Choosing between the DJI Air 3 and DJI Air 3S can be a bit tricky, especially for beginner pilots who want a capable, user-friendly drone. Both drones come from DJI’s high-performing Air series, known for solid camera quality, strong battery life, and user-friendly controls. Let's dive into the key differences and see which model best suits you. In this quick guide we will explore what is the difference between the DJI Air 3S vs Air 3 and cover which one of them will work best for your needs. All images provided are sourced from DJI's official site using the "compare" tool.

1. DJI Air 3S vs Air 3 Price: The Air 3 is Slightly More Affordable
The DJI Air 3 typically starts at around $1,099, making it more budget-friendly than the Air 3S, which is priced at $1,299. While the price gap isn’t massive, the Air 3 offers a cost-effective entry point for beginners who want quality without overspending. The Air 3S, however, includes some enhancements that may justify the higher price for those focused on photography and video quality.

2. DJI Air 3S vs Air 3 Camera Quality: Bigger Sensors for Better Shots
The camera setup is where you’ll notice the biggest difference.
DJI Air 3: Features a dual-camera setup with two 1/1.3-inch sensors—a 24mm wide-angle lens and a 70mm medium telephoto lens. This setup captures 48MP photos and 4K videos at 60fps, delivering sharp, clear images ideal for general photo and video use.
DJI Air 3S: Takes the camera system up a notch with a 1-inch CMOS primary sensor paired with a medium telephoto camera (70mm). The 1-inch sensor delivers improved dynamic range and low-light performance, producing vivid, high-resolution images even in less-than-ideal lighting. This enhancement makes it perfect for pilots interested in professional-grade shots, particularly in low light or high-contrast environments.
Both drones have DJI’s Free Panorama mode for seamless wide shots, but the Air 3S stands out for offering slightly better color fidelity and detail, especially in low-light conditions.

3. DJI Air 3S vs Air 3 Flight Time: Extended Time in the Sky
Both models excel when it comes to battery life, boasting an impressive 45 minutes of max flight time on a full charge. This extended airtime is more than enough to practice flying, capture multiple shots, and explore new shooting locations. Given the reliable battery life, beginners don’t have to worry about landing and recharging frequently.

4. DJI Air 3S vs Air 3 Transmission Range and Video Quality
Both drones offer the latest DJI O4 video transmission system, which allows for a max range of up to 20 kilometers under ideal conditions. The O4 transmission provides high-quality 1080p video at 60fps, ensuring a crisp, clear view even from a distance. For beginners, this means reliable connectivity and smooth live views during flights—ideal for capturing footage in real-time.

5 DJI Air 3S vs Air 3 Obstacle Avoidance Sensing and Flight Safety
Safety is critical for new pilots, and both the Air 3 and Air 3S offer advanced obstacle-sensing systems:
DJI Air 3: Equipped with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, covering all directions to help avoid potential collisions during flights.
DJI Air 3S: Takes it a step further with nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing, enhanced by forward-facing LiDAR sensors. This feature is particularly helpful for nighttime or low-light flights, adding a layer of safety for those who might want to fly during dusk or dawn. The Air 3S also features an upgraded Smart Return-to-Home (RTH) mode for precise landings, even without GPS.
For beginner pilots, these safety features significantly reduce the risk of crashes, making the Air 3S a top choice if you want added security, particularly in low-light conditions.

6. DJI Air 3S vs Air 3 Storage Options: Ready for Extended Use
For users who need a lot of storage, the Air 3S comes with 42GB of built-in storage, which is convenient for longer shooting sessions without relying solely on external microSD cards. The Air 3 does not include built-in storage, only an 8GB internal storge which is use to run critical system software, so you’ll need to rely on microSD cards to manage your footage, which is still practical but slightly less convenient.

Final Thoughts: DJI Air 3S or Air 3, Which is Right for You?
If you’re just getting started, the DJI Air 3 is a fantastic choice. It offers a great camera system, robust obstacle avoidance, and plenty of features without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for capturing quality footage and honing your flying skills without extra cost.
However, if you’re looking to grow your photography skills or value premium features like low-light camera quality and extended storage, the DJI Air 3S is a worthy upgrade. Its enhanced camera and obstacle-sensing abilities make it ideal for users who want to capture more professional-level shots.
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