DJI Air 3S Review: Dual Camera Action, Longer Flights, and Surprisingly Foolproof

By Danial Martinus • 15 Nov 2024 in Gear

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(source: Danial Martinus / JUICE Malaysia)

The DJI Air 3S is the newest top-tier model in DJI’s mid-range Air lineup, taking over from the Air 3 that came out in July 2023. Like its predecessor, the Air 3S stands out because it doesn’t just rely on one camera. Instead, it features a dual-camera setup with both a wide-angle and a medium-telephoto camera, mounted on a three-axis gimbal on the front of the drone.

We got to review the DJI Air 3S, and let’s just say it’s something even a novice drone pilot can handle, without compromising on important safety features and real-world practicality.

Small changes make a big difference

The Air 3S has a few big upgrades over the Air 3, including a larger sensor on one of its cameras, which makes a noticeable difference in image quality if you’ve ever used the latter before. Adding reassurance is the presence of a more advanced obstacle-sensing system that uses LiDAR technology in the front-facing sensors, helping it avoid collisions more effectively.

You’ll find this really useful if you operate drones in low-light conditions or in more complex areas, though we don’t advise you to try this out, as nighttime drone flying is illegal in Malaysia. Drone regulations may vary in other countries, so be sure to check with your local aviation authority before taking flight.

This drone is also designed to be super user-friendly, with features like auto take-off and landing, a smart return-to-home option, and rock-solid video transmission. Whether you’re a first-time flyer or an experienced enthusiast, the Air 3S should be a rather intuitive drone to operate.

Even if you’ve got the right skills, the smart return-to-home feature is still a really nice creature comfort to have. In our use, it’s been pretty reliable. And with up to 45 minutes of flight time on a full charge, it’s safe to say you’ll definitely have more than enough juice to stay in the sky for your content creation needs.

This writer envisions videos featuring breathtaking scenery coupled with uplifting music—held back only by a lack of drone-piloting finesse. 🙁

A powerful but intuitive package

The cameras pack quite a punch. With the ability to capture RAW photos and shoot 10-bit 4K video at 60fps (120fps for slow motion), you’re more than set for whatever content you want to create. The DJI Air 3S even has options for HLG or D-Log M colour profiles, which make post-processing a lot more flexible, if you’ve got the know-how.

With up to 14 stops of dynamic range and the three-axis gimbal, footage comes out smooth and stable. The larger sensor on the wide-angle camera also gives the Air 3S an edge in lower-light environments, making it a better option for dusk or nighttime shots compared to the Air 3—again, we have to stress that nighttime flying is illegal in Malaysia, at least at the time of writing.

Even still photography works great with the DJI Air 3S. Try to spot me in one of the pics below:

If you opt for the DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo like we have, you’ll basically get the full package of accessories and equipment. This includes the DJI Air 3S itself, a DJI RC 2 (an upgraded remote control with a digital viewfinder and touch screen), a set of ND filters, two additional batteries and a convenient charging hub, as well as a shoulder bag and more.

Bear in mind that the Fly More Combo is also offered with the DJI RC-N3 remote control (which uses your smartphone as a display instead). Be on the lookout for the control you want.

The DJI Air 3S is a top-notch travel drone that packs big features into a super portable package.

With front-facing LiDAR for safer flying and a roomy 42GB of storage, it’s made for easy use, awesome image quality, and total travel readiness. Sure, it costs more than beginner drones, so it’s not for everyone. But if you’re a traveller or photographer looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use drone, the Air 3S is totally worth it.

However, we do encourage you to do your own research when it comes to local drone regulations. For context in Malaysia, the DJI Air 3S is classed as a Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft since it has two built-in cameras. This means you’ll need to get a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to fly it. And because it is a heavier drone, weighing in at 724g, flying it everywhere else could also require extra documentation.