The consumer drone market has a new high-flyer in the recently released DJI Air 3. This latest aerial photography drone from the category leader DJI packs some exciting upgrades over its predecessor, making it an enticing option for enthusiasts and professionals.
Overview
Sitting between DJI's Mini 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro models, the Air 3 brings a killer new dual camera system to the table. This includes a wide 24mm lens and a 3x zoom 70mm lens, opening up creative possibilities like shooting crowds safely from a distance. The Air 3 also touts improved flight time of 46 minutes, beefed up wind resistance, and new safety features like omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Key Features
- Stabilized Dual-Camera System - Air 3 boasts the first dual-primary camera system of the Air series, embedding a 1/1.3-inch-CMOS wide-angle camera and a 1/1.3-inch-CMOS 3x medium tele camera in a sleek and compact body. The two cameras have the same sensor size but different focal lengths, delivering consistent image quality and more dynamic imaging possibilities.
- Wide-Angle Camera - With a 2.4μm pixel size, 24mm format equivalent, and f/1.7 aperture, this camera captures expansive, high-quality scenes.
- 3x Medium Tele Camera - Offering 2.4μm pixel size, 70mm format equivalent, and f/2.8 aperture, this camera enables close-up shots of distant subjects safely and legally.
- Extended Flight, Innovative Charging - Air 3 offers up to 46 minutes of flight time, an increase of 48% compared to the previous generation. This provides plenty of time to explore, adjust compositions, and get the shots you want in a single flight. The new battery charging hub supports power transfer to get the most charge from multiple batteries when charging options are limited.
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing - Detecting obstacles in all directions allows the Air 3 to smoothly avoid them using APAS 5.0, enabling confident flight and creative shots even for beginners.
- O4 HD Video Transmission - With a max 20km range and 1080p/60fps live feed, the fourth-gen OcusSync system ensures an ultra-smooth remote viewing and control experience.
- Advanced RTH - Air 3 plans an optimized return route while avoiding obstacles, quickly and safely returning home when Smart RTH is activated.
- FocusTrack - Keeps subjects centered automatically, with the 3x tele lens providing unique spatial compression. Combined with obstacle sensing, FocusTrack enables intelligent, well-planned shots.
- MasterShots and QuickShots - MasterShots automates diverse camera moves and edits for quick cinematic footage. QuickShots provides pre-programmed camera motions like Rocket, Dronie, Circle, and Asteroid.
The DJI AIr 3 comes with the option of two controllers, the RC2 (left) that includes a integrated screen, or the cheaper NC2 (right) that uses your smartphone as the display
The Good
- Next-level creative shots enabled by the zoom lens
- Great stills and video with improved dynamic range
- Very intuitive flying experience even for beginners
- Useful safety features like AirSense ADS-B and Advanced Return to Home
The Bad
- Large protruding camera could be vulnerable in crashes
- Fixed aperture lenses mean lots of lens filter changes when shooting video
Overall
With excellent image quality, dual camera flexibility, and comfortable flying manners, the DJI Air 3 makes a compelling case in the $1100 price tier. If you need to capture shots no other drone can safely execute, or want better wind performance than the Mini 3 Pro, the Air 3 is a superb aerial shooter. For many, it will hit the sweet spot between affordability and professional creative capabilities.
In the end, the DJI Air 3 is the aerial ride you want when it's time to take your Instagram game to the next level. With its stabilized dual cameras, souped-up transmission system, and decked-out shooting modes, this drone has everything you need to capture jaw-dropping footage guaranteed to rack up the likes. Just take it up high at sunset, cue the slow-mo, and watch those follower counts soar as you cement your social media influencer status for good. The Air 3 is your ticket to filter-drenched glory.
🛒Where To Buy
