Technology giant DJI has launched Air 3S, a new advanced dual-camera drone aimed at travel photographers looking for a high level of detail and flexibility. Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS primary camera and a 70mm medium-telephoto camera, Air 3S captures photos and videos with more vivid detail compared to DJI’s flagship drone, Mavic 3 Pro.
The Air 3S’s distinguishing feature is its dual camera system that provides a wide range of shooting options for different scenarios. The primary 1-inch CMOS camera delivers 50MP resolution and supports 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/120fps video. Paired with a 70mm medium telephoto camera, users can switch between wide landscapes and tighter compositions such as portraits and architectural shots. Both cameras boast up to 14 stops of dynamic range, allowing you to capture more detail in scenes with challenging lighting conditions.
This dual-camera design enhances the drone’s ability to handle high-contrast situations such as bright skies and shadowy landscapes, resulting in images with rich color and depth. This represents a notable improvement over the Mavic 3 Pro, which has limited ability to handle such diverse lighting environments.
Enhanced 10-bit color and ISO capabilities
For those looking for top-of-the-line image quality, the Air 3S features an improved 10-bit color depth for smoother transitions and more accurate color rendition. This is especially valuable for content creators who need flexibility in post-production. The Air 3S also supports a higher ISO range, reaching up to 12,800 in standard color mode. Even in low-light environments such as sunsets and cityscapes, this drone is clearly superior to previous drones as it can capture vivid images with minimal noise.
Photographed with DJI Air 3S
The addition of new video encoding compression algorithms reduces video file size by more than 30% without sacrificing quality. This gives creators more storage space for long shoots and reduces time spent managing files.
Night scene obstacle detection and smart Return-to-Home (RTH)
Night flying can be difficult (you should always check the latest FAA requirements for night flying), but the Air 3S is equipped with new night-view obstacle sensing technology to improve safety. The drone is equipped with forward-facing LiDAR, an infrared sensor, and multiple vision sensors to provide 360-degree perception, allowing it to detect and avoid obstacles even in low-light environments. This ensures a smoother and safer flight when shooting night scenes.
Additionally, Air 3S includes next-generation smart Return-to-Home (RTH) functionality. The system uses real-time vision positioning and mapping to remember the takeoff location and allow the drone to return safely even when the GPS signal is weak. This feature is especially useful when taking off from remote locations or locations where GPS is limited.
Long flights and built-in storage
With a flight time of up to 45 minutes, the Air 3S is ideal for travel photography, giving you plenty of time to scout, plan, and capture the perfect shot. With 42 GB of built-in storage, you can capture footage directly on the drone, reducing the need for external memory cards. This feature, combined with Off-State QuickTransfer, allows you to transfer files to your smartphone or computer even when the drone is powered off, making it easy to manage your footage on the go.
The new DJI Air 3S is available today starting at $1,099. For those looking for additional accessories, DJI offers a Fly More Combo package that includes an additional battery, charging hub, and transmitter options. The combination with the DJI RC-N3 transmitter costs $1,399, while the package with the DJI RC 2 transmitter with a 5.5-inch 1080p 700 nits high-brightness screen can be purchased for $1,599.
Read more: DJI Neo drone update improves positioning for better flight
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