So, I’ve been looking at drones, and the DJI Air 3S keeps coming up as this ‘must-have’ for travel photographers. It’s got LiDAR for better obstacle detection, 42GB of storage, and handles wind well. Seems cool, but is it worth the $1,099 price? I’m into casual photography but don’t want to drop cash on something I won’t fully use. What do you all think? Anyone here using it?
I’ve got the Air 3S, and it’s been great. The storage alone is a game-changer for me. No more juggling SD cards.
Taj said:
I’ve got the Air 3S, and it’s been great. The storage alone is a game-changer for me. No more juggling SD cards.
That sounds super convenient. How much does the 42GB actually hold? Like, how many flights before you run out?
@Aero
Depends on how much you record, but for me, it handles a day of shooting easily. Still, I offload footage daily.
Wind resistance is solid on this drone. I took it to a beach on a windy day, and it handled like a pro.
Axel said:
Wind resistance is solid on this drone. I took it to a beach on a windy day, and it handled like a pro.
Good to know! Does it warn you if conditions are too rough?
Axel said:
Wind resistance is solid on this drone. I took it to a beach on a windy day, and it handled like a pro.
Good to know! Does it warn you if conditions are too rough?
Yup, it gives a ‘too windy’ alert. You can bring it down lower to stabilize, which worked for me.
The LiDAR for obstacle detection is underrated. It’s super helpful in low light or tight spots. Saved me a few times.
Palmer said:
The LiDAR for obstacle detection is underrated. It’s super helpful in low light or tight spots. Saved me a few times.
What does LiDAR do exactly? I keep seeing it mentioned but IDK the details.
@Aero
LiDAR helps it ‘see’ objects better, even in low light. It’s like an extra pair of eyes for the drone.
The Fly More Combo is a better deal IMO. The extra batteries and bag make it way more convenient for travel.
Ori said:
The Fly More Combo is a better deal IMO. The extra batteries and bag make it way more convenient for travel.
Is the upgraded RC controller worth it, though? I’m debating between that and the regular one.
@Aero
The RC 2 is amazing. Built-in screen saves so much hassle. No more worrying about phone connections or battery life.
If you’re just starting, maybe the Mini 4 Pro is better? It’s cheaper and simpler but still great for travel.
Charlie said:
If you’re just starting, maybe the Mini 4 Pro is better? It’s cheaper and simpler but still great for travel.
I thought about that one! Is the image quality noticeably worse than the Air 3S?
@Aero
It’s solid for casual use, but the Air 3S has a dual-camera system and better low-light performance. Depends on your priorities.
Anyone else think the internal storage is a double-edged sword? Convenient, but if it fails, you lose everything.
Zeek said:
Anyone else think the internal storage is a double-edged sword? Convenient, but if it fails, you lose everything.
That’s a good point. Do you still use an SD card as backup or just trust the internal storage?
@Aero
I back up as soon as I can. Internal storage is great but not foolproof. Better safe than sorry.
If you travel a lot, the compact size is a lifesaver. Fits in my backpack easily, even with other gear.