Since its release, the DJI Air 2S has become one of the most popular and well-regarded consumer drones on the market – with good reason. Combining a high-quality sensor with powerful autonomous functions and a lightweight, portable body, the Air 2S is the go-to drone for many aerial photographers, travellers, and drone enthusiasts. With the release of the highly-anticipated DJI Air 3, DJI has doubled up on what made the Air 2S great. Quite literally. Read on to explore the DJI Air 3’s exciting features, and seehow it stacks up against other leading DJI drones.
Key DJI Air 3 features
On the surface, the DJI Air 3 is simply an upgraded version of the Air 2S. But in reality, it is much more than that. Below are the major features that make the DJI Air 3 a standout consumer drone.
Dual camera setup
The Air 3 is the first drone in the Air series to feature a dual-primary system, giving you greater control and creative possibilities. The two camera options are:
1/1.3-inch CMOS wide-angle camera – 2.4μm pixel size, 24mm format equivalent, f/1.7 aperture
1/1.3-inch CMOS 3x medium tele camera – 2.4μm pixel size, 70mm format equivalent, f/2.8 aperture
Both cameras are capable of capturing 48MP still photos, and 4K/60fps HDR video without cropping. In addition, they also support 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG colour modes, delivering superior image quality and flexibility when editing.
RC2 Controller with O4 Video Transmission
Equipped with a built-in 5.5-inch FHD screen and DJI’s next generation O4 video transmission system, the DJI RC2 Controller gives you a 20km max transmission range (FCC) — in New Zealand the max range will be more like 10km, increased flight stability, and 1080p/60fps max-quality live feed for ultra-smooth operation and viewing.
Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing and Avoidance
A major step up for flight safety, the DJI Air 3 is equipped with an omnidirectional system which dramatically improves environmental awareness and obstacle detection. Using APAS 5.0, drone pilots of all experience levels can safely and easily avoid obstacles with confidence.
Waypoint Flight
Another first for the Air series, the Air 3 comes with DJI’s Waypoint feature. Easily plan and program repeatable flight routes and shooting actions – great for capturing beautiful one-takes and longer duration time lapse shots.
Advanced RTH
With DJI’s Smart RTH, your Air 3 will automate an optimised return route, taking advantage of its in-built omnidirectional obstacle sensing to safely and efficiently return your drone to its home point.
Increased Flight Time
With its intelligent flight battery, the Air 3 has a maximum of 46 minutes flight time – a 48% increase over the Air 2S. Combine this with its 60 minute battery charge time, and you have a drone that can be in the air longer and more frequently than other similar DJI drones.
Drone Specifications Comparison
Still not sure if the Air 3 is the right choice for you? Here’s a handy side-by-side comparison of our most popular consumer drones:
| Air 3 | Air 2S | Mini 3 Pro | Mavic 3 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMOS | 1/1.3 CMOS | 1-inch CMOS | 1/1.3 CMOS | 4/3 CMOS |
| Video | 4K / 100fps | 5.4K / 30fps | 4K / 60fps | 5.1K / 50fps |
| Effective Pixels | 48MP | 20MP | 48MP | 20MP |
| Colour Mode | D-Log M / HLG | D-Log M / HLG | D-Cinelike | D-Lag / D-Log M / HLG |
| Source | Omnidirectional | Front Back Up Down | Front Rear Bottom | Omnidirectional |
| Max Signal Effective Distance | 20km (FCC), NZ ~10km | 12km (FCC), NZ ~6km | 12km (FCC)NZ ~6km | 15km (FCC)NZ ~7km |
| Battery Life | 46 min | 31 min | 47 min | 43 min |
| Charge Time | 60 min | 95 min | 78 min | 70 min |
| Max Take Off Altitude | 6000m | 5000m | 4000m | 6000m |
| Max Take Off & Landing Speed | 10m/s | 6m/s | 5m/s & 3m/s | 8m/s & 6m/s |
| Flight Speed | 21m/s | 19m/s | 16m/s | 21m/s |
Much more than a generational upgrade, the launch of the new DJI Air 3 signals another big step forward for consumer drone technology – order yours today and take your visual storytelling in a bold new direction.
Want to see the Air 3 in action and fly it before you buy it? Sign up now and join us at our next New Pilot Experience Day!