DJI Air 3 vs Air 3S Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re in the market for a drone, the DJI Air 3 and Air 3S are two solid contenders. While they share many similarities, they also have some key differences that could influence your decision.

In this article, we will compare both models based on various factors like specs, design, camera performance, flight performance, features, pricing, and value, to help you decide which one is the right fit for you.

DJI Air 3 vs Air 3S

The DJI Air 3 has already gained a reputation as one of the best all-around drones you can buy. It captures stunning photos and videos, performs excellently in strong winds, and offers two focal lengths to create both wide and compressed cinematic shots without the need to switch drones. Plus, the real-world flight times often exceed 30 minutes, making it feel more like a true workhorse than a toy.

On the other hand, the DJI Air 3S may look similar at first glance, but it comes with some notable upgrades. It features a larger 1-inch sensor for improved low-light performance, enhanced active track, and lighter build for better night flying.

So, the real question is: if you already own the Air 3 or are considering purchasing one, is it worth spending extra for the Air 3S? Let’s dive into the specs and real-world performance of both drones to help you make an informed decision.

Main Spec Differences

Before diving deep into features, let’s quickly run through the side-by-side specifications of the DJI Air 3 and Air 3S:

• Size and Weight: The weight is almost identical, with the Air 3S weighing 724g and the Air 3 weighing 720g. The size differences are negligible, though the Air 3S is slightly bigger due to the larger camera unit.
• Flight Time: Both drones offer similar flight times, with the Air 3 having a slight edge, boasting an extra minute of flight time. However, this difference is marginal in real-world use.
• Battery: Both drones use the same batteries, which are interchangeable. However, the Air 3S has a slightly better energy density with a 4,276 mAh battery compared to the Air 3’s 4,241 mAh.
• Camera:
  • The Air 3S has a 1-inch sensor that shoots 50MP photos, while the Air 3 has a 1/1.3-inch sensor that shoots 48MP photos.
  • The Air 3S features an aperture of F1.8, while the Air 3 has F1.7.
  • Both drones share the same 70mm focal length, but the Air 3S has a slightly lower bit rate (130Mbps) compared to the Air 3 (150Mbps).
• Internal Storage: The Air 3S offers 40GB of internal storage, significantly higher than the 8GB found in the Air 3.
• Safety Features: The Air 3S includes additional safety upgrades such as lidar and medical obstacle avoidance, especially beneficial during night flying.

Design & Build

Both drones have a similar build quality, feeling like a true drone rather than a toy. The Air 3S is slightly larger due to the more advanced camera, but this doesn’t significantly impact portability. The durability and overall handling are comparable, and neither drone feels flimsy.

When it comes to the controllers, both the Air 3 and Air 3S are compatible with the DJI RC2, making it easy to fly both drones with one controller. However, there’s a small caveat: waypoints are saved to the controller, not the cloud, when switching between drones. This might be a minor inconvenience for those who are used to cloud-based waypoint syncing.

Camera Performance

The main difference in camera specs lies in the sensor size. The Air 3S comes with a 1-inch sensor that allows for better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range. The Air 3, with a smaller sensor, still offers excellent photo and video quality but lacks the same performance in low-light conditions.

• Photo Resolution: The Air 3S offers a higher resolution at 50MP compared to the 48MP on the Air 3.
• ISO Range: The Air 3S has a higher ISO range for video (12,800 vs. 6,400 on the Air 3).
• Slow Motion: The Air 3S can shoot 4K at 120fps, while the Air 3 is limited to 100fps at 4K.
• Vertical Video: The Air 3S supports 2.7K vertical video, while the Air 3 is restricted to 1080p for vertical shooting.

Both drones offer impressive color grading options, with the Air 3S supporting 10-bit video in the normal color profile and both drones supporting 10-bit video in DLOG M.

Flight Performance & Battery

In terms of flight speed, the Air 3S can reach a top speed of 60mph (with a tailwind), compared to the Air 3’s 47mph. However, the real-world flight time for both drones is quite similar, with both offering around 35 minutes of actual flight time. The extra 4g weight of the Air 3S is likely due to its improved lidar sensor and camera upgrades.

One major advantage for both drones is that the batteries are interchangeable, meaning you can use the same batteries in both models without any issues.

Features

The DJI Air 3S stands out with its lidar sensor, which provides better night flying capabilities and a safer return-to-home function in low light. The sensor allows you to take off without a GPS lock, and the drone will still return home safely, though the height limit will be capped before the satellites are fully connected.

Other features include:

• Obstacle Avoidance: Both drones come with 360-degree obstacle avoidance and vision assist for better safety while flying.
• Active Track: The Air 3S has improved ActiveTrack, capable of tracking subjects at speeds up to 36mph.
• Panoramas: The Air 3S allows you to create custom panoramas, a feature that is not available on the Air 3.
• File Transfer: With the Air 3S, you can transfer files to your smartphone without turning the drone on, a feature absent in the Air 3.

Pricing and Value

The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo, including the upgraded DJI RC2, is priced at just under $1,600, while the Air 3 Fly More Combo with the RC2 comes in at just under $1,100.

So, is the extra $500 worth it for the Air 3S? It depends on what features are most important to you. The Air 3S offers better low-light performance, improved ActiveTrack, lidar functionality, and file transfer capabilities. However, if you’re a casual drone user or primarily fly during the day, the Air 3 will still provide excellent performance at a more affordable price.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Air 3S: Ideal for frequent night flyers, those who need better low-light performance, and users who heavily rely on ActiveTrack or need the ability to transfer files without powering the drone on. It’s also better for those who prioritize photo and video quality.

• Air 3: Perfect for casual hobbyists or those upgrading from a mini drone. If you primarily fly during the day and don’t need the additional features of the Air 3S, the Air 3 will provide great value at a lower price.

Both drones are fantastic options, and depending on your needs, either one could be the right choice for you.

Article Summary

Whether you’re leaning toward the DJI Air 3 or the Air 3S, you can rest assured that both drones will provide excellent performance and capture stunning footage. The choice comes down to whether you need the extra features offered by the Air 3S or if the more affordable Air 3 meets your needs. Either way, you’ll be flying a top-tier drone.

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