Need to capture breathtaking landscapes without lugging around a bulky drone? The DJI Air 3S review gives you the keys to choosing your future creative partner. This lightweight drone (724g) packs a serious punch: dual 1-inch sensors for ultra-detailed shots, 3x lossless zoom, and a LiDAR system that avoids obstacles like a pro. With its 45-minute flight time and wind resistance of up to 12m/s, it can even accompany you in the most extreme conditions. Want to know if it’s THE one for you? Let’s go, we’ll break down everything that makes the DJI Air 3S a favorite among travel photographers .
Is the DJI Air 3S the right drone for you?
Looking for a compact yet powerful drone for your travels? Need a device that combines image quality, battery life and outdoor reliability? Good news: the DJI Air 3S is for you .
Launched in October 2024, this drone is a must-have for travel photographers. High-performance sensors, superb stabilization, 45 minutes of battery life: it has everything going for it. But is it your future companion ?
At Drone & Cam , we help creators choose their equipment. Here’s a clear review of the DJI Air 3S to help you decide if it’s worth your trust. No jargon, just the essentials.
So, ready to find out why this model is generating so much buzz ?
DJI Air 3S
Drone expert avec capteur 1 pouce CMOS, téléobjectif 3x et détection LiDAR.
Acheter maintenantThe two revolutions: a giant sensor and a laser eye
Game-changing image quality with the 1-inch sensor
Do you dream of sharp photos even in low light? The DJI Air 3S features a 1-inch sensor on its main camera. Simply put: the larger the sensor, the more light it captures. The result? Cleaner images, less noise , and an extended dynamic range to recover details in both shadows and highlights.
Paired with a 24mm f/1.7 lens, this 50MP sensor records 4K video at 120 frames per second. A 3x telephoto lens (70mm f/2.8) completes the system with a 1/1.3-inch, 48MP sensor. Optical zoom is guaranteed for a multitude of creative framing possibilities .
- Wide-angle lens : 1-inch CMOS sensor, 50 MP, 24 mm equivalent, f/1.7 aperture
- Telephoto lens : 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, 48 MP, 70 mm equivalent (3x zoom), f/2.8 aperture
- Maximum video resolution : 4K/120fps
- Color profiles : Normal, HLG, D-Log M 10-bit
Fly more smoothly thanks to LiDAR obstacle detection
Are you hesitant to fly in crowded environments? The LiDAR sensor at the front scans the environment in 3D. The result: precise detection even at night or when facing thin obstacles like power lines.
With omnidirectional obstacle detection, the drone anticipates hazards in front, behind, to the sides, and below. In ActiveTrack mode, it can find your subject even if it temporarily loses track.
A must-have for travelers: activate this feature before exploring complex areas. Loss of GPS signal is no longer a problem thanks to real-time onboard mapping. All that’s left to do is enjoy the scenery: your drone will automatically return to its starting point .
What does that mean in practice during flight?
Top-notch battery life and durability for adventurers
The DJI Air 3S offers up to 45 minutes of continuous flight time , a real boon for travel photographers. That’s about 15 minutes more than a DJI Mini 4 Pro, allowing you to capture changing light, dynamic scenes, or explore remote areas without pressure. Its wind resistance of 12 m/s ensures stable flight even at sea or at high altitudes, with shake-free footage.
The DJI O4 system provides HD 1080p video transmission up to 20 km in optimal conditions, and up to 10 km in urban environments. The 42 GB of internal storage eliminates the need for SD cards, making it ideal for light travel.
Smart modes for effortless creative plans
Intelligent modes automate professional shooting . Need to track a moving subject? FocusTrack, ActiveTrack 360° or MasterShots will take care of it.
- FocusTrack: Spotlight 2.0 (camera fixed on the subject), Point of Interest 3.0 (circular movements), ActiveTrack 360° (smooth 360° tracking).
- QuickShots: predefined movements like the rocket or the circle.
- MasterShots: automatic editing of complex sequences.
- Waypoints: precise routes for repeated flights .
From then on, even beginners can easily create Hollywood-style shots , from sunsets to extreme sports. A good tip? Plan your routes with Waypoints for perfectly framed videos every time.
The DJI Air 3S versus its siblings: to choose or not?
Your profile: ultralight traveler, demanding creator, or near-pro?
Looking for your next travel drone? The DJI Air 3S is perfect for creators who want to upgrade without breaking the bank. Compared to the Mini 4 Pro (249g), it’s heavier (724g) but offers a 1-inch sensor, a 3x telephoto lens, and 45 minutes of flight time. A good balance for those who want sharp images without the strict regulations for heavier drones.
Compared to the Mavic 3 Pro, the Air 3S sacrifices the triple-camera setup (3x + 7x + wide-angle) in favor of a dual-lens sensor and a price cut in half. At €1,099 versus €2,099, its near-high-end video quality makes it a smart choice . Why is choosing the right equipment crucial? The debate is often intense, as seen in our Insta360 GO Ultra vs. GO 3S comparison .
Quick comparison chart to help you see things more clearly
| Characteristic | DJI Air 3S | DJI Mini 4 Pro | DJI Mavic 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 724 g | < 249 g | 895 g |
| Main sensor | 1-inch CMOS | 1/1.3 inch CMOS | 4/3 CMOS |
| Telephoto lens(es) | 1 (3x) | None | 2 (3x and 7x) |
| Maximum battery life | 45 min | 34 min | 43 min |
| Obstacle detection | Omnidirectional + LiDAR | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional |
| Starting price (approx.) | ~€1099 | ~€799 | ~€2099 |
Our verdict: should you go for the DJI Air 3S?
Which pack should I choose? Is the Fly More Combo essential?
Choose the Fly More Combo : extra batteries extend your sessions without waiting. The charging hub centralizes the batteries, and the bag optimizes organization. The DJI RC 2 with integrated screen is the best choice for seamless phone-free operation.
- Key contents of the Fly More Combo :
- 2 intelligent flight batteries
- 1 charging station
- 1 shoulder bag
- ND filters (ND8/32/128)
Drone & Cam’s final verdict
The DJI Air 3S combines performance, compactness, and a balanced price. Its 1-inch sensor, 3D stabilization, and 45-minute flight time make it the best drone for travel photography . Class C1 (724g), online registration and a quick AlphaTango training course are all that’s needed to fly legally.
And there you have it! You have all the tools you need. All that’s left is to prepare your materials and embark on new creative adventures .
The DJI Air 3S is the best drone for travel photography with its 1-inch sensor, LiDAR, and 45 minutes of flight time. Combining performance and portability in Class C1, it offers a perfect balance between technology and practicality . Ready to take off ?
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