The DJI Air 3S is a standout choice for drone enthusiasts, blending portability, power, and professional-grade features into a sleek package. Designed for serious hobbyists, travel photographers, and semi-pros, it bridges the gap between the compact DJI Mini series and the high-end Mavic Pro line. With its dual-camera system, omnidirectional obstacle avoidance with LiDAR, ActiveTrack 360°, and a whopping 45-minute flight time, the Air 3S is built to capture stunning aerial moments with ease. In this guide, we’ll explore every feature in clear, simple terms to help you decide if this is your dream drone. Let’s take flight and discover why the Air 3S is a top pick for 2025!
The Air 3S is all about balance. It’s not as tiny as the Mini 4 Pro, but it’s far more portable than the Mavic 3 Pro, making it ideal for travelers and creators on the move. Its dual cameras offer creative versatility, while AI-powered features like obstacle avoidance and smart tracking simplify complex shots. Whether you’re filming a road trip, chasing a cyclist, or snapping golden-hour landscapes, this drone delivers pro-level results without overwhelming beginners.
Here’s what sets it apart:
Dual-camera system: 24mm wide-angle and 70mm telephoto for diverse shots.
Safety first: Omnidirectional obstacle sensing with forward-facing LiDAR for low-light navigation.
Smart tracking: ActiveTrack 360° follows subjects smoothly, even in tricky settings.
Long flights: Up to 45 minutes of flight time for extended shoots.
Video quality: 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/120fps slow-motion with D-Log M support.
Portable design: Foldable and lightweight at 724g, perfect for travel.
Design and Portability: Compact Powerhouse
The Air 3S sports a foldable design that makes it easy to toss in a backpack. Folded, it’s about the size of a water bottle (214.2×100.6×89.2 mm), unfolding to 326.1×288.8×105.8 mm for flight. At 724g, it’s heavier than the Mini series, requiring registration in many regions (like the US or UK for drones over 250g), but its compact frame and 12 m/s wind resistance make it a reliable travel companion, even on breezy days.
The drone’s sturdy build feels premium, with a 3-axis gimbal ensuring silky-smooth footage. Its dark, sleek color scheme gives it a modern edge, and the included propeller guards add extra safety for new pilots. Whether you’re hiking a mountain or exploring a city, the Air 3S is ready to go wherever inspiration takes you.
Dual-Camera System: Capture Every Angle
The Air 3S’s dual-camera setup is a game-changer, offering two lenses for unmatched creative flexibility:
24mm Wide-Angle Camera:
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 50MP.
Aperture: Fixed f/1.8 for bright, low-light shots.
Video: 4K/60fps HDR, 4K/120fps slow-motion.
Features: 14 stops of dynamic range, 10-bit D-Log M, and HLG for pro color grading.
Best for: Sweeping landscapes, architecture, and vibrant group shots.
70mm Medium Telephoto Camera:
Sensor: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48MP.
Aperture: Fixed f/2.8.
Video: 4K/60fps with 3x optical zoom.
Features: Compresses depth for cinematic portraits and detailed close-ups.
Best for: Wildlife, sports, or isolating subjects with a blurred background.
Both cameras shoot RAW photos for editing flexibility and support Free Panorama mode, stitching multiple shots for breathtaking wide-angle views. The 1-inch sensor on the wide-angle camera excels in low light, with an ISO up to 12,800, making dawn or dusk shoots vibrant and clear. Vertical shooting mode rotates the gimbal for instant social media clips, perfect for Instagram or TikTok.
AI-Powered Features: Fly Smarter, Create Easier
The Air 3S uses AI technology to make flying and filming feel effortless. Its intelligent systems handle the hard work, letting you focus on creativity. Here’s what’s on board:
1. Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance with LiDAR
How it works: Six vision sensors (front, rear, bottom) plus forward-facing LiDAR and downward infrared ToF sensors detect obstacles in all directions.
Nighttime edge: LiDAR enhances low-light avoidance, spotting buildings or trees even in near-darkness.
Modes: Brake (stops to avoid collisions) or Bypass (reroutes around obstacles).
Why it’s great: Fly safely in forests, cities, or at dusk without worrying about crashes, though tiny objects like wires may still require caution.
2. ActiveTrack 360°
How it works: Tracks subjects like people, cars, or boats, keeping them centered with adjustable flight paths via the controller’s Trace Wheel.
Performance: Stays locked on even if subjects are partially blocked (e.g., by bushes) and works up to 25 mph for dynamic action shots.
Subject Focusing: Keeps your subject sharp, even during manual flight or if they move off-center.
Why it’s great: Ideal for solo creators filming sports, travel vlogs, or kids running around.
3. Intelligent Flight Modes
MasterShots: Auto-plans cinematic sequences, shoots, and edits with music for polished videos in minutes.
QuickShots: Offers Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, and Asteroid for stylish one-tap shots.
Hyperlapse: Creates time-lapses in Free, Circle, Course Lock, or Waypoint modes.
Free Panorama: Combines shots from both cameras for seamless, ultra-wide images.
Why it’s great: Beginners get pro results, while experts save time on complex shots.
4. Waypoint Flight
How it works: Set custom routes with specific camera actions for repeatable flights.
Best for: Time-lapses, inspections, or recreating shots in different lighting.
Why it’s great: Adds precision for storytelling or professional tasks.
These features make the Air 3S feel like a flying cinematographer, turning your ideas into reality with minimal effort.
Flight Performance: Go Far, Fly Long
The Air 3S is built for epic adventures with top-notch performance:
Flight Time: Up to 45 minutes (real-world: ~38-40 minutes), letting you explore and shoot longer.
Battery: 4276mAh, charges in 80 minutes with a 65W charger. The Fly More Combo’s hub supports power accumulation for extended sessions.
Speed: Hits 21 m/s (47 mph) in Sport mode for thrilling chases (note: no side obstacle sensing at high speeds).
Range: 20km with DJI’s O4 transmission, delivering a crisp 1080p/60fps live feed (local laws may limit range).
Stability: GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou ensure precise hovering, even in gusts.
The Next-Gen Smart Return to Home (RTH) uses real-time mapping to dodge obstacles and return safely, even without GPS or in low light, thanks to LiDAR. Whether you’re filming a coastline or a mountain range, the Air 3S keeps up with your vision.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind in the Air
The Air 3S prioritizes safety, making it forgiving for new pilots and reliable for pros:
Omnidirectional Sensing: Detects obstacles up to 18m forward/back and 12m up/down, enhanced by LiDAR for nighttime flights.
APAS 5.0: Auto-adjusts flight paths to avoid collisions.
Smart RTH: Maps safe return routes, even in the dark or without satellite signals.
Vision Assist: Shows obstacles on the controller screen for better awareness.
Geofencing: Alerts you to restricted zones to stay compliant.
While not foolproof (small branches or wires can be tricky), these features make crashes rare, letting you focus on your shots.
Controllers and Connectivity: Stay in Control
Choose between two controllers:
DJI RC-N3: Pairs with your smartphone for a budget-friendly setup via the DJI Fly app.
DJI RC 2: Features a 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen (700 nits) for bright, standalone control—no phone needed.
The O4 transmission system ensures a rock-solid 20km range (10km in some regions due to regulations) with low-latency video. Wi-Fi 6 enables fast downloads (up to 80 MB/s), and the LightCut app auto-edits footage with AI templates, syncing clips from MasterShots or ActiveTrack for instant social media posts. 42GB internal storage means you can shoot without a microSD card, with USB-C off-state transfers for quick file access.
Pros and Cons of the DJI Air 3S
Pros
Versatile cameras for wide and telephoto shots.
Long 45-minute flight time for uninterrupted creativity.
LiDAR-enhanced avoidance excels in low light.
ActiveTrack 360° tracks flawlessly for dynamic videos.
Portable yet powerful at 724g.
42GB storage for worry-free shooting.
Cons
Requires registration in many regions (over 250g).
No adjustable aperture limits some creative control.
Telephoto lens weaker in low light compared to the wide-angle.
Pricey for casual users (starts at ~$1,099).
Who Should Buy the DJI Air 3S?
The Air 3S is perfect for:
Travel photographers: Compact design and dual cameras capture every moment.
Content creators: Vertical shooting and automated modes streamline social media content.
Hobbyists: Advanced features offer room to grow without overwhelming.
Semi-pros: D-Log M and RAW support deliver pro-grade results.
Adventure seekers: Long flight time and wind resistance suit rugged trips.
If you want a lighter drone without registration, try the Mini 4 Pro. For triple cameras, the Mavic 3 Pro is the step up, but it’s pricier and bulkier.
Price and Availability
The Air 3S starts at $1,099 with the RC-N3 controller or $1,399 with the RC 2. The Fly More Combo (~$1,599) adds three batteries, a charging hub, ND filters, and a bag for all-day shooting. Check the official DJI store or retailers like Amazon for bundles and discounts.
What Users Are Saying in 2025
Pilots praise the Air 3S for its low-light performance, dual-camera flexibility, and crash-proof design. Travel bloggers love its portability, while videographers highlight the 4K/120fps slow-motion and D-Log M for editing. Some note the telephoto lens struggles in dim conditions, but most call it a “near-perfect all-rounder.”
“The Air 3S handled windy beaches in Hawaii like a champ. The LiDAR saved me at dusk, and the footage is unreal!” – Travel vlogger, 2025 review.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Air 3S
Explore Free Panorama: Use both cameras for stunning wide-angle or telephoto panoramas.
Test ActiveTrack: Practice in open areas to nail dynamic tracking shots.
Grab ND Filters: Smooth out footage in bright sunlight for cinematic vibes.
Use LightCut: Edit clips fast with AI templates for social media.
Stay Legal: Register your drone and check local rules before flying.
Conclusion: Is the DJI Air 3S Worth It?
The DJI Air 3S is a versatile, travel-friendly drone that delivers pro-grade performance for hobbyists and creators. Its dual cameras, long battery life, and LiDAR-powered safety make it a joy to fly, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pilot. While it’s not the cheapest option, its blend of portability and power makes it a fantastic value for anyone serious about aerial photography or videography.
Ready to capture the world from above? Share this guide with fellow creators, let us know your thoughts in the comments, and follow our blog for more drone tips and reviews!
DJI Air 3S – drone unboxing | review
FAQs About the DJI Air 3S
1. How long can the Air 3S fly?
Up to 45 minutes, typically 38-40 minutes in real-world conditions.
2. Do I need to register the Air 3S?
Yes, in many regions (e.g., US, UK) since it’s over 250g. Check local laws.
3. What’s new compared to the Air 3?
A larger 1-inch sensor, LiDAR for night avoidance, 42GB storage, and Free Panorama mode.
4. Can it fly at night safely?
Yes, LiDAR and vision sensors enhance low-light obstacle avoidance, but pilot caution is still key.
5. Does it support vertical video?
Yes, the gimbal rotates for social media-ready clips without cropping.
