DJI Air 3S, full review: 1-inch sensor and LiDAR technology!

Like the Mavic Air 2, the DJI Air 3 is now available in an improved “S” version: the DJI Air 3S. But what’s really new about this new edition? What is it worth in real terms? Is it right for you? If you already own the Air 3, should you consider selling it to upgrade to this model? Find out all the answers in our full test!

DJI AIR 3S : Design and Radio Controls

Design

Weight	724 g
Dimensions (folded, without propellers) (L x W x H)	214.19 x 100.63 x 89.17 mm
Dimensions (unfolded, without propellers) (L x W x H)	266.11 x 325.47 x 106.00 mm
Storage	42 GB internal memory microSD memory card up to 1 TB

Visually, the DJI Air 3S is very similar to its predecessor, the Air 3. The first notable difference is at the front: the nacelle is more imposing. And with good reason: it still houses two sensors, but the main lens is now a 1-inch larger sensor. We’ll come back to its performance in more detail in the section dedicated to images.

Another eye-catching new feature is a black plastic part located between the two front sensors. This is a new LiDAR sensor, designed to enhance the drone’s obstacle detection capabilities. We’ll take a closer look at this feature later.

In terms of dimensions, the Air 3S gains a few millimeters on all axes, whether folded (214.19 x 100.63 x 89.17 mm) or unfolded (266.11 x 325.47 x 106.00 mm), largely due to the larger nacelle. It also gains 4 grams, from 720 to 724 grams.

Finally, one of the most practical changes is to be found inside the drone: internal memory increases from 8 to 42 GB. This will provide extra convenience for those who often forget their memory card, enabling them to store around an hour of 4K video at 60 frames per second.

🚨 The regulatory point
The DJI Air 3S, classified in category C1, requires more red tape than ultra-light models like the DJI Mini 4 Pro. In Europe and the UK, users must undergo paid training and pass an exam to fly in public or built-up areas. In the USA, the drone must be registered, and an exam is also required. Flying over residential, commercial or industrial areas is permitted, but it is forbidden to fly over people, unless unintentionally and immediately interrupted.

Transmission and radio controls

Compatible radio controls	DJI RC-N3 DJI RC 2
Video transmission system	DJI O4
Live preview quality	1080p up to 60 fps
Max. transmission distance	FCC: 20 km CE: 10 km

The DJI Air 3S features the manufacturer’s latest video transmission system, DJI O4. This system uses three frequencies in Europe (2.4 GHz, 5.1 GHz and 5.8 GHz), offering a range of up to 10 km in areas covered by the European standard, and up to 20 km in countries governed by the FCC standard.

The drone comes with two compatible radio controls :

• The DJI RC-N3, DJI’s latest standard remote control, released at the same time as the DJI Neo. It features a fold-up holder for your smartphone and the DJI Fly application.
• The DJI RC 2, launched with the DJI Air 3, features a superb integrated screen, so you can do without your smartphone and keep it warm in your pocket.

Both radio controls offer excellent performance, but the DJI RC 2 stands out for its superior ease of use, thanks to an even faster connection and the absence of the need to plug in and charge your phone. However, it is only included in the top-of-the-range package, making it a more expensive option.

Finally, as with the DJI Air 3, the DJI Air 3S features a slot on the top of the drone for a 4G dongle. This allows you to switch to a 4G connection in the event of signal loss with the O4 transmission system.

DJI AIR 3S : In flight

Maximum speed	21 m/s
Max. ascent speed	10 m/s
Max. descent speed	10 m/s
Max. wind resistance	12 m/s (level 6)
Obstacle detection	Omnidirectional binocular optical system + forward-looking LiDAR + infrared sensor at base of device

Flight performance

In terms of flight, the DJI Air 3S retains the same excellent characteristics as its predecessor. The drone offers a smooth flying experience, with vertical ascent and descent rates of up to 10 m/s (36 km/h), and a maximum horizontal speed of 21 m/s (75.6 km/h). However, in Europe, this speed is limited to 19 m/s (68.4 km/h) due to current regulations.

DJI also specifies that the drone can reach 27 m/s (97.2 km/h) with a 6 m/s tailwind. Useful information for speed record fans!

Wind resistance, too, remains unchanged. Thanks to its greater weight and dimensions than the Mini range, the Air 3S is more resistant to gusts of wind. It offers level 6 wind resistance, capable of withstanding winds of 12 m/s (43.2 km/h). In practice, we even observed that it managed to maintain stable images in gusts exceeding 50 km/h. Quite impressive!

Obstacle detection

Like its predecessor, the DJI Air 3S is equipped with an omnidirectional detection system capable of spotting obstacles in all directions. But the Air 3S goes one step further, becoming the first DJI consumer drone to incorporate a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, located on the front of the device. This sensor emits laser pulses and measures the time it takes for light to return after reflection, enabling highly accurate 3D mapping of the environment, even in low-light conditions. This enables it to detect obstacles at night, where traditional vision-based sensors often fail.

Thanks to the information provided by its sensors, the drone uses the APAS 5.0 system to autonomously avoid and fly around obstacles. This technology is also used in automatic flight modes, such as subject tracking, or to guarantee a safe, automatic return to the take-off point (RTH).

The DJI Air 3S can also use its LiDAR sensor alone, without GPS, to ensure a safe return to the starting point. This is particularly useful in the event of GPS signal loss, or in areas where the signal is weak or non-existent.

With all these advances, the DJI Air 3S is the best drone in the range when it comes to obstacle avoidance.

💥 New: enhanced visual assistance
The DJI Air 3S introduces an exciting new feature:enhanced visual assistance. Thanks to its downward-facing optical sensors, the drone can now offer a real-time view of what’s beneath it. This view is displayed as a picture-in-picture window in the DJI Fly application. A discreet but very practical addition, which can make all the difference in many flying situations.

DJI AIR 3S: Cameras and image quality

Sensors	Wide-angle camera: 1 inch CMOS 50 MP Medium-angle telecamera: 1/1.3 inch CMOS 48 MP
Lens (wide-angle camera)	24 mm equivalent format F/1.8 aperture FOV 84
Lens (medium telecamera)	Equivalent format 70 mm Aperture f/2.8 FOV 35° (in mm)
Max photo resolution	Wide-angle camera: 50 MP Medium telecamera: 48 MP
Max video resolution	4K up to 120 fps Full HD up to 240 fps 2.7K vertical shooting up to 60 fps
ISO range	100 à 12800
Max bit rate	130 Mb/s
Digital Zoom	Wide-angle camera: 1 to 2.9x Medium-angle telecamera: 3 to 9x
Photo format	JPEG DNG (RAW)
Video format	MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)
Color profile	Normal HLG D-Log M

Sensors and Resolutions

The major evolution of this “S” version lies in its main sensor. The DJI Air 3S retains a dual-sensor nacelle, but this time the main sensor is a 1-inch larger model. This improvement has been eagerly awaited by many fans, who were disappointed that the Air 3 only featured a 1/1.3-inch sensor, whereas the Air 2S already offered a 1-inch sensor. The second sensor, the telephoto lens, remains unchanged from the previous model.

As with the Air 3, the Air 3S nacelle incorporates two sensors:

• A 1-inch, 24mm equivalent wide-angle sensor with a fixed f/1.8 aperture.
• A 1/1.3-inch telephoto lens, 70 mm equivalent, with a fixed f/2.8 aperture.

DJI continues its trend of integrating multiple lenses, as seen on the Air and Mavic ranges. This second lens (or third in the case of the Mavic 3 Pro) opens up new creative possibilities , allowing distant subjects to be “brought closer” and playing with perspective compression to change the look of scenes.

Resolutions:

• For photos, the main lens delivers 12 and 50 MP, while the telephoto lens delivers 12 and 48 MP.
• In video, both sensors can shoot in 4K at up to 120 fps, in FHD at up to 240 fps, and in 2.7K vertical format at up to 60 fps.

One last point to underline: both lenses offer the same color profiles, making it easy to achieve consistency between your different shots. You can choose between the normal 8- or 10-bit profile , the 10-bit HLG profile, or the flat 10-bit D-Log M profile, ideal for those who wish to apply their own colorimetry via LUTs in post-production.

Image quality

Let’s start with stabilization. As usual, DJI impresses with the Air 3S’s three-axis gondola, which ensures impeccably stable images, even in difficult conditions. Even with gusts exceeding 50 km/h, shots remain fluid and perfectly usable, even with the 70 mm lens.

As far as image quality is concerned, it’s simply excellent. The Air 3 already delivered excellent results, but this new version goes even further, thanks to a larger main sensor and a dynamic range extended to 14 stops on both sensors. The results are even more striking, especially in high-contrast scenes.

If the improvement isn’t always obvious in daylight, it becomes blatantly obvious in low-light conditions or in high-contrast scenes. The drone excels in these situations, revealing far more detail in dark areas and highlights. This is particularly true for the main lens, but the secondary lens benefits too, thanks to enhanced dynamic range and optimized image processing. Perfect for sunrise and sunset enthusiasts!

The ISO range has also been increased to better handle low-light conditions. The drone can now reach ISO 12800 in Normal mode and 3200 in HLG and D-Log M modes, i.e. double that of the Air 3. All this is done automatically in standard recording mode, without the need for Night mode, which has disappeared on this version.

DJI AIR 3S : Features

Good news for starters: all modes are available on both lenses, so you can enjoy the same functionalities regardless of which sensor you use. A real plus in terms of flexibility.

For photography, the DJI Air 3S offers all the classic modes:

• Single shot, for capturing single shots.
• AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) mode, for capturing multiple photos at different exposures to create HDR images in post-production.
• Rafale mode, ideal for making sure you don’t miss the perfect moment.
• Interval mode, for photos taken at regular intervals.
• Panorama mode, with wide-angle, 180° and sphere options, plus the addition of a new free panorama mode, where you simply choose the area to be photographed from top left to bottom right, and the drone does the rest, automatically taking and stitching the photos.

The video features the same modes as on the Air 3:

• Normal video
• Idle mode
• Hyperlapse mode, for dynamic, accelerated videos.
• QuickShots, for dynamic videos thanks to pre-programmed aerial trajectories.
• MasterShots, which links together several QuickShots and sets them to music automatically.

Speed control is also included, allowing you to keep the drone at a fixed speed and direction, so you can concentrate on shooting. The Waypoint mode, as comprehensive as ever, lets you define waypoints and adjust specific actions at each stage, such as speed or gondola orientation.

The much-appreciated subject tracking functionality remains extremely effective, whether tracking people, vehicles or buildings. Even better, tracking speed has been increased to 15 m/s (54 km/h), compared with 12 m/s previously. Combined with the improved obstacle avoidance system, tracking is more effective than ever. This mode includes :

• Spotlight: the drone stays in place while keeping the target in the center of the image, pivoting on itself if necessary.
• POI (Point Of Interest): the drone circles the subject, whether stationary or moving.
• ActiveTrack 360°: the drone follows the moving target, and you can choose its position and movements via the app, or let the automatic mode decide on movements according to the environment to create a dynamic video.

The drone also features a digital zoom, from 1 to 2.9x with the main sensor and from 3 to 9x with the telephoto lens. However, this reduces image quality, so this zoom is preferable for observation or scouting, rather than for sequences to be integrated into a montage.

Last but not least, QuickTransfer remains as practical as ever. It’s even improved with a new option for leaving the drone on standby with minimal power consumption, after you’ve switched it off. So you can transfer your files without having to turn the drone back on or even take it out of your bag. An ingenious, time-saving detail.

DJI AIR 3S: Autonomy and recharging

Batteries	4276 mAh
Autonomy	45 minutes
Recharge time	65W charger: approx. 80 minutes 100W USB-C power adapter + charging station: approx. 60 minutes

The DJI Air 3S features a slightly more powerful battery than its predecessor, with a capacity of 4276 mAh versus 4241 mAh for the Air 3. Good news: the Air 3S batteries are compatible with those of the Air 3, and vice versa.

Flight autonomy remains similar to the previous model, with a flight time of 45 minutes in optimal conditions. In practice, it’s more reasonable to expect 35 to 40 minutes in real-life conditions.

For recharging, you can plug a USB-C cable directly into the drone, but the most practical option remains the recharging station. Available in the Fly More pack or sold separately, it can charge up to three batteries. These are charged one after the other, but the station also offers a clever function: it can transfer the remaining charge from the other two batteries to recharge one battery to 100%.

DJI AIR 3S: Packs and Prices

Standard pack (DJI RC-N3 remote control)	1099€	See on Amazon
Fly More Pack (DJI RC-N3 remote control)	1399€	See on Amazon
Fly More pack (DJI RC 2 remote control)	1599€	See on Amazon

The DJI Air 3S starts at €1099, a slightly higher price than that of its predecessor, the Air 3. For this amount, you’ll get the standard package, which includes the drone with the standard DJI RC-N3 radio control system, a battery, a pair of spare propellers, a nacelle protector and various cables.

For those who want additional accessories, the Fly More pack is an interesting option. In addition to the items in the standard pack, it includes 2 extra batteries (for a total of 3), a charging station, a set of ND filters (ND8, ND32, ND128), a carry bag, and 2 extra pairs of spare propellers (for a total of 3).

This Fly More pack is available in two versions:

• Fly More pack with standard DJI RC-N3 remote control, priced at €1,399.
• Fly More package with DJI RC 2 remote control with integrated display, priced at €1,599.

With these options, the DJI Air 3S is positioned in an intermediate price range between the Air 3 and the Mavic 3 Classic.

Conclusion DJI Air 3S: Should you give in?

In short, although the DJI Air 3S incorporates many of the same features as the Air 3, it is distinguished by two major improvements:

• Its main sensor has been increased to 1 inch, excellent news for fans of the Air 2S, who were disappointed by the reduced size of the Air 3’s sensor.
• Theaddition of a LiDAR sensor makes the obstacle detection system even more effective…

If the Air 3 was already an excellent drone, the DJI Air 3S surpasses it by correcting the few weak points of its predecessor. It’s a high-performance mid-range drone, reliable in flight, and capable of capturing superb images. For aerial imaging enthusiasts looking for a multi-purpose device, but without the budget for a Mavic 3 Pro, this is undoubtedly the best choice.

If you already own a DJI Air 3, should you replace it with the Air 3S?

Unless you really need the 1-inch sensor, especially for those who regularly shoot in low light, this upgrade is not essential.

Who is it for?

The DJI Air 3S is aimed at all those who want to produce beautiful images and who want better results than the Mini range, without having to invest in a Mavic 3 Pro.

Read our full test of the Air 3S’s predecessor, the DJI Air 3:
➡️ DJI Air 3: our full test