So right now, the answer is clear: the DJI Air 3S. This drone stands out for many reasons, including forward-facing LiDAR for obstacle detection, 42GB of internal storage, and a solid build that handles wind well. With the dual camera system, the Air 3S is a great companion for anyone serious about travel photography.

I recently spent a week on the beautiful island of Oahu and put the DJI Air 3S to the test in real-world conditions. The weather was humid, and I didn’t fly in direct rain, but the conditions were rough. Because I was flying near the ocean and because of the overall weather patterns, the Air 3S handled it well. Even on Hawaii’s rainy, overcast November days, the drone produced bright and vibrant images that exceeded my expectations. So, I’m in love with the DJI Air 3S. Here’s the proof!

If you want to buy the DJI Air 3S, you can find it at the following retailers, all starting at $1,099:

Amazon

B&H Photo

Drone Nerds

If you travel with your drone, the DJI Air 3S is the best option right now. But I want to give you more info to help you decide if this drone is worth it. In my full review, I’ll break down how the Air 3S compares to other DJI drones, who it’s for, and why it’s worth the money.

Stay tuned for the full review!

DJI Air 3S: Traveler Features

The DJI Air 3S has many impressive specs, but since I’m saying it’s the best drone for travel right now, let’s focus on the features travelers will love.

Small Size

Weighing 724g, the Air 3S is super portable. It folds down to 214.19×100.63×89.17mm and with the included carrying case from the Fly More Combo, it fits perfectly in a backpack. I was able to put the Air 3S shoulder bag in my backpack along with my laptop, charger, and other essentials like my wallet and snacks. It all fits under the seat in front of me on the plane, making travel a breeze.

Forward Facing LiDAR

The Air 3S has forward-facing LiDAR, which enhances obstacle detection, especially in low light. When exploring new and unknown environments, I love the peace of mind that comes with better obstacle avoidance. This feature allows for safer flying, reduces the risk of collision, and provides a smoother experience.

Panorama Mode

One of the best features for travel photographers is Panorama Mode. This mode makes capturing ultra-wide-angle shots without third-party software a breeze. Since panoramas and vacations go together like peanut butter and jelly, this is a game changer. It allows you to document breathtaking landscapes and scenic views, making your travel memories even more vivid.

More Internal Storage

With 42GB of internal storage, you can spend more time capturing amazing footage and less time switching out SD cards. I often misplace extra cards while traveling, so this feature is a big relief. Knowing I have plenty of storage on board makes the experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

What’s New and Improved from Past DJI Air Models?

The first Mavic Air was launched in January 2018 as a small portable drone like DJI’s entry-level drone at the time, the DJI Spark. But the Mavic Air was a big upgrade, it had a foldable design like the Mavic Pro which made it even more portable. It also had features like gesture control, 4K video TapFly, and ActiveTrack. Since then, the Mavic Air line has grown and filled the gap between smaller drones like the DJI Mini series, which struggles in rough conditions like wind, and the higher-priced DJI Mavic series, which is out of reach for many photographers. On October 15th, DJI released the DJI Air 3S, which started at $1,099. This is the same price as the DJI Air 3 when it was launched, but the Air 3S is a big upgrade.

Key Upgrades

The Air 3S is a big upgrade from previous Air models. Here’s the breakdown.

Camera: The 50MP dual camera system, compared to the single camera on previous models, offers more creative shooting options and better low-light performance.

Max Flight Time: 45 minutes vs 46 minutes on Air 3 and 34 minutes on Air 2.

Obstacle Detection: Omnidirectional obstacle detection with LiDAR for better safety and precision in complex environments. This is a big improvement from previous models, which had limited obstacle sensing.

Internal Storage: The 42GB internal storage allows you to spend more time capturing amazing footage and less time switching out SD cards. This is perfect for travelers who don’t want to lose their essential gear.

New Features: Panorama Mode and better night shooting capabilities make the Air 3S a more powerful tool for photographers. This is for travelers who want to capture high-quality content in any condition.

4 Things I Like Most About DJI Air 3S

There’s a lot to like about the DJI Air 3S, but here are my four favorite features.

Camera

The DJI Air 3S is amazing with its camera upgrades, sharp footage, and high-resolution footage that will take your photography and videography to the next level. With a 1-inch CMOS sensor and 50MP effective pixels, it captures amazing images with lots of detail. A bigger sensor means better light absorption, which means better performance in low light. So you can shoot during golden hour or even in dimly lit environments without worrying about grainy images.

Another big plus is the higher dynamic range. It can capture a wider range of colors and details in both highlights and shadows. This is very useful when shooting landscapes or scenes with mixed lighting, as the image won’t lose details.

Whether you’re capturing landscapes or documenting events like weddings or concerts, the Air 3S produces professional-grade images and videos that will exceed your expectations. The ability to shoot 4K at different frame rates gives you creative freedom, whether you want cinematic slow-motion or high-speed footage.

Battery Life

One of the best features of the DJI Air 3S is its battery life, which allows for up to 45 minutes of flight time. That’s a big difference from the DJI Mini 4K, which has 31 minutes of flight time. It may not seem like a lot of difference, but in practice, it’s a huge convenience for travelers and photographers.

During my recent trip around the island of Oahu, I found the extra battery life to be a lifesaver. I felt comfortable flying long and capturing many amazing landscapes without worrying about recharging. I could focus on my photography instead of worrying about my battery level.

It was a big bonus to be able to do multiple flights in one outing without having to bring a car charger or take breaks to recharge. I could go to different locations, capture aerial shots, and try different angles and compositions without the stress of running out of battery mid-flight.

Plus, the DJI Air 3S has intelligent battery management. It gives you real-time battery status and alerts you when it’s time to go home. This adds another layer of peace of mind, so I can always land safely without suddenly losing power.

In short, the DJI Air 3S’s 45-minute battery life is a big plus for travel photographers who want to maximize their shooting time without interruptions. Whether you’re exploring new landscapes or capturing special moments, you can focus on what matters most—creating amazing visuals and having fun.

Easy Footage Transfer

One of the best things about the DJI Air 3S is the easy footage transfer. DJI has come a long way from the old days of GoPro cameras in the Phantom 1 era, where editing and transferring footage was a pain.

In contrast, the Air 3S makes it super fast and easy to transfer content from the drone to your phone so you can share it on social media like Instagram or wherever you want to share your adventures. After a day of flying, I just powered on the drone, opened the DJI Fly App, and downloaded my footage.

This is a big deal for travel photographers and content creators. Being able to access and edit your shots quickly means you can share your experiences in real-time and keep your audience engaged and excited about your journey. I loved being able to upload aerial shots to my Instagram right after flying, showing the amazing landscapes of Oahu without delay.

Plus, the app’s interface is so user-friendly that you can organize and manage your footage and select your favorite clips for editing or sharing. This saves time and makes the whole experience of using the drone more enjoyable and less stressful.

Wind Resistance Performance

I was not in ideal weather during my time in Oahu, but the DJI Air 3S handled the gusty winds of Hawaii impressively with its 12 m/s wind speed resistance. Normally, I would wait for better weather if I were flying a lighter drone or a less robust model. I’m a risk-averse pilot; I always prioritize safety and stability.

But I didn’t have time for that. I had a limited window to capture the island’s landscapes and scenery, so I needed a drone that could perform well in bad weather. Luckily, the Air 3S’s wind resistance was advanced, so I could fly with confidence and get the footage I needed, even on those rough and windy days.

The drone was stable in gusty conditions. I could fly it over the beach and through different terrain without worrying about losing control or compromising the quality of my shots. This made my shooting experience more enjoyable, and I could focus on creativity rather than monitoring the weather.

Who is the DJI Air 3S Best For?

The DJI Air 3S is a great drone for many users. Here are those who will benefit most from it.

Ideal User

Travel Photographer: If you’re a travel photographer, the Air 3S is for you. A high-resolution camera and 45 minutes of flight time mean you can capture amazing landscapes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cityscapes. You can shoot in any condition so that you won’t miss a moment.

Intermediate to Advanced User: The Air 3S is user-friendly, so it’s good for beginners but has enough advanced features for experienced pilots. If you want a drone that can deliver pro-level footage but is still easy to fly, the Air 3S is the one.

Corporate and Government Professional: The Air 3S has a Local Data Mode for privacy-conscious users, which is good for sensitive environments. This feature keeps your data secure, which is important for corporate and government professionals who need to follow strict privacy policies.

Outdoor Enthusiast: Whether you’re hiking, surfing, or exploring rough terrain, the Air 3S is built to handle different conditions. Its durability and wind resistance make it a great companion for outdoor enthusiasts who want to capture their adventures from above.

Who Should Skip the DJI Air 3S?

While the Air 3S is a great drone, it’s not for everyone. Here are some users who should consider other options.

Casual Hobbyist or Beginner: If you’re a casual hobbyist or a beginner looking for a simple and budget-friendly drone, the Air 3S is overkill. If you want a more straightforward flying experience, the DJI Neo or DJI Mini 4K would be better. These are simpler aircraft with lower price tags, so they’re perfect for those just starting out.

Pilot Flying in Complex Landscapes: If you are mainly flying in urban or densely populated areas, you might encounter signal interference and no-fly zones, which can be frustrating. While DJI’s geo-fencing software prevents user error by restricting flights in prohibited areas, some pilots might want the freedom to fly in off-limits areas. In that case, exploring other DJI options might be better.

Ultra-Light Traveler: Although the Air 3S is a great travel drone, it’s still bulkier than the Mini line. If ultra-portability is your top priority, the Air 3S might be too big for you. For travelers who want high-end camera specs in a more compact form factor, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the way to go, especially for carry-on-only travelers.

Choosing Between the DJI Air 3S and Other Drones

If you’re deciding between the DJI Air 3S and other drones, you might wonder how it compares to its competitors. Here’s a quick comparison of the Air 3S vs. the DJI Mini 4 Pro, another popular travel drone.

DJI Air 3S vs DJI Mini 4 Pro

Both the DJI Air 3S and Mini 4 Pro are travel drones, but they cater to different users and have different features. Here’s how they compare.

Weight: 249g for the Mini 4 Pro vs 724g for the Air 3S. The Mini 4 Pro is much more portable and perfect for travelers who prioritize compactness and ease of transport.

Camera: The Air 3S has a 50MP dual camera system, compared to a 48MP single camera on the Mini 4 Pro. If you want high-end footage, the Air 3S is the way to go.

Max Flight Time: 45 minutes for the Air 3S vs 31 minutes for the Mini 4 Pro. If you want to shoot more without recharging, the Air 3S is often the clear winner.

Obstacle Detection: The Air 3S uses LiDAR for omnidirectional obstacle detection, which improves safety and navigation in complex environments. The Mini 4 Pro has 4-way directional obstacle detection, which is good but not as advanced.

Storage: The Air 3S has 42GB of internal storage, which is more convenient for capturing footage. The Mini 4 Pro uses microSD cards, which can be less convenient for some users.

Ideal Users: The Air 3S is for intermediate to advanced travelers who want high-end footage and advanced features. The Mini 4 Pro is for beginners and ultra-light packers who need a simple, budget-friendly option.

Price: The Mini 4 Pro is more affordable at $759 vs $1,099 for the Air 3S. This price difference makes the Mini 4 Pro a great option for those on a budget.

DJI Air 3S vs DJI Mavic 3 Pro

When comparing the DJI Air 3S to the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, you have to consider the differences between these two models since the Mavic 3 Pro is DJI’s flagship. Do you really need to pay twice as much for the Mavic 3 Pro, or does the Air 3S give serious travelers and photographers enough value?

Weight: 724g for the Air 3S vs 895g for the Mavic 3 Pro. The Air 3S is lighter and more portable for travelers who prioritize lightness.

Camera System: The Air 3S has a 50MP dual camera system, while the Mavic 3 Pro has a 20MP triple camera system. The Mavic 3 Pro has additional lenses, giving professional filmmakers more creative options.

Max Flight Time: The Air 3S has 45 minutes of max flight time vs 43 minutes for the Mavic 3 Pro. This extra 2 minutes can be useful for capturing more footage without landing and recharging.

Obstacle Detection: Both have advanced obstacle detection, but the Air 3S has omnidirectional detection with LiDAR, while the Mavic 3 Pro has advanced omnidirectional detection. Both are safe, but the Mavic 3 Pro may have a slight edge in complex environments.

Storage: The Air 3S has 42GB of internal storage, which is more convenient for capturing footage. The Mavic 3 Pro has 8GB internal storage and uses microSD cards, which requires more management for storage.

Color Profiles: Both support D-Log M and HLG, but the Mavic 3 Pro has ProRes options, which professional filmmakers love for post-production. This makes the Mavic 3 Pro a better option for those who need high-end video quality.

Target Users: The Air 3S is for serious travelers and photographers who want good quality without the extra weight and cost. The Mavic 3 Pro is for professional filmmakers who need advanced features and options.

Price: The Air 3S starts at $1,099, compared to $2,199 for the Mavic 3 Pro. This price difference makes the Air 3S a more affordable option for those who don’t need the advanced features of the Mavic 3 Pro.

Is the DJI Air 3S Worth the Price?

Starting at $1,099, the DJI Air 3S is more expensive than beginner drones but still below the Mavic 3 Pro. For price-conscious pilots, there are many great DJI drones for under $600. For instance, the cheapest DJI drone I recommend is the DJI Neo, which is $199. However, please note that the Air 3S and Neo are very different drones, so it’s not fair to compare them directly. The Neo is a selfie or indoor drone, while the Air 3S is for pilots who want to capture wide shots. It has more features at a lower price than the Mavic 3, so it’s a great option for serious photographers and travelers.

Options

Here are the options for the DJI Air 3S.

DJI Air 3S with DJI RC-N3: $1,099, which includes a standard remote controller and smartphone/tablet compatibility.

Fly More Combo with RC-N3: $1,399, which includes ND filters, two extra batteries, a charging hub, and a shoulder bag.

Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2: $1,599, which includes a high-brightness RC 2 controller with a screen and extra accessories.

Recommendation

I would recommend the Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2. While the shoulder bag and extra batteries are nice to have, the real advantage of this package is the DJI RC 2 controller. This controller has a built-in screen, so you don’t need to connect your smartphone. This removes a major friction point: the hassle of making sure your phone is charged and connected (and dealing with cables). With one connection point, the setup is much more efficient for pilots who want to get in the air quickly.

While the Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2 costs $500 more, I think it’s worth it. The flying experience becomes much smoother and more enjoyable so that you can get the most out of the drone. If you calculate the value based on price per flight, I guarantee you’ll fly more with the DJI RC 2 than the DJI RC-N3.

In short, do the “girl math”: more flights = more value, so the Fly More Combo upgrade with DJI RC 2 is a smart move for serious aerial photography and videography enthusiasts. The DJI Air 3S, especially in this configuration, is a great balance of features, performance, and convenience for travel photographers and drone lovers.