Drones have become the go-to gadget for hobbyists, content creators, and even professional filmmakers. DJI, a brand that needs no introduction in the drone world, continues to push the envelope with its high-tech products. Among the latest releases, the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S have captured the attention of many drone enthusiasts. But if you’re on the fence between the two models, you’re probably wondering: Which one should I buy?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S, focusing on features like camera performance, flight stability, battery life, and, of course, pricing—especially if you’re looking to buy the DJI Air 3S in India. Whether you’re an avid drone user or just getting started, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
1. Design and Portability: Same Compact Build
At first glance, the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S appear almost identical in design. Both drones are part of DJI’s Air series, known for their compact, foldable builds that make them highly portable—perfect for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- DJI Air 3: The Air 3 weighs approximately 595 grams, which puts it comfortably in the lightweight drone category. This weight is beneficial for compliance with drone regulations in many countries, including India.
- DJI Air 3S: The Air 3S, on the other hand, is only slightly heavier at around 600 grams. The marginal weight increase is due to some additional features, which we’ll discuss in more detail later. However, this extra weight does not compromise its portability or ease of use.
Both drones come with the same foldable design that fits easily into a small bag, making them ideal for users who are always on the go.
Verdict: In terms of design and portability, there’s no clear winner. Both the DJI Air 3 and Air 3S offer exceptional ease of transport.
2. Camera Performance: The Key Differentiator
When it comes to drones, the camera is often the most critical feature. After all, whether you’re using your drone for filmmaking, real estate photography, or vlogging, the quality of the footage is what really matters. This is where we start to see a real difference between the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S.
DJI Air 3 Camera: Dual Lens Setup
The DJI Air 3 comes equipped with a dual-camera system. One camera features a 48MP wide-angle lens, while the other is a 12MP telephoto lens. It can shoot videos in 4K at 60fps, which is more than adequate for most content creators and hobbyists.
With DJI Air 3’s specs, users can expect sharp and vibrant images, making it a great choice for those who are just starting out or for those who don’t need professional-grade footage. The dual-camera setup also provides a level of versatility that’s uncommon in drones within this price range.
DJI Air 3S Camera: Enhanced for Professionals
The DJI Air 3S ups the ante with a 20MP telephoto camera and the ability to shoot in 5.4K resolution at 30fps. This higher resolution provides greater detail and depth in your shots, making the Air 3S a fantastic option for professional videographers and filmmakers.
The enhanced telephoto lens on the Air 3S also allows for better zoom capabilities without losing clarity, giving it an edge in capturing distant objects or landscapes. Additionally, the Air 3S is packed with advanced photo and video modes, like SmartPhoto and Hyperlapse, giving users creative flexibility.
Verdict: The DJI Air 3S is the clear winner for anyone looking for the best camera performance. Its higher resolution and improved telephoto lens make it the better choice for professionals or those seeking top-tier image quality.
3. Flight Time and Battery Life: No Major Differences
When it comes to flight time, both drones are incredibly impressive, offering more than enough air time for most projects.
- DJI Air 3: Offers up to 46 minutes of flight time, thanks to its powerful battery and efficient motor design. This long flight time means you can capture more footage without constantly worrying about battery life.
- DJI Air 3S: The Air 3S offers almost the same flight time—around 46 minutes—but its slightly more efficient motor may provide better performance in windy conditions or when flying at higher speeds.
While you won’t see a massive difference in battery life between these two models, it’s worth noting that battery performance may vary depending on weather conditions and flight modes. If you’re planning to shoot in extreme environments, keep an extra battery handy to ensure you get the most out of your flight.
Verdict: It’s a tie when it comes to battery life. Both drones offer long flight times, making them suitable for extended aerial sessions.
4. Obstacle Avoidance and Flight Stability: Air 3S Leads
DJI drones are known for their intelligent flight modes and obstacle avoidance systems. The DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S are no exceptions.
DJI Air 3: Strong Obstacle Sensing
The DJI Air 3 features omnidirectional obstacle sensing, which means it can detect obstacles from all directions. This system uses cameras and sensors located around the drone to help it avoid crashes, making it easier for beginners to fly confidently.
DJI Air 3S: Enhanced Flight Safety
The DJI Air 3S takes this a step further with an upgraded Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS), which provides more sensitive and accurate obstacle avoidance. The system works seamlessly to navigate around complex environments like forests, urban areas, or tight indoor spaces.
This makes the Air 3S a better option for those who frequently fly in challenging environments or for professionals who need extra assurance that their drone will avoid obstacles autonomously.
Verdict: The DJI Air 3S wins this category due to its improved obstacle sensing and advanced flight safety features.
5. Smart Features and Flight Modes: More Creativity with Air 3S
Both the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S come packed with a host of intelligent flight modes that help you capture stunning footage with minimal effort. However, the Air 3S has a few extra tricks up its sleeve.
- DJI Air 3: Comes with popular DJI features like MasterShots, QuickShots, and FocusTrack. These features allow the drone to autonomously capture dynamic and professional-quality shots without requiring extensive manual input.
- DJI Air 3S: In addition to everything the Air 3 offers, the Air 3S includes advanced Hyperlapse in 5.4K resolution, providing even more creative freedom when capturing time-lapse footage. The Air 3S also has improved FocusTrack options for more precise subject tracking, making it easier to capture moving subjects with accuracy.
Verdict: For users who want the latest and greatest in-flight creativity, the DJI Air 3S offers more advanced features, making it the superior choice for professional users or ambitious content creators.
6. Pricing: What’s the Best Value for Your Money?
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—price. The DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S are both premium drones, but the price difference might help you decide which one is right for you.
Hobitech consistently offers competitive pricing, ensuring you always get the best value by matching or beating competitor prices. Shop confidently, knowing you’re getting top-quality products at unbeatable rates.
While both drones are on the higher end of the price spectrum, the Air 3S commands a premium due to its additional features, making it a better investment for professionals. However, for casual users or hobbyists, the Air 3 is more than capable and offers better value.
Verdict: If you’re on a budget or just getting started, the DJI Air 3 offers excellent value for money. But if you need the best features and are willing to pay a premium, the DJI Air 3S is worth the extra investment.
7. Where to Buy DJI Air 3S in India?
If you’re ready to pull the trigger and buy a DJI Air 3 or Air 3S in India, it’s important to buy from authorized retailers to ensure you get a legitimate product with warranty support.
Purchase any DJI drone from Hobitech and experience cutting-edge technology with competitive pricing. Hobitech offers a wide selection of DJI drones to suit your needs, ensuring high quality and great value.
Final Thoughts: DJI Air 3 or DJI Air 3S?
At the end of the day, both the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S are exceptional drones that offer high-end features. Choosing between them depends largely on your specific needs and budget.
Choose the DJI Air 3 if: You’re a casual user or a drone enthusiast looking for high-quality footage at a more affordable price. It offers fantastic camera performance, excellent flight time, and intelligent features at a lower cost.
Choose the DJI Air 3S if: You’re a professional filmmaker or photographer who needs top-of-the-line camera features, enhanced obstacle avoidance, and more advanced flight modes. The extra cost is well worth it if you need the best of the best.
