Home Drones & Action Camera DJI Air 3S vs. Air 3: Should You Upgrade?

DJI Air 3S vs. Air 3: Should You Upgrade?

by Freewell
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DJI has unveiled its latest travel-friendly drone, the DJI Air 3S, an impressive successor to the popular DJI Air 3. Packed with new features and improvements, the Air 3S is aimed at travel photographers and videographers who want high-quality performance and convenience on the go. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new and whether it’s worth the upgrade.

Key Upgrades in the DJI Air 3S

Nightscape Mode for Better Low-Light Shots The DJI Air 3S introduces an improved Nightscape mode, elevating its performance in low-light settings. With both the Air 3 and Air 3S offering omnidirectional obstacle sensing, the Air 3S takes nighttime photography to the next level, making it ideal for capturing sharp, clear shots after sunset.

More Internal Storage One of the most practical upgrades in the Air 3S is its expanded internal storage. DJI has increased built-in storage from 8GB in the Air 3 to a spacious 42GB in the Air 3S. This added space is perfect for travel photographers who need more room to store high-resolution footage without relying solely on memory cards.

Upgraded Cameras for Sharp Images The Air 3S steps up with a 50MP wide-angle camera paired with a 1/1.3-inch 3x medium tele camera, delivering sharper images compared to the Air 3’s 48MP camera. Additionally, the Air 3S includes a 1-inch CMOS wide-angle camera sensor, which offers even higher image quality and detail capture, especially beneficial for those who enjoy landscape and travel photography.

Enhanced Slow Motion Recording The Air 3S enhances slow-motion capabilities, supporting 4K at 120fps, up from the Air 3’s 4K at 100fps. This means smoother and more cinematic slow-motion shots, adding a professional touch to travel videos.

dji air 3s nd filters

DJI Air 3S Filters Split ND

Other Specs to Consider

Weight: The Air 3S is just slightly heavier at 724g versus the Air 3’s 720g—an almost unnoticeable difference.

Flight Time: The Air 3S has a maximum flight time of 45 minutes, a minor decrease from the Air 3’s 46 minutes.

Range: Both drones feature a maximum video transmission range of 20 km (FCC), ensuring reliable connectivity even at extended distances.

Why ND Filters Are Important and How They’re Used

Neutral Density (ND) filters are essential for controlling light exposure in photography and videography. They work like sunglasses for your lens, reducing the amount of light entering the camera without affecting color. This is especially useful in bright conditions when you want to maintain certain settings (like a slower shutter speed or wider aperture) without overexposing the shot. Here’s how ND filters are commonly used:

Smooth Motion in Bright Light: When shooting waterfalls, rivers, or ocean waves, ND filters allow you to use slower shutter speeds, creating a soft, flowing effect even under bright daylight.

Cinematic Videos: To maintain a natural motion blur in video, ND filters let you follow the 180-degree rule (where shutter speed is double the frame rate). This is key for capturing smooth, professional-looking footage in bright conditions.

dji air 3s nd filter

DJI Air 3S Filters

Shallow Depth of Field: For portrait or product shots, ND filters help keep the aperture wide open, achieving beautiful background blur even in bright light without overexposing the subject.

In real-time use, ND filters help photographers and videographers capture images and footage with greater creative control, balancing exposure while preserving detail and artistic intent.

Is the DJI Air 3S Worth the Upgrade?

The DJI Air 3S is a smart choice for travel photographers seeking exceptional image quality and convenience. Its new Nightscape mode, expanded storage, and upgraded cameras make it a solid option for capturing the finest details during travels.

dji air 3s nd filters

DJI Air 3S Filters

For current Air 3 owners, the decision to upgrade depends on how much you value improved low-light performance and extra storage. But if you’re new to DJI’s Air series, the Air 3S is a feature-packed drone that provides top-tier travel photography capabilities in one complete package.

The DJI Air 3S builds on its predecessor’s strengths, adding more for serious photographers who want quality, storage, and flexibility when exploring new destinations.

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