DJI Air 3S: price, specs & release date

Engadget lab-tested · 2024-10-15

flight time (real-world / working conditions): about 38 minutes (rated 45 minutes) · top speed (sport mode): up to 45 mph · top speed (normal mode, obstacle tracking on): 23 mph · transmission range (US, O4): about 12.5 miles · weight: 1.6 pounds

With the larger 1-inch sensor, 4K video is more detailed than ever and the camera produces vibrant, accurate colors and nice skin tones.

That experience taught me that the Air 3S's sensors can miss small obstacles, so it's wise to stay away from those situations and use propeller guards if you can't avoid them.

the Air 3S successfully detected and avoided all obstacles

TechRadar lab-tested · 2024-10-15

wind resistance (hovered in place in gusts): up to 12m/s or 26mph · top speed (sport mode): around 21m/s (or about 50mph)

I found the Air 3S to be a solidly constructed piece of equipment and, while I'll talk about its flight capabilities in the next section of this review, its sturdiness and motor power mean it can stand up to pretty strong winds, hovering in place in gusts of up to 12m/s or 26mph.

I never had it cut out or even stutter during the week I was testing the drone.

The Air 3S is an improvement on its predecessor, but not enough of one to warrant an expensive upgrade – unless you're really picky about low-light video performance.

Tom's Guide lab-tested · 2024-10-23

charge time (empty to 100%, USB-C): just under two hours

With a large 1-inch sensor, next-gen obstacle avoidance, 42GB internal storage, and superb low-light performance, this is the best 4K/60fps drone money can buy right now.

However, it isn't very different from the Air 3 and you'll need FAA registration to fly it.

The 4K footage I shot at 60fps was buttery smooth and crystal clear, as were the stills taken with the drone's wide-angle and medium telephoto cameras.