DJI Air 3S Long Term Review – A Drone for Everyone

All footage at the beginning of this video was captured on the DJI Air 3S in full auto mode, with no color grading or correction applied. The Air 3S, equipped with a one-inch sensor, captures stunning footage when paired with its intelligent flight modes, making cinematic footage accessible to users of all skill levels. DJI drones, like the Air 3S, don’t require advanced photography or piloting skills. Features such as Master Shots, Quick Shots, Point of Interest, Spotlight, and Cruise Control enable even novice pilots to capture dynamic, professional-quality footage.

Overview of the DJI Air 3S

The DJI Air 3S, released about six months ago, strikes a balance between the Mini 4 Pro and the Mavic 3 series. It offers more power and functionality than the Mini 4 Pro while being more affordable and compact than the Mavic 3 series. This makes the Air 3S an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of performance and budget. Its foldable design, though slightly larger than the Mini 4 Pro, is travel-friendly, perfect for capturing vacations, outdoor adventures, or enhancing vlogs with unique perspectives.

Enhanced Camera Capabilities

The Air 3S features a significant camera upgrade with its one-inch sensor, delivering superior footage quality, especially in low-light conditions like sunrise, sunset, or overcast days. It also performs exceptionally well at night. Additionally, the drone includes a 3x telephoto camera, allowing creative shots and safe filming of distant subjects, such as Wildlife, without disturbing them. The telephoto lens adds background compression for visually striking results.

Advanced Return-to-Home Feature

One standout feature of the Air 3S is its enhanced Return-to-Home (RTH) system. This system creates a real-time map during outbound flights, enabling the drone to navigate back safely, even without satellite connection. It can handle complex environments, such as tree canopies or balconies, avoiding obstacles with precision. Demonstrations of this feature highlight its impressive reliability.

Improved Safety with Low-Light and LIDAR Sensors

The Air 3S introduces low-light sensors and a front-facing LiDAR sensor, making it one of DJI’s safest drones. These sensors enhance obstacle detection in low-light or low-texture environments, ensuring safer flights. This is particularly useful for beginners or those flying in challenging conditions.

Upgraded Tracking Features

The Air 3S offers a new auto-tracking mode that simplifies filming dynamic activities. The drone automatically assesses the background, prioritizing aesthetics to compose visually appealing shots. It adjusts its position for varied perspectives, ideal for activities like driving or sports. Manual mode allows users to position the drone via a touchscreen interface, offering flexibility. Improved obstacle avoidance detects road signs, oncoming traffic, and even tunnels, though caution is advised for thin obstacles like wires or branches. A spotter is recommended for complex activities.

Additional Enhancements

The Air 3S includes off-state quick transfer, enabling content transfer to a mobile device without powering on the drone, even when packed away. The enhanced O4 transmission system provides strong, omnidirectional signal strength, reducing the need for precise antenna alignment. This allows pilots to focus on flight safety and creativity.

Reflections on Drone Evolution

The Air 3S represents a significant leap in Drone Technology, offering ease of use, safety, and exceptional footage quality. Compared to early drones, its capabilities are remarkable, making it a joy to fly for users of all levels.

A Minor Drawback

One disappointment is the lack of goggle compatibility, which hasn’t been added via firmware updates. While not essential for most users, this feature would enhance the experience. There’s hope for future updates, as seen with the original Air 3.

Conclusion

After six months of flying the DJI Air 3S, it’s proven to be a versatile, powerful drone. Share your thoughts if you own one! Thank you for watching this video, and see you in the next video.