Device Features Several Camera Upgrades

DJI recently unveiled its Air 3S: an updated version of the previous Air 3 model. Though the two drones share many common features, the Air 3S contains several safety and quality upgrades.

The DJI Air 3S has two cameras. The primary camera has a 1-inch sensor, 24mm focal length, and f/1.8 aperture with 14 stops of dynamic range, producing 4K 60fps HDR videos, 4K 120fps slow-motion videos in D-Log M mode, and 50-megapixel photos. The secondary is a 70mm medium tele camera with a 48-megapixel 1/1.3-inch sensor, f/2.8 aperture, and, again, 14 stops of dynamic range. It produces the same video specifications as the main camera.

Both of these use an entirely new processing platform and algorithm for improved detail preservation in low-light conditions.

Another new feature of the Air 3S is its Free Panorama mode. The drone can be set to begin a panorama from a given angle and stop at another, allowing users to completely customize the captured scene. This mode works with both the 24mm 1X and 70mm 3X cameras. Then, the image can be exported as a pre-stitched JPEG or as RAW for manual stitching.

Arguably the most powerful addition to the Air 3S is its obstacle avoidance technology, including a forward-facing LiDAR, downward infrared Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, and three pairs of vision sensors. The forehead LiDAR is crucial for nighttime operations, assisting in obstacle detection  and return to home (RTH) capabilities. In conditions lacking a proper GPS signal, the sensors can build and follow a map model based on its outbound flight to navigate back to its starting point.

Despite these upgrades, the DJI Air 3S is fairly similar to the Air 3. The 3S It is slightly longer and taller, but has approximately equal flight performance traits to the 3. The new model also has the same 20km maximum flight distance and a 45-minute battery life; one minute shorter than the Air 3’s 46 minutes.

The DJI Air 3S single version comes with the drone, one battery, and an RC-N3 remote for a total of $1,099. Customers can add ND filters, two extra batteries, and a carrying bag for a $300 bump. The last combo throws in a remote controller with built-in screens for $1,599.

FMI: www.dji.com/air-3s