DJI Unveils the Air 3S Dual-Camera Drone
DJI unveiled the $1,099 Air 3S drone, which includes a dual-camera system, improved 10-bit video across two cameras, a larger Type-1 sensor on the main camera, and improved low-light performance with new nightscape obstacle sensing to make after-dark photography more accessible.
“The Air 3S is intended to be the ideal easy-to-use all-around drone. The DJI Air 3S memorizes flight paths when appropriate lighting is available, thanks to real-time vision location and map construction algorithms. “This ensures a safe return when taking off from locations without a satellite signal,” DJI states.
The Air 3S combines two cameras into one drone: a primary 50-megapixel Type 1 CMOS sensor with a 24mm lens that supports 4K 60p HDR and 4K 120p standard video, as well as a 10-bit D-Log M color mode, and a secondary 48-megapixel Type 1/1.3 70mm medium telephoto camera that provides 3x telephoto zoom and shares the primary camera’s video specs and color modes.
In addition to the larger sensor on the main camera, DJI claims that the system’s image and ISO quality have increased. The camera’s capacity to shoot 10-bit video with H.265 encoding, which it claims provides better color performance and post-production flexibility. The maximum ISO has also been increased to 12,800 in conventional video and photo modes, as well as 3,200 in D-Log M and HLG color modes, to improve the drone’s performance in low-light environments.
“Compared with the previous-generation DJI Air 3, DJI Air 3S employs a more advanced video encoding compression algorithm that reduces video file sizes by over 30% without compromising image quality, saving valuable storage space for creators,” the company’s website states.
In terms of low-light flights, DJI’s Air 3S is the company’s first drone to feature forward-facing LiDAR, as well as downward infrared time-of-flight (TOF) sensors and six vision sensors (two at the front, rear, and bottom), allowing it to detect omnidirectional obstacles even at night. DJI claims that the Air 3S can automatically identify and navigate obstacles during flight and return pathways even in low light, making it simpler to trust on the drone’s ability to return to its takeoff place after dark.
The Air 3S has a flight time of up to 45 minutes and, thanks to 10-bit O4 video transmission technology, can send 10-bit video at 1080 at 60p over distances of up to 20 kilometers. While it supports a memory card, the Air 3S has 42GB of built-in storage, and files can be downloaded from the drone to a smartphone even while it is turned off.
The DJI Air 3S is now available for order at store.dji.com, with shipment beginning today, while availability through dealers and retailers will be announced at a later date.
The DJI Air 3S (DJI RC-N3) costs $1,099 and links to a smartphone for control and monitoring. The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC-N3) costs $1399 and contains the DJI RC-N3 remote controller, an ND filter set, two extra batteries, a battery charging hub, and a shoulder bag. The most costly Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) costs $1,599 and includes the DJI RC 2 remote controller with a 5.5-inch 1080p 700-nit high-bright screen, an ND filter set, two extra batteries, a battery charging hub, and a shoulder bag.
