51 Reasons the DJI Air 3 is the BEST drone for 2024

Here are 51 facts and tests about the brand new DJI Air 3 drone. Watch to find out how a smaller camera sensor can actually be an upgrade.
Get the DJI Air 3 here: tinyurl.com/djiair3
💥Chapter Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:20 Video Footage 1st Impression
1:56 Video Compare Air 2s to Air 3
💥Camera System
3:10 Stacked/BSI Camera Sensor
5:24 Dual Cameras
6:53 Normal/HLG/DLog-M
💥Physical Design
7:47 Air 2s Comparison
8:05 Battery Insert
8:15 MicroSD Insert
8:39 Gimbal Design
9:40 Weight
💥Flight Characteristics
9:53 Noise Level Testing
10:35 Wind Tolerance Testing
12:16 Max Speed
12:33 Ascend/Descend Challenge against Mavic 3 Pro
💥Battery
14:24 Battery Capacity
14:37 Comprehensive Flight Time Testing
16:54 Locking System
17:06 Charging Hub Design
17:26 "Power Accumulation"
💥Safety
18:39 Obstacle Avoidance
19:39 Active Track 5.0 Teaser
20:13 Advanced Return to Home
21:10 Auxillary Lighting
💥Transmission
21:21 O4 Transmission
21:49 Frequencies
22:02 New Controllers
23:06 Flight Modes Overview
💥Extra Features
23:38 Quick Transfer
23:55 Panorama Resolution
24:15 Night Mode
24:27 On-board Storage
24:48 Camera/Smart Features Compatibility
25:18 BEST SETTINGS FOR CINEMATIC MOVES
27:44 Care Refresh (Brand new format!)
💥Pricing
28:35 Complete Pricing List
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[@TheDroneGeek]

I am absolutely mind-blown at how the color profile turned out for the Air 3...not to mention a smaller sensor just absolutely powerhousing details to this level...awesome video, Russ. Thanks for all you do!

[@SkyTouch08]

Thanks Russ for putting to rest the major concerns of the sensor size. I’m very impressed with the image quality coming out of the air 3

[@BrisWiz]

Impressive amount of details gathered and discussed in one clip, about the Air 3 (along with the new controller). Kudos Russ 👏👏 And thank you.

[@sharkeelex]

Thank you for including the noise test in your review , very helpful!

[@LordKenjii]

I’ve watched a number of reviews today but yours was the one that sold me to make the buy. You really nailed it on your detailed categories and I found things that others aren’t talking about. Appreciated it!

[@51Drones]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@jpbredenkamp5091]

Excellent video! Very in depth, thank you for covering everything so throughly

[@philkidd]

Well done Russ! You called it when you said this was coming. As always, very informative and entertaining!

[@tajjson]

Best reviews on drones. Always. Thanks.

[@MikeFox1]

Wonderful video, Russ, thanks so much! So well organized and informative. The Air 3 is looking pretty good to me!

[@knd2000]

Lots of great information. Thanks for putting it all together in one concise video. Extremely helpful.

[@markkempton4579]

Great video as usual, Russ! Looks like an amazing drone, and had I not just bought the M3P, I could have saved 50% and gone with the Air 3 and get a better controller with external antenna! Super happy with the battery life on my Mavic, though, so no regrets. Hoping lots of people are inspired by this and flood the market with their Mini 3 Pros so I can pick one up as a cheap second drone for those less-safe flying conditions. LOL

[@gregorysmith293]

Great video! As usual, you covered everything in detail. Makes it a lot easier to decide.

[@B-S-K]

One of the best long detailed videos about the Air 3 on the net! Thanks!

[@IsomPhilips]

Lots of impressive features on the Air 3 but for me the best thing about the Air 3 is that it made it possible for me to pick up an Air 2S at a steep discount.

[@nextlevel_fpv]

Air 2s is better image quality. It has a 1” sensor compared to the air 3 which has a 1/1.3 sensor. Air 2s does 5k, air 3 only does 4k

[@canman2216]

@@nextlevel_fpv Also the Air 2S can record 5.4k 30fps uhd and 4k 60fps uhd with fhd for 1080p 120/60, 2.7k 60fps too

[@zefe3886]

​@@nextlevel_fpvDue diligence on the new bsi stacked sensor . It's a very good technology making a smaller sensor way better than a 1" you get from 2s.

[@aloeisthestuff9622]

@@zefe3886 All digital camera sensors have had this supposed Stacked stuff you speak of like it's new. Read a book.

[@dicekolev5360]

Yet he still tries to convince us Air 3 is better than Air2s...

[@JohnnieDroneFlyer]

Russ loved the review. Lots of features and seems like it’s going to be a great product. Got mine ordered

[@AdLunam]

Thanks. You made the best review I´ve now seen on YT. Short facts to all functions and specs. Easy to understand and very informal. 👍👍

[@jimtipton8888]

Great video! Appreciate all the detail. Thanks Russ!

[@alsstuff]

Very comprehensive video Russ - thanks. There have been quite a few youtubers reccommending against the Air 3 as it's not too much of a step-up from the Air 2S or Mini 3 Pro and I'm always cautious of the negativity but having watched this twice now I'm convinced it's the one for me. Thanks again.

[@jimbernard3289]

The detailed nature of this video earned you a new subscriber 😊

[@ssgllc7007]

Thank you Russ, your hard work is greatly appreciated.

[@GigiIavarone]

Hi Russ, well done! Great review! I'd like to see more videos from You about the intelligent fly modes and other stuffs about the new Air3 (that i just buy)!

[@WestVirginiasBigred271]

I have the Air 2s and mini 3 pro both do pretty well on active tracking. But here’s a issue that other KZbinrs are having with using active tracking: a few heavy equipment operators using dozers and larger equipment are having difficulties getting the drone to track larger targets than a vehicle. If you decide to do a video on the active tracking try to track an object larger than an average vehicle. If the air 3 will track larger objects then these equipment operators will definitely be interested in upgrading.

[@punapirate]

Best review I’ve seen yet… well done, nicely done. Mahalo

[@jmolsb3917]

Excellent and informative video, thank you!

[@surfinghollywood]

I was literally talking to my friend about 51 Drones yesterday while surfing! And now the air 3 is out!! excited!! gonna order today.

[@PeterLindgren1]

Great video russ, thank you for having me 🫡!

[@51Drones]

🙏🏻💯

[@benaven1786]

so excited now with my air3 delivery.. thanks for this very informative video russ! helps a lot to us ..and kudos for the efforts you put in your videos ..more power to your channel! God bless always!

[@IslandDigital]

Thank you. When I get it, I’m sure your settings will be a great starting point !

[@shimaganish]

Thank you for this excellent review!

[@Loki_FPV666]

I'm looking to get my first drone and this one just jumped to the top of the list. I was looking at the Mini 3 pro, but for a couple hundred more this would be a better option I think. Thanks for the video!

[@alanpoole4657]

Hi Russ just a courtesy message to say your latest footage that you created on KZbin on the new DJI air 3 is absolutely superb. Any information and your comments about it as it’s made my mind up about purchasing one best wishes once again from Alan from the United Kingdom, 👍

[@gregpate4554]

Cant wait but still on the fence on maybe waiting on Air 3S. Currently have mavic air 2 but wish I would’ve got the Air 2S. Time will tell. Thanks for the detailed review. Happy Droning. Fly safe

[@ArmedProphet]

Always like your videos. And I Love spotting places I know around Minot and surrounding areas. I was hesitant about the Air 3, but after watching this video, I'm pretty sure my Air2s is getting a hangar mate...

[@carlosuhlmann2491]

First, thank you for the amazing quality, time and effort you put on making this video, I truly appreciate it. Second, you have the personality, disposition and talent to make this kind of video. As a viewer I find your videos informative, a pleasure to follow and rich in content. As for the DJI Air 3, it's as close as it gets to be that "perfect drone" that'll only exist in our dreams. After watching your video I went and ordered one! Thanks

[@paolocola7608]

Dear Russ thanks for the impressive report!!!! Clear and honest !!!!!!!

[@user-yr5pp9fd9f]

This is really, really great information. Thank you!

[@jonathonmontgomery2535]

Well there you go. My Mini 3 Pro is almost exactly a year old, Mavic 3 Pro is barely over a week old and now there is this new little beast. Russ this was a great review, can’t wait to add to my small but growing fleet.

[@thegman7523]

thanks for answering my question right off the bat!

[@PatrickRexKelly1981]

Word, thanks man. This was perfect. Mine will be here tomorrow!

[@triceburgess1890]

Thanks Russ! Greatly appreciate the detailed info sir!

[@tomling9310]

Great video, review. Thanks mate.

[@user-rm9pf8rt8d]

Great video thinking of getting an air3 ,thanks for being very informative and interesting

[@andyb7123]

Great review Russ as usual

[@907nvl]

Excellent video. Thank you 👍

[@robertholmes2511]

Thanks for the great tips I really enjoyed watching your videos

[@haroldyazzie3538]

Thank you Russ, especially on those settings u set. I'm a newbie 😊 I'll try those out.

[@russfry6240]

Just sold my phantom 4 pro and ordered an air 3! Thanks for the great review!

[@RussShirley1]

Very well done Russ, thanks.

[@merlands1]

Love your videos Russ ! I just bought the mini 3 pro as my first drone !

[@user-pw1go4dr4j]

It's a wonderful video. I'm looking forward to the next video.👍

[@uav-usa-texas4010]

Thank you for another great video.

[@seaghostkilla]

Great video on some of the great features of this drone, the movement settings that you share I will try out and tweak them if needed. Thank you.

[@Lmartynowa]

Great video!!! Thanks a lot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@alex_k1ng]

Amazing review!!! 💪😊

[@HighlanderMikeGolf]

Russ, great review and beautiful videography. Thanks for the hard work! Do they have good walleye fishing in that lake? 😎

[@MannyDer]

I just got mine today, and when I saw that gimbal view upwards.... I really wish either the 2 or my M3T could look that far up. I drove to totality during the eclipse hoping to get a drone photo and neither looked up high enough. It was still amazing

[@PrestonJensen]

Another great review!

[@ldmndz4652]

Wonderful insight and look into this Air 3..much appreciated!....definitely a good drone to consider especially with the "newer" specs and price point..only thing thats a bummer is the fixed aperture..too bad its not variable..better grab those ND filters haha in your experience would you recommend this Air 3 for a beginner? especially since it has good safety features..

[@DroneSupremacy]

Oh yeah I've been waiting for this "51 things to know" video 👀 🤛🏼

[@51Drones]

😁. I’m waiting for someone to copy it. 😂

[@72MQuinn]

Looks interesting coming from a AIr2s. But I cannot find on the DJI website if the Air 3 has Airsense with the ADS-B. This feature is a must have in my area with float planes landing on lakes and have saved me many of times.

[@klrskir]

Great video as always Russ. Did I anticipate receiving a new Air 3 tomorrow? No! Is it a reality? Yes! Thanks for the effort and details put forth to make this video, it's always appreciated.

[@51Drones]

Thank you for always supporting!

[@yzScott]

The advanced return to home would have been glorious last week. I had my Air 2S on the volcano in Iceland. And the zoom lens would have save a lot of danger getting close enough to fill the frame.

[@trinimedia19]

Despite listening to what you said about the camera being an upgrade, I think it isn't a large enough upgrade. It's like when a new iPhone comes out claiming the camera is better than the previous. Was hoping for a 1 inch sensor with a variable aperture like the M2P. The other features are an upgrade though. Great video, very detailed.

[@kernzilla]

Air 3 Pro will launch next month and you can snag that one 😆

[@nachosjustice8928]

Just get a Mavic 3 Classic then. You can pick one up used cheaper than this

[@djbabyjayflores835]

Glad I waited to purchase a drone…. Love all the videos

[@thedronedownunder3919]

Yours is the first YT review I've seen on the Air3. Thank you so much for making it real world, linear and honest. It's an impressive bit of kit that will now silence alot of keyboard warriors lol. Keep up the great work, mate.

[@dalewiley9208]

Maybe the first, but is definitely not the most comprehensive.

[@DavidBellweb]

I was about to buy the Mavic 3 Pro when I ran across the Air 3. I liked the price and the specs seemed close enough that I ordered it. I don’t have it yet and am doing my research while I’m waiting. Every channel I have watched offers some new info others haven’t and I have found yours to hit closer to what I need. I was a commercial photographer for 30+ years and started working with drones over the past two years. I have an Air 2 and a Mini Pro 3. Your video has inspired me to add a video to my channel when my Air 3 arrives.

[@51Drones]

Amazing. Thanks!

[@robdahobbit1418]

I'm in New Zealand and a beginner. I have a DJI Mini 2 SE, I've bought an Air 3 Fly more combo. Watching your video has been very informative. A lot to learn especially with the features of the camera. Look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@kennychanth8404]

thanks Russ for the video

[@Skybydrone972]

Thank you for this review 🎉

[@slubber]

Would love to see a video on waypoints and keyframes (like the Skydio 2) - thanks for all the info on this!

[@lynsmith1096]

Good introduction video Russ

[@kernzilla]

uuummm .. i only counted 48 things to know Russ 🙃 awesome vid, thanks for putting the time & work into this Russ!

[@garymcconnell1072]

Love the hear your input . Just about to pull the pin on a mavic 3 pro but will they start putting the rc2 with it not sure to hold off or not

[@gabrielkava]

Thank you Russ! Amazing video!! The Air3 looks like a great all around drone, but... You sold me on the Air 2s in the very beginning of the video. There is something about the Air 3 image quality that looks super digital and over sharpened. The Air 2s looks a bit smoother, maybe because of the bigger sensor? Also, the 48Mp photo, is not really 48, it's actually 12, over sampled (4x), and the Air2s is 20Mp.. So for photographers, that could be something to factor in. Anyway, Than you again! Your content is awesome!!

[@MartinHill-ny7wt]

awesome thanks for the info, i will definitely be purchasing a DJI real soon

[@wormerthings]

Great review!! I will buy the Air 3. I hope soon. 😁😁🖐🖐

[@TentoesMe]

Thanks, Russ! Dobo is excited about this thing too. Perhaps it's time to update from my Air 2.

[@MichaelToub]

Thanks for addressing the sensor size - my major concern

[@Dugar1]

I have the og mavic pro I still love my Mavic but I've ordered the Air 3 I'm super excited.

[@michaelblack8265]

Thanks Russ for the update on the Air 3 I have the mini 3 pro and wanted to know what you thought about upgrading to the Air 3 is it worth it for a hobbyist?

[@JuelzElevatedVisualz]

Love it. One day here in South Africa I will have it. 😢💯

[@PatrickPurnell]

Love the video. The flight test against the Mavic 3 Pro sold me. Quick question though. Please drop the link to your wireless mic. It was great in the wind portion of you video.

[@NobodyRides]

200 views in 9 minutes that is so good. Thank you for your work.

[@jakesdronelife6307]

Ohh Russ is Gonna get 20k before the day is over

[@NobodyRides]

@@jakesdronelife6307 12K you where almost right. But is good still.

[@dronyland]

Watching this video while trying to still hold onto my (old now) Mavic Pro 2 zoom. It's hard to don't pull the trigger on the Air 3, after watching your detailed video review though.

[@Blace5]

Russ, very high quality review on the new Air3! I own the mav3 & mini3 Pro.. after this video I want one now but not just for the O4 this Drone stands out in every category! What should I do?? Lol Thanks for providing the comparison testing! Nice work!

[@stangdemon82]

Would u say this is a good drone for recording in the dunes and off road use? Following buggies and sxs? Or should I be look for a fpv? What would suggest

[@tedz.]

When I got the release notification I went right to your channel. You do a great job covering any details I'd like to know. Do we have to order the charger separately? Great job on the video Russ.

[@51Drones]

Yes, the charger is a separate purchase. Thanks for supporting!

[@Biglegacy29]

Amazing video man.

[@51Drones]

Thank you!

[@dentedprimers]

I just bought the Air 3 and as a new subscriber to your channel, would really appreciate some in depth tutorials on the additional features and photography/cinematography settings. Thank you!

[@DougPetersenInspire]

Thanks Russ

[@bobnelson2499]

Great video. I really do not think I will replace my Air 2S. I fly my mini 3 Pro all the time. Great video sir.

[@jhvideoproduction]

Very nice video and useful 👍 --- Here from Denmark 😉

[@slacker7481]

Yes! please do a active track video.

[@mattiasburling]

Preferred the 2S in the comparison but thats definitely a result of the warmer white balance. The difference in detail was negligible if at all visible.

[@Crushemedia]

I am skipping this drone unless the mini pro ever needs replacement. But, I like how informative your videos are and am once again, not disappointed. Thanks again. 👍

[@JennaCee]

It seems like a really nice upgrade from the Air2S? Great video Russ!

[@51Drones]

Thanks Jenna!

[@PavelSACR]

I don't think so that it can be good upgrade. In my opinion from air 2s you should upgrade on mavic 3

[@RecoveryoneDrone]

good Job Russ

[@ripjanetstrimel3312]

Hey great video especially on this new drone …hey I got to ask you about something I’m a new flyer my first drone was dji mini 2 just in January I flew it over a full stadium in Philly where I’m from and got caught the fcc hit me with a violation 49 usc 46306 .. I was wondering do know what I can actually happen now ? Just wondering I mean I complied with them 100% let them hold my drone they still got it .. I don’t know if I need a lawyer for this or not but if someone can recommend me one that’ll be great or any information on this to on what you think thank you

[@weswiedenbeck8962]

Hi Russ, thank you for the review. It is very helpful. For the waypoints, can you use an external waypoint program App such as Maven to preprogram the waypoints instead of having to set waypoints on site while in flight?

[@51Drones]

Nope. Not at this time anyway.

[@BlairAir]

The Gain/Expo settings were changed a bit on the "Realease Firmware" (.003) be careful of Expo settings - DJI reversed the "up/down - yaw - and Pitch/Roll all switched the order of positions. No biggie, but take note!! Thanks Russ for a great starting point!

[@51Drones]

Yep.