots for cinematic looks, making it ideal for portraits and close-up shots.

Advanced Features for Safer Flying

One of the standout features of the Air 3S is its enhanced obstacle detection, which uses LiDAR for forward-facing sensors, along with infrared and vision sensors for complete omnidirectional obstacle sensing. This allows for safer flying at night, an area where drones have traditionally struggled. “The DJI Air 3S takes our Air Series to new heights by offering professional features like dual primary cameras and omnidirectional obstacle sensing,” said Ferdinand Wolf, DJI’s Product Experience Director.

The drone also includes DJI’s next-generation Smart RTH (Return-to-Home) system, ensuring it can safely return to its takeoff point, even in areas without GPS or at night.

DJI Air 3S Reviews Highlight Performance and Safety

Early reviews have been positive, with many praising the Air 3S’s versatility and capabilities. TechRadar describes the Air 3S as “a slightly greater version of the Air 3” and recommends it for those looking for a multi-camera setup without the higher price tag of the Mavic 3 Pro. “The Air 3S’s excellent all-round camera performance, safe and simple flying, and long battery life make it a brilliant buy,” the review noted.

Engadget also highlighted the new LiDAR feature, which improves the drone’s ability to detect obstacles at night. “The Air 3S is DJI’s most technologically advanced drone yet thanks to the LiDAR sensor, updated 1-inch camera, and ActiveTrack 360 subject tracking,” said Steve Dent, praising its obstacle detection and image quality.

Key Specifications and Pricing

The DJI Air 3S offers up to 45 minutes of flight time, powered by a 4,276mAh battery. It also includes 42GB of internal storage, a significant increase from previous models, providing ample space for extended shoots. The drone supports 10-bit video transmission at 1080p/60fps over distances up to 20 kilometers, ensuring a stable live feed for users even during long flights.

The base DJI Air 3S (DJI RC-N3) is priced at $1,099. For those looking for more, DJI offers two Fly More Combos, priced at $1,399 and $1,599, which include additional batteries, a charging hub, and other accessories for extended flying sessions.

The Air 3S, with a price point under $1,600 with all the extras, highlights the disparity between DJI’s affordable options and the higher prices of drones from major US manufacturers, which currently offer no direct equivalent in this range. As some U.S. legislators push for restrictions or outright bans on DJI drones due to security concerns, many drone service providers worry about the potential impact on their businesses. For service providers focused on delivering high-quality imagery, the DJI Air 3S may offer all the functionality they need, making it a compelling choice despite regulatory challenges.

Stacked from 5 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)

With its combination of high-quality cameras, advanced safety features, and user-friendly controls, the DJI Air 3S is shaping up to be one of the best drones for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. As ZDNet concluded, “The Air 3S is as close to a professional-grade drone as you can get, considering that it is less than half the price of DJI’s Mavic 3 lineup.” Whether capturing landscapes or filming cinematic footage, the Air 3S offers a versatile tool for aerial creators.

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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

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