DJI Air 3S: A Game-Changing Drone for Photographers and Adventurers

DJI has officially launched its latest drone, the Air 3S, an impressive upgrade from the previously popular Air 3 model. This new mid-range device marks a significant advancement in drone technology, particularly for hobbyists and professional photographers alike. With its enhanced image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and a robust safety system that includes nighttime obstacle avoidance, the Air 3S promises to be a game-changer for aerial photography enthusiasts.

Ferdinand Wolf, DJI’s Product Experience Director, expressed his excitement about the new model, stating, “The DJI Air 3S takes our Air Series to new heights by offering professional features like dual primary cameras and omnidirectional obstacle sensing while retaining its lightweight design of just 724 grams. This allows for boundless freedom and flexibility, making it the perfect all-rounder for travel photography.” This drone is designed for capturing stunning moments during vacations and ensuring operator safety when flying at night.

The Air 3S boasts a comprehensive suite of sensors tailored for night shooting, including front-facing LiDAR and advanced infrared time-of-flight sensors. It is equipped with a total of six vision sensors—two each on the front, rear, and bottom—allowing for sophisticated obstacle detection and avoidance. This enhanced safety feature is especially valuable during low-light flying, where visibility is limited.

At the heart of the Air 3S is an upgraded camera system that includes a remarkable 50-megapixel, 1-inch sensor paired with a 24mm lens, as well as an additional 48-megapixel, 1/1.3-inch sensor featuring a 70mm lens with 3x zoom. Each camera provides up to 14 stops of dynamic range in auto mode. The primary camera allows for video recording at 4K resolution up to 60 frames per second (fps) and even at 120fps for slow motion, making it adept for various cinematic needs. Additionally, DJI claims that files produced by the Air 3S are over 30 percent smaller than those generated by its predecessor, the Air 3, which is a welcome improvement for video editors and content creators.

To accommodate the need for storage, the Air 3S comes with 42GB of built-in memory as well as the option for microSD expansion. Users can enjoy a maximum flight time of up to 45 minutes, allowing for extensive shooting sessions without the need to frequently recharge or swap batteries. Transferring files is also streamlined; drones can send images and videos wirelessly to smartphones or via a USB-C connection to laptops, all without needing to power on the drone itself.

One particularly exciting feature of the Air 3S is its array of intelligent shooting options. The ActiveTrack 360 capability allows the drone to automatically focus on subjects during flight, which frees up pilots to concentrate more on composition and movement rather than manually targeting a moving subject. Furthermore, both primary cameras support DJI’s Free panorama mode, adeptly stitching together images around a selected subject or area for breathtaking panoramic shots.

The DJI Air 3S is now readily available for purchase on the official DJI website in various kits, with prices beginning at $1,099 in the US, £959 in the UK, and €1,099 in Europe. This competitive pricing positions the Air 3S as an attractive option for those looking to elevate their aerial photography game. As the drone market continues to expand with technological advancements, the Air 3S stands out as an exemplary product, combining ease of use with professional capabilities, making it an essential tool for both adventure seekers and seasoned photographers.