The drone industry has been buzzing with leaks and rumors about DJI’s next release, the DJI Air 3S. Recent leaks, most notably from well-known sources like Jasper Ellens and Igor Bogdanov, have provided a detailed glimpse into the drone’s design, camera system, and accessories.
Based on these leaks, the Air 3S looks set to bring significant enhancements to DJI’s mid-range drone lineup, potentially filling the gap between consumer and prosumer models. Here’s an analysis of what the Air 3S is expected to offer.
Significant Camera Upgrades
One of the most exciting leaks points to the dual-camera system on the Air 3S. The drone will feature a 24mm wide-angle lens and a 70mm telephoto lens, similar to the Mavic 3’s setup. This dual-lens arrangement allows for versatile shooting scenarios, making the drone suitable for both landscape and zoomed-in shots without sacrificing quality. In addition, the camera is rumored to include a snap-on wide-angle attachment with a 0.6x magnification factor, providing even more flexibility for drone photographers and videographers.
The Air 3S is also expected to address camera quality issues seen in the Air 3. The primary sensor might be slightly larger, improving low-light performance and overall image quality. This improvement, along with enhanced dynamic range, positions the Air 3S as an attractive option for creators looking for top-tier imaging without stepping up to the Mavic 3 series.
Advanced Safety Features
In addition to the camera improvements, the Air 3S might also come equipped with new safety features. A possible front sensor bar, which could house LiDAR or infrared sensors to improve the drone’s ability to sense its surroundings. This would be particularly useful for automatic flight modes and flying in sport mode, where faster speeds require better obstacle detection to prevent collisions.
For those looking to shoot high-quality, cinematic footage, the inclusion of ND filters in the Air 3S is a game-changer. The filters will allow users to manage exposure better and create long-exposure shots or smoother video footage in bright lighting conditions. ND filters are essential tools for professionals who want to have greater control over how much light enters the camera lens, giving them the ability to shoot in various lighting environments without overexposure.
ND Filters
Design, Build, and Flight Safety
The design of the Air 3S will likely be similar to its predecessor, the Air 3, with a sleek grey body and an array of obstacle avoidance sensors positioned on the front, bottom, and rear. This suggests DJI’s commitment to improving the drone’s autonomous flight capabilities. Features like omnidirectional obstacle sensing and DJI’s O4 HD video transmission system will likely carry over, ensuring a smooth, reliable flight experience for pilots of all skill levels.
Pricing and Fly More Combo
While the full specifications and release date are yet to be confirmed, leaks suggest that the Air 3S Fly More Combo will be priced around €1,359 (approximately $1,445 USD). This package is expected to include a comprehensive set of accessories:
- The DJI Air 3S drone
- DJI’s RC2 controller
- Three intelligent flight batteries
- A charging hub
- ND filters
- Spare propellers
- A high-quality carrying case
This bundle provides great value, especially considering the inclusion of professional-grade accessories like ND filters, making it a compelling option for serious drone users looking for a complete setup out of the box.
While we await official confirmation from DJI, here are the key rumored features that could make the Air 3S a standout in DJI’s lineup:
- Improved camera system with dual lenses (24mm wide-angle and 70mm telephoto)
- Snap-on wide-angle lens attachment for added shooting flexibility
- Larger sensor for better low-light performance
- ND filter set included in the Fly More Combo for better control over exposure
- Potential LiDAR or infrared sensors for enhanced safety in sport mode
- Slightly larger battery for longer flight times.
Release Date and Final Thoughts
Though no specific release date has been confirmed, hint at a potential launch before Christmas 2024. If these rumors are accurate, the DJI Air 3S could bridge the gap between DJI’s consumer and prosumer drone markets, offering professional-grade features at a competitive price.
As drone technology continues to evolve, the DJI Air 3S looks set to cater to a wide audience, from hobbyists to professional content creators. Its combination of advanced imaging capabilities, safety features, and affordable price point could make it a must-have in DJI’s already impressive lineup.