DJI Air 3S vs Air 3: Which is the best drone? A Direct Comparison
DJI has launched its latest model, the Air3S, this week. We have seen the previous models right from DJI Air, DJI Air 2, Air 2S, and last year's Air 3. There has been continuous improvement in terms of features from one model to another. No doubt the new DJI Air 3S also has new cool features loaded compared to the previous siblings.
The Design: DJI Air 3S vs Air 3
Air 3 had smoother curves and soft edges when compared to the Air 2S. The same design pattern as in Air 3 with slight changes in camera design, front face with LiDAR, and a small variation in overall body size. While the weight is just 4 grams higher than the previous model, at 724 grams, DJI has packed a lot of new features into the Air 3S.
The Camera: DJI Air 3S vs Air 3
Upgraded Camera Lens
It's been a long time since fans requested a 1-inch censor in the Air and Mini-series for excelling aerial photography. DJI has made it possible in the latest Air 3S. With a 50-megapixel equivalent Wide-Angle Camera, the Field of View (FOV) is now 84° from the previous FOV of 82°. You can now capture wide scenic views. While the aperture of wide angle is f/1.8 compared to f/1.7 in Air 3, the focus has improved from 1m to o.5m in Air3S.
Variable Shutter Speed
The shutter speed has decreased from 1/16000s to 1/8000s in Air 3S, which may not be helpful for a few who want to capture adventure and action sequences. This makes Air 3 better for low-light photography.
Increased ISO options
DJI Air3S is more versatile for low-light and high dynamic range scenarios, especially in D-Log M and HLG modes with higher ISO options when compared with Air 3, which has a night mode that extends ISO for video, but it has a lower maximum ISO in D-Log M and HLG, limiting its usability in challenging lighting conditions for log and HDR video.
Maximum Image Size
While comparing the pixel density and capturing maximum detail with the wide-angle camera is the key feature, the Air3S wide-angle camera is superior. If having a consistent resolution between cameras matters more, Air 3 would be preferable.
Ultra Slow Motion
Air 3S is better if it has super slow motion (240 fps) in Full HD or higher frame rates for 4K recording (up to 120 fps). Air 3 provides more versatility for vertical video shooting with the addition of FHD vertical recording. However, it has slightly lower maximum frame rates (100 fps for 4K and 200 fps for FHD) when compared with the Air3S Drone.
The Air 3S is best if your priority is high-frame-rate video capture for slow motion, and the Air 3 is good if you need vertical shooting options and are okay with slightly lower frame rates.
Increased storage efficiency
The Max Video Bitrate is reduced from 150 Mbps in Air 3 to 130 Mbps in Air 3S. The slightly lower bitrate will improve storage efficiency highly, particularly in the case of 4K/120fps slow motion. Now the Air 3S has an inbuilt storage of 42GB, providing ease of mind in flight.
Improved Color Depth
The Air 3S is superior for videographers who need 10-bit video in Normal mode (FHD/2.7K) and the option to choose between H.264 and H.265 for HLG/D-Log M recording. The Air 3 is more limited in Normal mode (FHD/2.7K) as it only supports 8-bit video but still offers 10-bit for HLG/D-Log M with H.265, which is suitable for higher-quality HDR and log profile video capture.
New LiDAR and improved sensors
Air 3S is now equipped with the latest LiDAR technology for sensing obstacles during flight. How is it going to help you? Well, now you can navigate your drone even in low-light conditions and in GPS-denied areas efficiently, thanks to this LiDAR technology. But it's not just that. The 360-degree sensors now work in as low as 1 lux lighting environments. While the speed of detection remains the same from 20 kmph vertically and up to 50 kmph horizontal movement of the drone, this lowlight adds more comfort for flying drones any time of the day and night. The LiDAR can detect obstacles in the range of 50 cm to 25 meters.
Efficient Battery Design
While there are no huge changes in terms of battery, the Air3S has 4276 mAh weighing 247 g compared to the Air 3, which has 4241 mAh weighing 267 g. With 20g less weight, the battery has slightly more juice now. However, the flight time has reduced from 46 minutes on Air 3 to 45 minutes on Air 3S, which doesn’t make much difference in reality.
Same Transmission
Both Air 3S and Air 3 use the DJI O4 video transmission system, which is regarded as the best transmission system in the drone industry.
Power charging made easy
As DJI is following some principles of Apple, it is true to the charger at least. DJI suggests a 65W or 100W DJI portable charger for both Air series drones. While the charging hub remains the same, the Air3S charging hub can now transfer the leftover charge from the other two batteries to the battery with a higher charge, so you can enjoy your flight till the last juice is over.
More options for Remote Controller
Air 3S by default comes with an RC-N3 or RC-2 remote controller. Given that the combo batteries give you 45 x 3 mins (2.25 hours) of flight maximum, the N3 Controller gives you 3.5 hours of operating time and the N2 gives 6 hours of operating time. With RC-2, the smart-display RC, you can use up to 3 hours of operating time. RC-2 also gives you 32GB additional internal storage, which helps you with the Air3S, which is already equipped with 42GB, for a total of 74GB right out of the box. Air 3S is compatible with N2, N3, and RC-2 controllers.
Air 3S is better in terms of camera quality, sensing obstacles, flying at night, and enjoying your drone being inside your home and exploring your environment.