Preview: DJI Air 3

DJI has released the successor to the DJI Air 2S: DJI Air 3. The device, for the first time in the Air series, has a telephoto lens on board and, in terms of price, worth a closer look.

Double camera

A first achievement is the dual camera, which allows users to take wide-angle shots as well as detailed shots. This concept was introduced by DJI with the first-generation Mavic 3, so it is now also being implemented in the more compact Air platform. The cameras are based on a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor. The wide-angle camera has a fixed aperture of f/1.7. The telephoto camera has an aperture of f/2.8.

The dual camera arrives at photos with 48 Mega Pixels. Video recording is possible in 4K at up to 100 fps and in HDR 60 fps. Both cameras also support 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG colour modes. The 10-bit D-Log M mode helps preserve more light and shadow detail for greater editing flexibility. The 10-bit HLG mode offers a higher dynamic range without the need for colour correction.

Quick creations for social media

It is also possible to record 2.7K vertical video footage, ideal for social media. To do this, the image is cropped. Unfortunately, it is not possible to rotate the camera like the DJI Mini 3 Pro. Other creative image-making options include: Night Mode, Hyperlapse, Slow Motion and SmartPhoto 3.0. Finally, the DJI Air 3 offers a Tilt-Shift mode.

Flight time

The DJI Air 3 offers a longer flight time compared to its predecessor. In fact, you can fly for 46 minutes under ideal conditions. In terms of charging, there is a first: it is possible to transfer remaining energy from partially depleted batteries to the battery that is still the most full, so that it can be fully recharged again.

Controls

The controls of the DJI Air 3 Classic also feature a first: the new RC-N2 controller. It connects to a smartphone and is controlled through the DJI Fly app. Video footage is transmitted in 1080p HD thanks to OcuSync 4. Compared to the RC-N1 controller, it has more internal memory (32 GB). In comparison, however, battery life has dropped from four to three hours.

Obstacle detection and other features

The aircraft has onboard obstacle detection in all flight directions. The APAS 5.0 system supports flying around obstacles. Furthermore, the DJI Air 3 includes support in the form of Focus Track (Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 5.0, Point of Interest 3.0) and QuickShots (Rocket, Dronie, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, and Asteroid). It is also possible to perform waypoint missions.

The difference between the DJI Air 3 and the DJI Mavic 3 Classic

The DJI Air 3 rivals, with two cameras, the DJI Mavic 3, which this pretty much replaces. In terms of price, the DJI Air 3 sits below the Mavic 3 Classic. 

This makes the DJI Air 3 interesting to compare with the Mavic 3 Classic:

The advantage of the Mavic 3 Classic is its larger camera sensor and ability to film in 5.1K. The Mavic 3 Classic does not allow you to film in ProRes, and unfortunately this also applies to the DJI Air 3. Thankfully, thanks to the H.265 codec and a high bitrate, the video quality is almost of the same level.

Drone regulation

The DJI Air 3 weighs 720 grams. The drone has the C1 label and can be flown in subcategory A1. In subcategory A1, you are allowed to fly the drone over built-up areas.

EU Drone License

Eager to get started with the DJI Air 3? The aircraft has a C1 label. For the DJI Air 3, you therefore need the Basic Certificate A1-A3.