DJI has made some pretty astounding claims about the new Air 3S drone which has an all-new camera module
(Image credit: DJI)
The release of the Air 3S has been hotly tipped for a while, but today – with the formal announcement – the details have been fully revealed including DJI's surprise statement (since this is the 'prosumer' model) that it has a better image than the flagship Mavic 3 Pro.
The big change from the previous model is a new 1-inch image sensor for the main 24mm EFL camera; the drone has dual cameras so you can switch in flight to a 70mm EFL (in that regard like its predecessor, the Air 3).
The main camera has a 50MP sensor and is f/1.8 with a 0.5m close focus point while the 'medium tele' is still 48MP and offers f/2.8 and a 3m close focus point (both are autofocus). Video is captured in up to 10-bit at 60fps and 4K 120FPS is also possible, and both cameras have all the same modes on offer.
The Mavic Air 3S also boasts a smarter "Active Track 360" and subject-focussing tech designed to keep "any subject in frame" so pilots can fly automated or assisted routes around subjects for graceful shots bolstered by a new forward-facing LiDAR which means the systems can even work in low light. It has about 25m range to assist focussing.
(Image credit: DJI)
Other notable features are a 45-minute battery life (one less than last time, but still a long time. It can operate in temperatures as low as -10˚C (14˚F) and deliver a live view of 1080P 60fps to the remote controller.
In DJI's announcement, as well as highlighting that the drone has 14-stops of range and a 1-inch-CMOS (just like the old Air 2S, DJI fans) they slipped in the phrase: "The Air 3S's dual cameras improve on the 10-bit and ISO image quality, capturing photos and videos with even more breathtaking details than the current DJI Mavic 3 Pro." Given that the tri-camera copter Mavic 3 can set you back $2,199 and the Air 3S is a lot less (see the end of this), that's very interesting, albeit slightly cryptic.
More practically, the drone also offers "off-state" file transfer, with or without a cable, saving a lot of powering up, waiting, and listening to annoying fans in the editing room when all you're doing is downloading files – not too bad when you've also got 42GB of built-in memory so might not even need the drone's MicroSD card slot.
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Off-state image file transfer means, well, no fan noise but you can still get to the files! (Image credit: DJI)
ISO has also increased to 12,800 maximum (or 3,200 in D-Log M and HLG), so this is more low-light friendly than its predecessor.
I've actually been testing a pre-launch version for my DJI Air 3S review, so you can get an informed opinion of the drone
DJI Air 3S out for testing in Adam Juniper's review (Image credit: Future)
The DJI Air 3S – an immediate contender for best camera drone – is available now from DJI.com and other sellers with the RC-N3 controller (offering a 20km range) and will sell for $1099 | £959 | AU$1699 with one battery, or $1399 | £1,239 | AU$2129 as a Fly More Combo with 3 batteries, a shoulder bag, battery charging hub, and a ND filter set.
You can also opt for the DJI RC N2 controller (with built-in 700 nit screen) for $1599 | £1439 | AU$2429.
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With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones.
Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones.
