First Footage from My DJI Air 3S… Is It Worth It?

I just got my DJI Air 3S and wanted to share my first footage! What do you guys think of this drone?

Please tell me you hate it so I don’t feel like I have to buy one.

Pace said:
Please tell me you hate it so I don’t feel like I have to buy one.

It’s a great drone, but let me break it down for you. The Air 3S is just a bit sharper on the 24mm wide-angle camera compared to the regular Air 3. I’ve got both, plus a Mini 4 Pro. Here’s my take:

The Air 3S has better image quality on the 24mm, lidar, and improved obstacle sensors for low-light flying, but that’s about it. We also use a Mavic 3 Cine for pro-level work, and clients pay top dollar for that because the quality is leagues above the rest—although it needs a lot of editing.

Right now, the Air 3 is an awesome deal. The Mini 4 Pro is also amazing, super portable, but it’s not as stable in wind and lacks the 70mm second camera. I always keep the Mini 4 Pro in my car or pocket, and as the saying goes, the best camera is the one you have with you.

Unless you’re looking at every pixel, most people won’t notice a difference between the 24mm on the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, and Air 3S. Personally, I use my Air 3 or the Mini 4 Pro for most projects. If you want a night-flying beast, the Air 3S is better, but I rarely shoot at night.

@Corey
This guy nailed it.

The biggest improvement with the 3S for me is cleaner photos in challenging lighting. During the day, the differences are subtle even if you zoom in a lot. I like the better dynamic range, though.

The upgraded obstacle sensors are also a lifesaver. I fly in areas with tons of trees and power lines and often use sport mode, so for me, the sensors alone make it worth the upgrade.

@Corey
Thanks for the detailed breakdown! I just spent a week deciding between the Air 3S and Mini 4 Pro for my first drone. I ended up going with the Mini because the portability sold me. I want something I can take everywhere. If I stick with the hobby, I might grab the Air 3S later.

I might be way off, but is this footage from around Elliot Lake?