DJI Air 3S announced: 1-inch sensor and improved low light performance

DJI has announced the Air 3S, improving on the Air 3 with a larger primary sensor, more efficient video encoding, and improved low light performance.

The popularity of lightweight drones seems to continue unabated, due to the sheer quality of image that is now possible in a device that can easily fit inside a backpack. The new DJI Air 3S is a new drone that weighs in at 724g, which means that although UK owners will need to complete a free online test and registration with the CAA, the rules for flying are still flexible enough to allow for a wide range of flying locations without too much bother.

The new DJI Air 3S

What's new in the Air 3S?

The most notable improvement over the Air 3 is that the 3S now features a 50MP 1-inch sensor on its primary 24mm camera. 10-bit colour features in all video recording profiles, including the standard colour profile. DJI claims that improvements to the efficiency of the H.265 encoding means that file sizes can be reduced by over 30% without compromising image quality.

In the standard colour profile, the maximum ISO has been raised to 12,800, while in D-Log M and HLG modes, the maximum ISO now sits at 3,200. The secondary 70mm telephoto camera retains a 1/1.3" sensor, although DJI states that both cameras are capable of capturing up to 14-stops of dynamic range.

Both cameras are capable of recording up to 60fps in HDR mode and 120fps in 4K resolution. The Air 3S features a downward facing infrared time of flight sensor for ground detection, as well as six vision sensors, with two at the front, rear and bottom of the drone. Where the Air 3S differs from the previous model is with the inclusion of forward facing LiDAR for improved low light obstacle avoidance.

The Air 3S will also attempt to map its flight, depending on the lighting conditions, so that even if there is no satellite signal it can make its way back to the original take-off spot. ActiveTrack 360 also features, which can dynamically adjust the framing accounting for the environment and the object that the drone is tracking.

The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (RC2)

Other features

• 45-Min Max Flight Time
  
• 10-bit O4 Video Transmission: 10-bit video transmission at 1080p/60fps over distances of up to 20 kilometers.
• DJI Cellular Dongle 2: 4G connectivity provides stable video transmission and drone control, enhancing flight safety and reducing disconnection risks
• 42-GB Built-in Storage: Air 3S allows creators to film without needing to deal with microSD cards.
• Off-State QuickTransfer: Files can be sent from the Air 3S to a smartphone even when the drone is powered off. Transfers to a computer can also be done with the drone powered off by connecting Air 3S via a compatible USB cable.
• Charging Hub with Power Accumulation¹: The Charging Hub supports PD fast charging and a power accumulation function, allowing users to transfer the remaining power of multiple low-power batteries into the battery with the highest remaining power.
• Data Protection: Local Data Mode acts like “airplane mode” on the phone by completely disconnecting the DJI Air 3S from the internet, ensuring all data stays only in the drone.

The DJI Air 3S is available now, starting at £959 / €1099 for the RC-N3 package, and up to £1439 / €1599 for the RC-2 Fly More Combo package.