DJI Air 3S review: A travel-ready powerhouse for drone photographers

FTC disclaimer: I did not get paid by DJI or any other party to write this DJI Air 3S review. I do make money off affiliate links, which means I make a small percent of any purchases you make from the links below. Thank you in advance for supporting The Drone Girl!

What’s the best drone for travel photographers? Right now, it’s the DJI Air 3S.

Especially due to its forward-facing LiDAR for enhanced obstacle detection, 42GB of internal storage, powerful build even in wind, and a dual-camera system, it’s an excellent companion for anyone serious about travel photography.

I just spent the week on the Hawaiian island of Oahu to put in the hard work for you — testing it out. When I was there, it was high humidity and, though I didn’t fly it in direct rain, it was always pretty rough weather. Despite the wind (in part to flying close to the ocean, as well as generally rougher weather), it held up. And even in Hawaii’s rainy, overcast November days, the Air 3S delivered bright, vibrant images.

Suffice to say, I’m in love with the DJI Air 3S. Let this DJI Air 3S review be proof!

If you’re someone who takes your drone with you when you travel, this is the best drone you can buy right now. But I will give you more to work with (and to make your case why this drone is worthwhile), with my complete DJI Air 3S review. Here’s an in-depth look at how the Air 3S compares with other DJI drones, its ideal users, and why it’s definitely worth the price.

DJI Air 3S: key features for travelers

There are all sorts of specs to note on the DJI Air 3S. But since I’m pegging this as the best drone for travel right now, here are the specs that traveler will especially love.

• Compact size: It weighs 724 grams and folds up to 214.19×100.63×89.17 mm. Even with the carrying case, which is included when you buy the Fly More Combo, it can easily fit into another backpack. I put the Air 3S shoulder bag inside a backpack alongside my laptop, charger and other essentials like my wallet and snacks. It all easily fit underneath the seat in front of me on the airplane.
• Forward-Facing LiDAR Technology: This allows for more precise obstacle detection, especially in low-light conditions. Especially when I’m someplace new and unfamiliar with the environment, I appreciate the peace of mind of improved obstacle avoidance.
• Panorama Mode: This mode makes it easier to automatically capture ultra-wide-angle shots without third-party software. Given how panoramas and vacations go together like peanut butter and jelly, this is so convenient.
• Enhanced Internal Storage: 42GB of built-in storage enables more time capturing and less time swapping SD cards. It’s also less worry about packing them! I’m always losing stuff when I travel, so not worrying about this is so easy.
• Powerful wind speed resistance: This drone is super robust, with 12 m/s of wind resistance. I was able to fly over a windy beach in Hawaii with no problem. There were situations where I got flying super high, and the controller alerted me that it was too windy and offered to return the drone to home. I generally didn’t take up the offer, but instead lowered my altitude. I loved the auto alerts in knowing when I was in a safe or unsafe wind zone. And even in fairly windy conditions, I could still fly. After all, I only had a few days in Hawaii and wanted to capture as much footage as I could. I would’t let wind stop me!

What’s new and improved from past DJI Air models

The first Mavic Air launched back in January 2018 as a small, portable drone much like what DJI’s entry-level drone at the time, the DJI Spark, offered. But it was a big upgrade from the Spark, as it had the ability to fold up like the Mavic Pro to become even smaller, plus more powerful features included gesture control, the ability to shoot 4K video, plus features like TapFly and ActiveTrack.

Since then, the Mavic Air line has flourished, serving a sweet spot between smaller drones like the DJI Mini series (which don’t succeed as well in rough conditions like wind) versus the DJI Mavic series, which sits at a price point higher than what many photographers can afford.

And then DJI dropped the DJI Air 3S on Oct. 15, starting at $1,099. That’s the same price as the DJI Air 3 upon its launch — yet this one is a clear upgrade.

Here’s a look at how the Air 3S has advanced from previous models in the Air series:

Clearly the DJI Air 3S brings substantial upgrades in obstacle sensing, storage, and camera quality. And sure, while the Air 3 is a strong drone in its own right, the Air 3S’s features cater to travelers wanting more flexibility and ease when capturing high-quality content.

Related read: DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S: is it worth the upgrade?

4 things I love the most about the DJI Air 3S

There’s a lot to love about this drone. But these were my four personal favorite features.

Camera

The DJI Air 3S truly shines with its camera upgrades, providing sharp, high-resolution footage. Check out my YouTube video embedded just above this paragraph to see shots in flight!

With its larger sensor (1-inch CMOS, 50MP Effective Pixels), higher dynamic range, and better low-light performance, this drone can shoot largely professional-grade images and videos that would be more than high-enough quality for something like a wedding or concert recording.

Battery life

The extended battery life of the DJI Air 3S (45 minutes) relative to something like the DJI Mini 4K (just 31 minutes) offers incredible convenience. I felt okay taking long flights (and multiple flights throughout one roadtrip around the island of Oahu, sans car charger) without constantly worrying about recharging.

Easy footage transfer

DJI has streamlined its footage transfer process on the Air 3S, coming a long way from the clunky days of connecting GoPro cameras back in the Phantom 1 days. Before, editing footage was a headache.

Nowadays, it’s quick and efficient to get content from the drone to your phone (and ultimately Instagram, or wherever you post). After flying, I powered on the drone, opened the DJI Fly App, and instantly downloaded my footage. This convenience allowed me to upload shots to my Instagram (@thedronegirl) right after flying!

Wind resistance

Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions during my time in Oahu, the Air 3S — with its 12 m/s wind speed resistance — handled Hawaii’s gusty winds impressively. Normally, with a lighter drone or in a less robust model, I’d wait for calmer weather. I’m generally a risk-averse pilot! Alas, I didn’t have the luxury of time on this trip. Thankfully, the Air 3S’s advanced wind resistance allowed me to fly anyway, capturing the footage I needed even on rough wind days.

What kind of drone pilot is the DJI Air 3S best for?

The DJI Air 3S is generally good for you if you identify as a…

• Travel photographer: Its high-resolution camera and long flight time makes capturing landscapes, beaches and cities easy.
• Intermediate to advanced user: This drone is easy to fly but has enough features to appeal to experienced pilots seeking pro-level footage.
• Corporate and government professional: Privacy-conscious users benefit from Local Data Mode, making the Air 3S suitable for sensitive environments.
• Outdoor adventurer: Whether you’re hiking, surfing, or exploring, the Air 3S is rugged enough to handle various conditions.

That said, skip the DJI Air 3S if you identify as a…

• Casual hobbyist or beginner: This drone is overkill if you’d rather have a simple, budget-friendly drone. For those folks, the DJI Neo or DJI Mini 4K is better. After all, they’re simpler aircraft with a lower price tag. And between those, which s better? Check out my breakdown of the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K.
• Pilot flying in complex landscapes:  People who only plan to fly in urban or densely populated areas might be frustrated by the potential for signal interference. They might also get tripped up byr the no-fly restrictions common in these locations. (Of course, always fly only in legal airspace!) DJI’s geo-fencing software is great for most people as it largely prevents user error from flying in places you’re not supposed to. But some people would rather fly in places they’re not supposed to. In that case, find a DJI alternative.
• Ultra-light traveler: I said this is a great travel drone, but it’s still much bulkier than the Mini line. Those prioritizing ultra-portability over capability may still find the Air 3S to be a bit too bulky. If you still want high-end camera specs but want something pocket-sized (I’m looking at you, carry-on only travelers), go with the DJI Mini 4 Pro.

Deciding between the DJI Air 3S versus other drones

I dropped a bunch of drone names above. Want to learn more? Here’s a brief comparison of the DJI Air 3S against its closest competitors.

DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Mini 4 Pro

Both the DJI Air 3S and Mini 4 Pro are travel-friendly (largely given their small size). But, they differ in features and target users. Here’s how they compare:

At just 249 grams, the Mini 4 Pro is much more portable. It’s also cheaper. And because it weighs under 250 grams, it’s exempt from many forms of regulation. Notably, the Mini 4 Pro does not need to be registered with the FAA for recreational operations. It also does not need to be Remote ID compliant. 

However, the Air 3S has superior flight time, camera quality and obstacle-sensing tech. That makes it a better choice for those prioritizing high-end footage and longer flights.

DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The Mavic 3 Pro is DJI’s top-tier model, so how does the more budget-friendly Air 3S compare? Do you really need to pay roughly twice as much for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro?

The Mavic 3 Pro is the professional’s choice with more versatile lenses and ProRes recording. But if you’re a traveler wanting excellent quality without extra weight and cost, the Air 3S strikes that balance.

Is the DJI Air 3S worth the price?

Starting at $1,099, the Air 3S is more expensive than beginner drones. Still, it’s well below the Mavic 3 Pro’s price tag. For price sensitive pilots, there are plenty of great, cheap DJI drones under $600.

The cheapest DJI drone that I recommend is the DJI Neo, which is just $199. Of course, the DJI Air 3S and Neo are very different drones, and it’s hardly fair to compare them. The Neo is a selfie or indoor drone. The Air 3S is for pilots who want big, sweeping shots but at a lower price (and with a few less specs) than the DJI Mavic 3.

Here’s a look at the available configurations:

I generally recommend the Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2. Sure, the shoulder bag and extra batteries are nice. But, the real reason to go with it is for the DJI RC 2. The RC 2 controller has a built-in screen, which eliminates the need to connect a smartphone. That removes one major friction point: needing to make sure your phone is charged and connected (cables, ugh). With just one connection point, this is much better for pilots who want to be in the air quickly.

Annoyingly, that brings the price up by $500. I think it’s worth it, as flying is so much more seamless and enjoyable. You’ll get much more use out of the drone. And if you’re judging the value by price per flight, I guarantee you’ll fly more with the DJI RC 2 versus the DJI RC-N3. Do some girl math, and more flights = more value, which is worth the upgrade.

DJI Air 3S review: the final verdict

The DJI Air 3S is a premium travel drone that combines high-end features with portability. From forward-facing LiDAR for safer navigation to a spacious 42GB storage capacity, it excels in ease of use, image quality and travel readiness. Sure, it’s priced above entry-level models, so it’s not for everyone. But, the Air 3S’s features make it worthwhile for travelers and photographers seeking a high-quality, user-friendly drone.

Whether you’re shooting panoramic cityscapes or ocean waves (like I did in Hawaii), the Air 3S is best for anyone wanting easy-to-gather, high-quality aerial footage.

FTC disclaimer: No, DJI does NOT pay me for reviews!

I make money through affiliate links. When you buy a drone through one of the links in this guide, I do make a small commission. Thanks in advance for considering shopping through my site! It keeps more guides like this DJI Air 3S review coming!