The Air 3, launched in July 2023, has been dubbed by many because the near-perfect drone.
Hobbyists, content material creators, and professionals all appear to agree on this.
DJI is understood for enhancing every iteration of their drones and the Air 3 isn’t any exception.
Because the quick successor to the Air 2S, the Air 3 is certainly an improve in lots of areas and desires slight enchancment in others.
This evaluate will take a look at what’s new with the Air 3, technical specs, and enhancements.
We can even talk about whether or not Air 2S homeowners will need to improve, from the angle of somebody who loves the Air 2S and considers it a professional-level workhorse.
Prime Drone Programs
New Stand-Out Options on the Air 3
Sitting squarely between the Mavic 3 collection and the Mini 3 line is the Air 3.
As the subsequent era of the middle-tiered Air system, preceded by the OG Air, Mavic Air 2, and the Air 2S, the Air 3 has fairly a number of new options, not current in earlier Air variations.
Twin-Cameras
The brand new dual-camera setup, whereas not sporting any 1-inch CMOS digicam sensors, makes use of twin back-lit, stacked 1/1.3″ sensors.
The focal lengths on these 2 cameras are equal to 24mm and 70mm.
The 24mm digicam has an f1.7 aperture, whereas the 70mm has an f2.8 aperture.
» MORE: Finest Digicam Drones Beneath $2,000
10-Bit All-Round
For a lot of, 10-bit is an enormous deal when recording video, because it permits for a good bit of flexibility when coloration grading.
The primary 24mm lens of the Air 3 can report in 10-bit D-Log M.
Likewise, for followers of optical zoom lens’ drones’ and coloration grading, the 70mm tele lens on the Air 3 can report video in 10-bit D-Log M, one thing the unique Mavic 3 was unable to do.
This places the Air 3’s tele lens on equal footing with the Mavic 3 Execs 70mm lens.
Elevated Gimbal Vary
The earlier Air 2S digicam may rotate upwards near 30 levels (24 precise levels) to get a view from under objects, including to essentially attention-grabbing pictures and movies.
The gimbal on the Air 3 now rotates a full 60 levels upward, providing much more attention-grabbing views.
» MORE: Finest Finances Drones with 3-Axis Gimbal
“Vertical” Taking pictures
Whereas the Air 3 doesn’t bodily rotate 90 levels to take portrait pictures, there’s in-camera cropping that produces vertical pictures that require no further modifying after the actual fact.
Whereas not a whole resolution just like the vertical capturing on the Mini 3 Professional, the Air 3s model works for instantly posting to social media in portrait mode.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Professional: Which One is Proper for You?
Waypoints
Beforehand reserved just for the Mavic 3 line, waypoints at the moment are a part of the Air 3’s repertoire.
Waypoints permit the Air 3 to set and repeat numerous flight patterns which have been saved inside the DJI Fly app.
The waypoints on the Air 3 aren’t only a collection of drop pins solely helpful in Hyperlapse mode.
No, the Air 3 waypoints are obtainable to fly repeatable missions, as you’ll with a third social gathering software, like Litchi.
The Air 3 waypoints can both be set manually by flying to every marker and dropping a degree, or conversely, dropping the pins on the map, whereas within the DI fly app.
» MORE: DJI Waypoints (Defined for Inexperienced persons)
Elevated Flight Time
The earlier Air 2S, whereas being a wonderful drone, suffered from the mediocre, 31 minute flight instances of its day.
The Air 3 will increase the utmost flight time from 31 minutes to a claimed 46 minutes.
Omnidirectional Impediment Avoidance
Taking yet one more queue from the Mavic 3 traces playbook is the impediment avoidance system.
Upgrading from the Air 2S’ 4-way impediment avoidance, the Air 3 now has full 360-degree or omnidirectional impediment avoidance, good for clever flight modes, together with Lively Monitor.
Upgraded Transmission System (O4/Ocusync 4)
The upgraded Ocusync 4 transmission system permits the Air 3 to stream video from the Air 3 to the distant controller at 1080p/60fps, whereas beforehand this was 1080p/30fps on the Air 2S.
Moreover, because of the upgraded O4 transmission system, the Air 3 can fly as much as 12.4 miles (20 km) on a a lot improved and stronger sign.
» MORE: Lengthy Vary Drones: Final Information
Battery Energy Switch Operate
New to the Air 3 is the power to switch energy from the two weakest batteries to the one with probably the most energy, filling that battery up.
This lets you have one full battery as an alternative of three partially spent batteries.
Pricing
The Air 3 is definitely fairly fairly priced, contemplating it’s the latest drone within the DJI Air line, with so many new options and upgrades.
Like DJI’s different traces of recent drones, the Air 3 likewise has numerous Fly Extra combos that give consumers versatile buying choices.
One thing to notice concerning the Air 3 is that the Fly Extra combos are literally value buying.
As an example, if shopping for simply, say, the Air and normal RC-N1 controller after which including 2 additional batteries at a future time, you may be spending roughly USD 320 for simply the 2 batteries.
For simply $29 greater than that, you should purchase the RC-N1 Fly Extra combo and in addition get the shoulder bag and 3 battery charging hub, because the charging hub additionally prices about $70 on the writing of this text.
» MORE: Finest Digicam Drones Beneath $5,000
Air 3 Normal RC-N2 Combo
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
Drone with Medium Tele & Extensive-Angle Twin Major Cameras, 46-Min Max Flight Time, Omnidirectional Impediment Sensing, 48MP Photographs, 4K/60fps HDR, as much as 20Km Video Transmission
We earn a fee when you make a purchase order, at no further price to you.
08/28/2023 06:11 pm GMT
Consists of:
- DJI Air 3
- DJI RC-N2 Distant Controller
- 1 x Clever Flight Battery
- USB-C Cable
- Entrance Sensor and Gimbal guard
- 2 Spare Props
- Connection Cables
Air 3 RC-N2 Fly Extra Combo
Consists of:
- DJI Air 3
- DJI RC-N2 Distant Controller
- 3 x Clever Flight Battery
- 3-Battery Charging Hub
- Shoulder Bag
- USB-C Cable
- Entrance Sensor and Gimbal guard
- 8 Spare Props
- Connection Cables
Air 3 DJI RC2 Fly Extra Combo
Consists of:
- DJI Air 3
- DJI RC2 Distant Controller
- 3 x Clever Flight Battery
- 3-Battery Charging Hub
- Shoulder Bag
- USB-C Cable
- Entrance Sensor and Gimbal guard
- 8 Spare Props
- Connection Cables
Technical Specs
No evaluate can be full with out a listing of technical specs. For these on the lookout for exact specs, see under:
| SPECS | DJI Air 3 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 720 g |
| Dimensions: | Folded (with out propellers): 207×100.5×91.1 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (with out propellers): 258.8×326×105.8 mm (L×W×H) |
| Most Pace: | 46.9mph |
| Ascent/Descent Pace: | 22.3mph |
| Wind Resistance: | 26.8mph |
| Battery Capability: | 4241 mAh |
| Most Flight Time: | 46 Minutes |
| Sensing Sort: | Omnidirectional binocular imaginative and prescient system, supplemented with an infrared sensor on the backside of the plane |
| Distant Controllers Compatibility: | DJI RC2, RC-N2 |
| Digicam | DJI Air 3 |
|---|---|
| Extensive-Angle Digicam: | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Efficient Pixels: 48 MP Codecs: H.264/H.265 Decision: 4K: 24/25/30/48/50/60fps 100fps – Solely supported in H.265 FHD: 24/25/30/48/50/60fps 100/200fps – Solely supported in H.265 2.7K Vertical Taking pictures: 24/25/30/48/50/60fps FHD Vertical Taking pictures: 24/25/30/48/50/60fps Regular: 8-bit 4:2:0 (H.264/H.265) HLG/D-Log M: 10-bit 4:2:0 (H.265) Images decision: 8064x6048px |
| Medium Tele Digicam: | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Efficient Pixels: 48 MP Codecs: H.264/H.265 Decision: 4K: 24/25/30/48/50/60fps 100fps – Solely supported in H.265 FHD: 24/25/30/48/50/60fps 100/200fps – Solely supported in H.265 2.7K Vertical Taking pictures: 24/25/30/48/50/60fps FHD Vertical Taking pictures: 24/25/30/48/50/60fps Regular: 8-bit 4:2:0 (H.264/H.265) HLG/D-Log M: 10-bit 4:2:0 (H.265) Images decision: 8064x6048px |
» MORE: 21 Finest Lengthy-Vary Drones (2023-2024)
Air 3 & RC2 {Hardware}
Air 3 {Hardware} Overview
The Air 3 sports activities a totally overhauled and Mavic 3-like aggressive design. The Air 3 seems to be prefer it actually means enterprise.
Flying the Air 3 is a pleasant expertise, as it isn’t solely fast, however it’s also very deliberate and managed in its flight.
Due to this, it’s simple for a newbie to select up and fly, but additionally enjoyable for seasoned drone operators as properly.
An space the place the Air 3’s overhaul is felt is in how briskly it flies. As seen within the tech specs, the Air 3 can rise up to speeds of 46 miles per hour, when in sport mode.
Likewise, with an ascent and descent velocity of twenty-two miles per hour, the Air 3 is ready to shortly get out of the way in which of most airborne hazards, equivalent to birds (fly straight as much as get away from them) or manned plane (descend to keep away from them).
New to the Air 3 is the addition of an omnidirectional impediment avoidance system.
Prior, the Air 2S had four-way directional sensing: entrance, again, upward, and downward.
With the brand new 360-degree safety, the Air 3 may even fly safely sideways.
With the Air 3 with the ability to fly sideways, the upgraded Lively Monitor features permit the Air 3 to trace from all 4 sides of an object, sure, together with the perimeters.
We’ll contact on this extra within the monitoring part of the evaluate.
The Air 3 has acquired an upgraded picture transmission system, Ocusync 4. This method is efficient as much as 12.4 miles.
Now, after all, we don’t advocate flying BVLOS (past visible line of sight), as that is unlawful in lots of nations.
Nonetheless, with such a robust transmission system the connection between the Air 3 and RC could be very sturdy and isn’t overly affected by various interference.
Doing numerous flying in city and downtown areas, the Air 3 dealt with these numerous areas fairly properly.
Even when flying amongst very tall and crowded buildings, the sign by no means ever faltered. I felt in management always.
Along with the transmission system holding a robust sign, the picture streamed to the controller has elevated from 30fps to 60fps.
This may not appear to be quite a bit, however while you view it, particularly on the DJI RC2, the upgraded video stream is impressively crisp, clear, and fluid.
Being barely bigger than the Air 2S and heavier as properly, the Air 3 festivals properly in greater wind gusts than any of the smaller drones from DJI.
The Air 3 is rated to face up to 26mph winds. Though I by no means flew it in gusts above 20mph, I’ve little question it might nonetheless fare properly within the excessive winds it’s rated for.
When flying it in gusts, the Air 3 did transfer round somewhat, nevertheless, because of the gimbal being so strong, not one of the footage taken with it was affected within the slightest.
Final however not least, I’d like to say the sound of the Air 3.
Due to its redesign and the angle and dimension of the propellers, the Air 3 is a reasonably quiet drone, contemplating its dimension.
Soundwise, it actually sits between the Mini 3 Professional and Air 2S.
Flying in crowded downtown space parks and lakes, the Air 3 didn’t appear to lift any issues from these passing by, as many barely even acknowledged the Air 3.
As soon as within the air, nobody within the neighborhood even regarded its manner. As somebody who does numerous industrial work downtown, the Air 3 will get my approval.
» MORE: Finest Drones with Impediment Avoidance
Distant Controller
With the brand new Ocusync 4.0 transmission system comes new {hardware}.
To have the ability to accommodate and use the brand new O4 system, there are an extra 2 antennas added to the Air 3 distant controllers, these being the:
- RC-N2 (inner antennas)
- DJI RC2 (exterior flip ahead antennas)
That is the place somewhat irritation is available in.
As a result of the Air 3’s controllers had been made particularly for the Ocusync 4.0 transmission system, it isn’t suitable with every other distant controller that DJI at the moment has, particularly the DJI RC, RC-N1, or DJI RC Professional.
Likewise, none of DJI’s different drones are at the moment suitable with the brand new DJI RC 2 or RC-N2.
What does this imply? You probably have an Air 2S, Mini 3, or Mavic 3 line, and buy an Air 3 and want to fly it additionally while you exit, you’ll have to carry and use the Air 3-specific controller.
This provides bulk to any bag, bulk and inconvenience some don’t need to trouble with.
Will probably be attention-grabbing to see if DJI opens compatibility between both the brand new RCs and the older drones, or visa versa, the older RCs and the Air 3 and subsequent drones.
Just like the DJI RC, the DJI RC2 has an built-in 700-nit sustained brightness smart-screen which is pretty simple to see, even when flying within the vivid Central Florida solar that we’ve got right here.
At a number of hundred {dollars} greater than the RC-N2, the RC2 could also be properly definitely worth the cash spent, for the comfort of a vivid display with android in-built.
Relating to the RC-N2, it seems to be virtually precisely just like the RC-N1 and runs the DJI Fly app in the identical method on suitable Android and iOS gadgets.
One of many advantages of proudly owning and utilizing the RC-N2 controller is that in case you have a high-brightness sensible machine (maybe utilizing it for the Air 2S, Mini 3, or Mavic 3), you may proceed to make use of it with the RC-N2.
» MORE: Is the DJI RC Controller Value it?
Batteries & Charging Hub
Due to the 46-minute flight instances, flying with the three batteries discovered within the Fly Extra Combo, the Air 3 flies for a really very long time.
After all, when flying the Air 3 exterior of DJI’s managed take a look at surroundings, if flying all the way down to about 25% battery, the Air 3 can simply get about 32/33 minutes of utilization.
When flying the primary battery all the way down to 25%, the batteries lasted so lengthy that I used to be able to pack up and change areas.
I used to be then capable of fly at 3 or 4 extra areas by the point all three batteries had been at 25%.
Utilizing the charging hub’s energy switch function (extra on that shortly), I used to be capable of almost refill the primary battery, and fly some extra.
Relating to the brand new charging hub, it prices batteries sequentially and never concurrently, as with DJI’s different charging hubs.
Nonetheless, there’s an choice that permits you to double-press the facility button (whereas the hub is unplugged) and switch the remaining energy from a number of batteries to the battery with the very best remaining energy.
As a substitute of getting 3 partially powered batteries, now you can have one totally, or near a totally charged battery in your subsequent flight.
Much like the Mini 3 charging hub, the Air 3 charging hub permits for the charging of RCs or sensible gadgets of your selecting.
» MORE: Drone Battery Care (All You Have to Know)
Picture & Video
As talked about earlier, the Air 3 has twin cameras, not not like the Mavic 3 Professional, though these are a bit smaller at 1/1.3″ sensors.
The primary digicam is equal to 24mm with an f1.7 aperture.
Whereas the tele-lens digicam is equal to 70mm with an f2.8 aperture. Each of those cameras take the identical decision pictures and movies.
As shall be seen under within the examples, I’m a fan of the 70mm digicam, particularly since its high quality is the very same because the 24mm digicam.
The 70mm digicam is good for getting nice shot views whereas sustaining a long way away out of your topic.
This, after all, provides an additional layer of safety towards those that may present irritation on the sight of drones.
One thing many have scratched their heads over was DJI’s determination to make use of 1/1.3″ sensors as an alternative of both a 1-inch sensor and a 1/1.3″ sensor or twin 1-inch sensors.
To the common eye, and even to many professionals, the back-lit stacked picture sensor on each cameras produces very clear and detailed pictures.
The pictures under had been taken with the Air 3 and Air 2S, at totally different instances of the yr and edited months aside.
Nonetheless, even so, the Air 3’s 1/1.3″ sensor did properly in contrast with the Air 2S’ 1-inch sensor.
With the f1.7 aperture 1/1.3″ sensor, the Air 3 additionally takes wonderful mixed-light pictures.
Right here we’ve got an instance of the sensor working properly simply previous to golden hour.
If you’re one which likes capturing vertically and posting to social media, the Air 3 has a vertical capturing mode (for each cameras), though vertical capturing is finished by cropping the horizontal picture, in-camera.
Whereas it does look good, it isn’t true vertical capturing, as all the digicam doesn’t rotate 90 levels and all the sensor shouldn’t be getting used.
With the huge f1.7 aperture, the Air 3 shoots great-looking nighttime video utilizing Evening Mode, which was launched with the Mavic 3.
In Evening Mode, the ISO threshold is elevated from 6400 max to 12800, whereas additionally making use of a little bit of noise discount in digicam.
The Air 3 shoots video at 4k as much as 100fps and slow-motion in 1080p at 200fps, all of which could be performed in 10-bit utilizing the D-Log M coloration profile, which is less complicated to color-grade than the earlier D-Log coloration profile.
The Air 3 additionally gives 10-bit HLG (HDR) filming for elevated dynamic vary.
Monitoring
With every successive iteration of DJI drones these days, there’s an rising curiosity in Focus Monitor, extra particularly, Lively Monitor, which is a part of the Focus Monitor mode.
For the uninformed, Lively Monitor supplies totally autonomous flight monitoring of topics: folks, land automobiles, watercraft, and so forth.
With the Air 3’s addition of an omnidirectional impediment avoidance system, full Lively Monitor capabilities are lastly pen to the Air collection.
With this technique, the Air 3 can observe an individual or topic from any angle, whereas this may very well be problematic within the Air 2S.
Whereas the system is improved, the Air 3 sometimes has issues anticipating the place a topic will find yourself if falling out of the body of view.
This occurred to me a couple of times when driving my mountain bike behind a gaggle of palm bushes.
Nonetheless, the Air 3 did impress me when it adopted me by a cover of bushes and completely navigated its manner by, over, and below overhangs and branches, all in dimmer mild, all whereas by no means shedding sight of me.
I by no means favored having to make use of clever flight modes, or Lively Monitor, as I didn’t like letting go of the management sticks.
Nonetheless, having the added safety of the sideways impediment sensing has made me somewhat bolder in my Lively Monitor capturing and I discover myself utilizing it even on consumer shoots when attainable.
Ought to You Improve
As an Air 2S proprietor and somebody who has been flying the Air 3 for some time now, the Air 3 is a worthy improve to the Air 2S.
If you’re on the lookout for twin cameras (24mm and 70mm), prolonged battery life, quicker all-around velocity, and full 360-degree impediment safety, then the Air 3 is for you.
Nonetheless, if the 1/1.3″ sensor is a no-go, we’d counsel pictures on-line taken with the twin digicam system and see if the dearth of a 1-inch sensor will actually impression your, or your consumer’s wants (if doing industrial work).
If not needing to enlarge photos for printing functions, you simply may discover the Air 3 will work.
In the event you already personal a Mini 3 Professional and love your true vertical capturing, small footprint, and sub-250g weight, however nonetheless need to add one thing bigger to your fleet with a greater digicam, then you definitely may need to skip the Air 3 altogether and get a Mavic 3 basic, which has the entire options of the Air 3, minus the twin cameras.
Moreover, the distant(s) you at the moment personal will work with it.