New DJI Air 3S: Dual-camera drone perfect for travel shots

Tech giant DJI has launched the Air 3S, a new advanced dual-camera drone aimed at travel photographers seeking enhanced details and flexibility. Equipped with a 1-inch-CMOS primary camera and a 70mm medium tele camera, the Air 3S captures photos and videos with more vibrant detail compared to DJI’s flagship drone, the Mavic 3 Pro.

The standout feature of the Air 3S is its dual-camera system, which offers a range of shooting options for various scenarios. The primary 1-inch-CMOS camera delivers 50MP resolution and supports 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/120fps video. Paired with a 70mm medium tele camera, this setup allows users to switch between wider landscapes and tighter compositions, like portraits or architectural shots. Both cameras boast up to 14 stops of dynamic range, allowing them to capture finer details in scenes with challenging lighting conditions.

This dual-camera design enhances the drone’s ability to handle high-contrast situations, such as bright skies or shadowy landscapes, resulting in images with rich colors and greater depth. This represents a notable improvement over the Mavic 3 Pro, which is limited in its ability to handle such varied lighting environments.

Enhanced 10-bit color and ISO capabilities

For those seeking top-tier image quality, the Air 3S steps up with improved 10-bit color depth, allowing for smoother transitions and more accurate color representation. This makes it 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 modes. Even in low-light settings, like sunsets or cityscapes, the drone can capture vibrant imagery with minimal noise, giving it a distinct edge over its predecessors.

The addition of a new video encoding compression algorithm reduces video file sizes by over 30% without compromising on quality. This ensures that creators have more storage space for extended shoots and can spend less time managing files.

Nightscape obstacle sensing and Smart Return-to-Home (RTH)

Flying at night can be challenging (and you should always check the latest FAA requirements for nighttime flying), but the Air 3S is equipped with new nightscape obstacle sensing technology to make it safer. The drone features forward-facing LiDAR, infrared sensors, and multiple vision sensors to provide 360-degree awareness, helping it detect and avoid obstacles even in low-light environments. This ensures smoother, safer flights when capturing nighttime scenes.

Additionally, the Air 3S includes a next-gen Smart Return-to-Home (RTH) feature. This system uses real-time vision positioning and mapping to remember its takeoff location, making it possible for the drone to return safely even when GPS signals are weak. This feature is especially helpful when taking off from remote or GPS-limited locations.

Longer flights and built-in storage

With up to 45 minutes of flight time, the Air 3S provides ample time to scout, plan, and capture the perfect shot, making it ideal for travel photography. Its built-in 42GB storage means you can capture footage directly onto the drone, reducing the need for external memory cards. This feature, combined with Off-State QuickTransfer, allows files to be transferred to smartphones or computers even when the drone is powered off, making it easier to manage footage on the go.

The new DJI Air 3S is available for purchase today, starting at $1,099. For those looking for additional accessories, DJI offers Fly More Combo packages that include extra batteries, charging hubs, and remote controller options. The combo with DJI RC-N3 remote controller is priced at $1,399 while the package with DJI RC 2 remote controller with a 5.5-inch 1080p 700-nit high-bright screen can be yours for $1,599.

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