DJI Air 3S vs. Air 3: Is it worth the upgrade?

DJI has released its latest travel photography drone, the DJI Air 3S, building on the features of its popular predecessor, the DJI Air 3. With four major upgrades tailored to enhance user experience, the Air 3S has been designed as the go-to drone for travel enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed look at the new Air 3S and how it stacks up against the Air 3, helping you decide if the upgrade is worth it.

Key upgrades: What’s new with the DJI Air 3S?

1. Enhanced Nightscape Mode: One of the standout features of the DJI Air 3S is the new Nightscape mode. While both models feature omnidirectional obstacle sensing, the Air 3S takes it a step further, offering improved performance in low-light conditions, making it ideal for capturing stunning night shots and videos.
2. Upgraded internal storage: A significant change comes in the form of expanded internal storage. The Air 3S boasts 42 GB of built-in storage, a substantial upgrade from the 8 GB available in the Air 3. This boost allows users to store more high-resolution footage directly on the drone, reducing the need for external memory cards during short trips.
3. Higher resolution cameras: The Air 3S features a 50 MP wide-angle camera alongside a 1/1.3-inch 3x medium tele camera, offering even sharper details than the 48 MP camera on the Air 3. Additionally, the Air 3S is equipped with a 1-inch CMOS wide-angle camera, compared to the Air 3’s 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. These upgrades promise to deliver crisper images and videos, perfect for travel photographers looking to capture every detail of their adventures.
4. Improved slow motion capabilities: For those who enjoy slow-motion footage, the Air 3S offers 4K at 120fps recording, surpassing the Air 3’s 4K at 100fps. This means smoother slow-motion sequences, adding a cinematic touch to video captures.

It’s worth noting that the Air 3S weighs slightly more at 724 grams compared to the Air 3’s 720 grams, but the difference is negligible when considering its enhanced features. The Air 3S maintains an impressive 45-minute maximum flight time, just shy of the Air 3’s 46 minutes. And both drones offer a 20 km maximum video transmission range (FCC), ensuring that users can maintain a strong connection even when flying at long distances.

Is the upgrade worth It?

The DJI Air 3S is clearly designed for travel photographers looking for an all-in-one solution that delivers high-quality imaging and seamless storage options. Its enhanced Nightscape mode, expanded internal storage, and 50 MP camera make it a strong contender for those who prioritize capturing intricate details during their travels.

For existing Air 3 users, the decision to upgrade may hinge on the need for better low-light performance and extra storage space. However, if you’re new to DJI’s Air series and seeking a drone with top-tier travel photography capabilities, the Air 3S offers a comprehensive package that’s difficult to ignore.

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