DJI Air 3s - A Major Improvement. But Missing One Thing?

[@norbertachtelik6142]

Hello, thanks for the introduction. Is there a direct photo quality comparison in 50 or 48 MP of the 24mm main camera from the Air 3 to the Air 3S incl. download of the dng files? If so, I would appreciate the link.

[@CAMTechChris]

I think it’s unfair to the Air series to call it a drawback for not having a variable aperture and no d log m. Those will most likely (and understandably) be limited to the Mavics.

[@kylemeshna]

I had a chunk of this video saying I understand wanting to protect the flagship, but cut it for time. That said, 2 things: 1. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to want to control the exposure triangle on a camera 2. Even though you understand why it’s not included, doesn’t mean it’s not a drawback

[@CAMTechChris]

@@kylemeshna I hear ya and good point for sure. I just think DJI, like all tech companies, need to be able to differentiate their products and d log m and variable aperture are two key features for that purpose. Similar to the FX3 and a7siii, both of which I own. Either way it was a solid video and thanks for posting it.

[@kylemeshna]

@@CAMTechChris totally, but Sony does the opposite with their cameras. Always put as much tech in as they can given a price point. AI AF, Slog3, 10bit 4k etc… even in their lowest level cameras

[@CAMTechChris]

@@kylemeshna Seems you are missing the point. Which is that all tech companies segment their products based to some degree on features. DJI is no different. If I were a tech company I would do the same. Hopefully you can see that I am not defending DJI, I’m just stating facts. If you want d log m and variable aperture then buy the Mavic 3 Pro. Mine is for sale with the RC Pro, if you are interested 😎

[@Clickumentary]

​@@CAMTechChrisThis supports dlog-M, just as my Air 2S does. It's DJI dlog with improved DR and color space we're pining for. But then, it's only available on the Mavic 3 main camera (Hasselblad m43)

[@johnadams3038]

10:07 what is that fast moving object? you have to see it frame by frame

[@Vkandypaint]

Do you think this would be a great upgrade from my old dJi mp2?

[@manelbrandaopereira9752]

I just did that today. I'll be testing in the next couple of weeks to see if I should sell my Mavic 2 pro or keep it

[@PrestonGladd]

If you want a cinema drone buy one, the Air 3S is not trying to act like an Inspire or even a Mavic 3 Cine. Why all these KZbinrs are complaining about $1,000 consumer drones not having the same features as a $16,000 professional drone boggles me. Its like buying a new year model kia sedan and taking it to a drag strip then reviewing it as not having a big enough engine upgrade to compete with purpose built drag racers.

[@hawaiifreespeechnews]

I know right?! Lol

[@stefanbernhard2710]

Nah, but I would like to see 20mp and 5k camera from a model over 3 years old. Dji is being stingy

[@hawaiifreespeechnews]

@@stefanbernhard2710 I don't think mavic 3 pro owners would be too happy about a $1000 drone cannibalizing their $3500-$5000 drone after only 1 year of being in production

[@nnix]

Very silly to defend a corporation's pricing tiers when you're presumably not on the payroll

[@mickue]

@@stefanbernhard2710 my thoughts!!

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

Since I can’t adjust aperture I just use auto ISO. If you don’t shoot in low light it’s a decent trade off.

[@carlomure]

amazing review! You think is a stupid idea tu update from mavic 2 pro to this Air3s? I use drone 80% for still photography..

[@victorgorospe6576]

Can you use the goggles 3 with the Air 3S?

[@uptowndisco2]

I have the Air 3 but I still added the 3S to the collection , I am running out of storage for them all as I have nearly all DJI models since the very first Phantom that had no camera or even a gimbal , I think I need therapy 🤣

[@fendrou]

You deserve a DJI medal 🥇

[@uptowndisco2]

@@fendrou that is what my ex said as she left and never came back 🤣

[@rhysezfpv]

Have you tried smoking Ganja ? lol

[@fendrou]

@@uptowndisco2 if you had DJI care Refresh you could open a case of flyaway and DJI would send you another girlfriend 🤣

[@reneeelgin7880]

Which would you recommend for for me as a first time user that is determined to utilize all capabilities soon, including obtaining a license and mainly shoot videos for real estate, business events, weddings and some photography…hopefully so much more?! I’ve studied for years and the market keeps changing with new products being much more versatile than they were, everyone has opinions that vary and I’m tired of debating and ready to purchase within a reasonably amount for me currently which shouldn’t be too difficult as cost are a little more doable for a decent drones now a days verses years ago. TIA for any input:)

[@shagon13]

I have a Mini 3 Pro and I use it for family vacation. Should I upgrade to the Air 3S?

[@fendrou]

Only you can answer that

[@mariefs.]

probably not

[@trevorkerr5353]

Not required just keep the Mini 3 Pro. Plus it’s easier to work around the regulations with it being sub 250 grams.

[@alexalex5257]

Very silly to say that the biggest flaw drawback of the drone is the variable aperture, when its a Mavic series exclusive feature and will probably never show up on minis and airs. And i really like the new return home without any satellites feature of the air3s.

[@nnix]

Very silly to defend a corporation's pricing tiers when you're presumably not on the payroll

[@CAMTechChris]

@@nnixI don’t take his statement as defending anything. More like he’s just stating reality.

[@TheTechnoPilot]

@@CAMTechChris I think we can certainly criticize such stupidity. Especially when the pro market will use a variety of equipment based on the circumstances and the lack of aperture control on a camera, especially a $1000 camera, incredibly asinine.

[@ctzerbe1]

Thanks for the review. Where were you shooting the fall foliage ? I didn’t recognize the beautiful location. Thanks

[@BlairAir]

Not the same battery. Slightly different mAh's, but significantly, wake/sleep abolity allowing low power file transfer without power cycling the aircraft. Its roughly the same price as Air 3 was. Its a better drone than Mavic 3, and _almost_ a better cemera setup. Using stacked FSI sensors is brilliant. A beacon is in final development. Its the most agile folding consumer drone available. 60 mph top speed, fastest ascending and descending aircraft, including Inspire 3. No not perfect, but a 100% no brainer upgrade or purchase in this class. Lidar added for low light OA abilities. Optimized RTH has been in place since Mavic 3 arrived, but just added the benefits of the Lidar/Infrared to ramp it up further. We have never and likely will never seeva variable aperture Mini or Aor Series. Totally achievable- Autel did 5.4k/Variable Aperture on the mid sized Lite Series, but promised and straight up failed to deliver a prosumer controller. I'd be please with even a switchable Aperture such as Samsung Note 10 + 2 position Aperture

[@CAMTechChris]

@@BlairAir may need to check that top speed. Mine only does 47mph. 😎

[@dfwald4657]

Optimized RTH has been a no-go to use if you have power lines, trees or flying in dim light. LiDAR finally might make it feasible to use.

[@stealthshinobi3310]

I already accepted the fact that aperture control is only reserved for the mavic series since the release of air 2s

[@steveborghardt]

When I first saw the specs of the Air 3S I was happy that DJI went back to the 1 inch sensor like I have on my Air 2S. Then I looked a little closer at the specs and saw that this new 1 inch sensor is not a true 1 inch 20mp sensor like on the Air 2S - but instead a 1 inch 12mp (Not 20mp) Quad-Bayer sensor stacked to a 50mp sensor. This looks like a gimmick to fool us into thinking the camera is really better than it is. I'd love to see an in depth comparison video that compares the still photography shots from the Air 3S vs the Air 2S.

[@FastLaneFPV]

The lack of ability to adjust aperture settings is abit disappointing. The camera is alot better on the 3s but we should be able to adjust those settings in flight.

[@urbanie]

lets be honest most youtubers will bullshit about how good this is but in reality its just a slight "overhaul" and its not gonna improve anyones filmmaking abilities if they have this instead of the air 3. i feel like this is what the air 3 should have been

[@kylemeshna]

I literally said this in the video

[@urbanie]

​@@kylemeshna yeah i commented before watching as a "what i expect to see after this drone releases". good video btw

[@cre8taMilt]

Just use the ND-Filters to draw down the light, since it's a fixed aperture.

[@kylemeshna]

I said this, yes.

[@vttc50]

How does this drone compare to the mavic 3 pro in picture quality?

[@kylemeshna]

The mavic 3 pro is definitely better. I don’t think it’s 2x better despite being 2x the price though

[@davidkipperman5218]

So if you're looking for a DJI drone for highest quality still photography and some video, what model should I be looking at?

[@kylemeshna]

Mavic 3 Pro

[@marianriabic9573]

Yeah, 100% agree. But there is a big price differential for that. If you want "the best" photo quality you need to pay for the M3 or M3P and its large M43 20MP sensor and true D-log for video recording instead of the half baked M-log.

[@mobilesecure]

Many thanks for great review. I have Dji mini 3 pro. Didnt use much before. Is it worth for upgrade? Thanks in advance

[@kylemeshna]

Do think it’s a nice upgrade from The mini 3pro

[@fendrou]

You'll also not gonna use Air3s much in the future

[@nomadtravelfilms]

mavic air 2s use to have d-log but they removed it and change it to dlog-m, don't know why.

[@jpegflipper7930]

so does it beat the mavic 3 pro?

[@kylemeshna]

I answered this question in the video. No it does not. It’s just about half the price

[@jpegflipper7930]

@@kylemeshna thank you, I'll get the Mavic 3 Pro Cine then

[@aztecforlife7360]

Great review. Thanks! I'm probably going with a mavic 3 pro as my upgrade. It would be great to have an Air 3s as a backup though.

[@valinormons]

Yeah I want one. I've never owned a drone before and since I can't get a Skydio 2 these days, I'm gonna get this drone. Just for simple stuff like following me around on my bike or something. I just have to pay for my new roof first.

[@MichaelFreechild]

Great vid, I'm wondering would the mavic 3 pro classic or this drone be better as far as image quality.

[@kylemeshna]

Mavic 3 pro or Mavic 3 classic? Mavic 3 series is still the top you can get (aside from the inspire)

[@SoggyKatnip]

It is poor value for money getting a drone that old at brand new pricing. Id wait for the mavic 4 if you want a mavic series drone

[@MrConsens-JamesHess]

Great analysis thank you! I’ll wait another model having the AIR 3 👍

[@MikeCorrigan1520]

I did… and do want one. Was gonna wait for mav 4… but price point is soooo much more digestible. Pulled the trigger!

[@MauroTandoi]

Some KZbinrs (e.g., Billy Kyle, Quadricottero magazine Italy ) have reported lower Mbps values on the AIR3s, such as 60Mbps at 4K 30fps and 80Mbps at 4K 60fps in the normal profile. They’ve shared full clips to download their videos to confirm this. What do you think? What Mbps values have you detected? (AIR3 Mbps at 4k 60 fps : 130-150 Mbps)

[@birjub9647]

DJI official site states H.264 H.265 130 Mbps..

[@MauroTandoi]

@@birjub9647 the max value, not the max reachable, Anyway, no one to date has ever exceeded the value of 94 with the air3s, find me one And I add in h264 you can select only the full hd not the 4k..

[@SoundOfYourDestiny]

The problem is that DJI slashed the bitrate, squandering (and then some) the benefit of the larger sensor. I'm not talking about the on-paper 13% reduction from 150 Mbps to 130. I'm talking about the ACTUAL 70 Mbps that the 3S has been found to record in 4K. Just ridiculous. Side note: The 180-degree rule has nothing to do with settings on the camera.

[@klubcj]

Should I upgrade from a mini 4 pro ??

[@aaronmedeiros9088]

guess it depends on your usage. is there a mini 5 pro coming out? I hope so. if so, you might want to wait to see what upgrades that has. that's what I'm waiting on / hoping for. This one looks great but I'm trying to stay under 250g.

[@geezerpleasers_OG]

I agree. To me, the fixed aperture is the biggest drawback. That's why I'm sticking with my Mavic 3 and waiting to see what the Mavic 4 brings. (And I still have my Autel Evo 2 Pro, and my M2P.) Then again, the Mavic 3 is almost the perfect drone, but it doesn't have LIDAR. My holy grail is a consumer drone that can tell you its height AGL at its current location all the way through a flight. Probably won't happen in my lifetime, but then again, I'm older than rocks.

[@DimmyV]

Where are you shooting the landscape shots are amazing!

[@kylemeshna]

Utah mountains and Bavarian alps

[@DimmyV]

@@kylemeshna that’s some of the nicest scenery I’ve seen and the lighting incredible. Did you get the Air 3S pre release or bought day of?

[@XavierBaker]

Id take the 20mp sensor on the mavic 3 over the "50mp" sensor on the air 3 any day. Its pretty ridiculous how all reveiwers and DJI themselves are trying to just ignore how its just a 12mp quad bayer sensor. Its no better than using a 12mp sensor.

[@luisrodriguez3009]

I have and love my air 3. for the lil bit faster and other things no but yes def switch for the Nightscape with the Lidar

[@Staralium]

It’s annoying you have to spend £2000 plus to get the proper pro cameras on mavik series and can’t even be used here due to the eu restrictions.

[@mickue]

It's totally stupid to criticize the Air3s for not having aperture controll! Thats why we have the mavic series.

[@kylemeshna]

How dare I point out when a camera doesn’t do camera things

[@mickue]

@@kylemeshna there's a difference between pointing out and criticism

[@nnix]

Very silly to defend a corporation's pricing tiers when you're presumably not on the payroll

[@nnix]

@@mickue never type

[@TheTechnoPilot]

@@mickuenope, we can super highly criticize this ridiculous idea of ANY camera having a fixed aperture.

[@jondoeslifestuff]

Would I upgrade from my Air 3? Probably not. I don't really see a scenario where I'm requiring a slightly larger sensor + 2mp's shooting at f1.8+. Air 3 still packs a good punch as a budget friendly option, not saying the S isn't reasonable... just doesn't offer enough (imo) than the original. Oh and that return to Home function has saved my assssssss from a catastrophe.

[@martinf9626]

I have the mini 3 and for me is just enough and good for travel . But If I was more in to video and photos , for sure, It is certain that I Will choose the Dji Air 3S

[@JoshConnectMedia]

Well done . Nice sweet words out there . Thanks for the review . You said you’ve never trusted the RTH on the Air 3? Now we’ve started snitching on the Air 3? Have you ever crashed your Air 3 using the RTH before ? Well , I own one , and for your information , never ever crashed it while using it and won’t too . Fingers crossed .😂.The RTH works perfectly on the Air3.

[@randallmcclurg6303]

Yes, I can't wait to get one

[@brianbracherphotography]

100% agree with you that not having a variable aperture, and not just for video. This is more important for photography, especially for sunrise / sunset. AEB would be better if we could choose the settings I.e 3 shots bracketed by 1.0 stops. The sensor can clearly cope with this. Finally, please stop saying this is a 50mp sensor. Be more honest that it is a 12mp camera that is ‘computerised’ to 50mp.

[@hawaiifreespeechnews]

What do you guys think this is the Inspire 3?! None of these consumer drones have a variable aperture

[@Phil6875]

Hi Brian, i was thinking the same about aperture, but if you have a better dynamic range or compensate with gradient ND filter it could correctly expose. For Video ND filter never block , only when light is changing by cloud.. Top High end videographer need Mavic 3Pro series, variable aperture, good bitrate 150 Mb, Flat DLog or Apple Prores 5,1k ... but it's twice the price. This drone is a good opportunity in 90% use I think. Don't forget C1 class , in Europe it's a big inconvenient. Mavic 4 will be a great evolution..

[@nnix]

@@hawaiifreespeechnews Very silly to defend a corporation's pricing tiers when you're presumably not on the payroll

[@brianbracherphotography]

@@hawaiifreespeechnews Just because most don’t, doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t. Even basic standard cameras have variable apertures so why not expect this in drones? I totally get it for the Mini range but believe the Air range should have this basic function. But that’s why I won’t buy it, but thousands will and be very happy!

[@brianbracherphotography]

@@Phil6875 All good points but, as I said above, even basic standard cameras have variable apertures. I have and use Mavic3 Pro, Air2S and Mini4 all used for different purposes. If the Air3S had aperture control, I would buy and probably leave the Mavic 3 on the shelf! But let’s see what the Mavic 4 brings - hopefully something big and not just more automation functionality that I will never use.

[@kentao4]

Honestly what stops me from going the air series is the aperture control. Nothing worse than beautiful, choppy footage. And sometimes you can’t tell until you’re home editing.

[@kevenspargo6829]

@@kentao4 In a pinch, adding a motion blur effect in post can work. The one in Resolve gets good results, IMO.

[@kentao4]

@@kevenspargo6829I can understand that. I just like minimal editing. I have Final Cut and I still haven’t mastered it lol

[@dronetheworld4k67]

Funny, i had an excruciating feeling u would bring up the no aperture control thing 😂

[@nasidctg]

Time to retire the mavic 2 pro. This just hits the spot.

[@jdogfunk100]

Quite a few drone owners are only mildly interested in the camera. Average video quality is fine by me.

[@zenseekerEric]

I'm waiting for the Mavic 4 Pro

[@dicekolev5360]

I can tell the missing thing is the aperture of course. We know that but what about the 12MP main camera man.... Quad Bayer 50MP is pretty lame to be marketed as real 50MP

[@stefanbernhard2710]

@dicekolev5360 it's sad that so called reviewers are touting it as a legit 50mp camera lol.

[@csilt]

I really like this drone but won't be buying it due to it not being able to change the aperture. As a long time photographer that is huge to me.

[@zotastevens1771]

Hi. Thanks for thw video. It's much information.

[@richardweddle3408]

Thanks for this review. How does the Air 3S compare to the Mavic 4 Mini Pro ? That's the real question.

[@Khuongreview]

Tbh, this is not a drastic improvement from the air 3, so as someone who own the Air 3, it does not make sense to upgrade to this. After flying the Air3 for quite sometime I still love it so much, but now I am in the market for the Mavic 4 because I really value the variable aperture especially when it come to photography and video.

[@GigaBit-i2j]

It really has people that always complain about something. 😊

[@XavierBaker]

So funny how people are complaining the air 3s doesnt have the same features as the mavic 3. If they added these proffesional features the Mavic lineup would be useless. Theres not point of benefit for DJI to make their mid range drones outshine their proffesional level drones. Its like buying a 1000 dollar computer and complaining it doesnt have the specs of a top of the line 5000 computer. Doesnt make sense.

[@247SH]

The Air2s had ADSB.

[@geraldmcgivern6300]

And no H364 support in 4k !!!!

[@geodrone7643]

Fully agree, IS NOT 1 INCH, as is a binned Bayer sensor, DJI lies by using a BS calculation related to pixels area...in fact, the binned pixels is a hoax.

[@XavierBaker]

Its still a one inch sensor, the physical size is 1 inch. Its just not a true 50Mp sensor like they claim, its more like a 12mp sensor.

[@JUK-Bavaria]

All? footage is from DJI - I don't think you was in Bavaria...

[@ElonMusk_TSX]

ill get one

[@Charlie-go6eb]

So, if you didn’t have one, starting from scratch. Air 3s, yes or no.

[@kylemeshna]

I think yes

[@Charlie-go6eb]

@@kylemeshna Thank you.

[@DjInfluencer]

So for less money nowadays you can buy a Mavic 3 Classic with better camera and smoother stabilisation.

[@johnadams3038]

Aperture control

[@JPR-OTTRUSH]

NICE 🐺

[@JPR-OTTRUSH]

CANT AFFORD

[@junglemandude]

I want one

[@fluxcapacitor3273]

this drone should be air 3 at the beginning...

[@milvusotis]

I'm missing AirSense

[@joeychm]

I am astonished that reviewers call the main camera a 50mp sensor. In reality it's a 12 MP sensor, achieving 50mp with pixel binning and as such little improvement over the native 12mp sensor. The Air 2S had a 20MP sensor, far superior to the Air 3S.

[@dicekolev5360]

CAME TO WRITE that.. WTF happened with all the reviewers we thought are trustworthy.........

[@kevenspargo6829]

Ageed. The main difference is the much larger file size, not actual detail in the images.

[@dronetheworld4k67]

From what I understand pixel binning is next to none in improvement over the real sensor size right ? More of a marketing gimmick, such one the latest iPhone pro max now days fooling consumers ! Plz correct me if am wrong, glad I still got the air 2s

[@kevenspargo6829]

@@dronetheworld4k67 Exactly. It's mostly a marketing gimmick and a waste of storage media.

[@peacefulthrillseeker]

Remember when the Air2s was able to shoot DLOG 5.4k ? DJI dumbed it down so that now it shoots in DLOG-M via “software updates”. Pretty soon they’re gonna do the same thing to the Mavic 3 series once the Mavic 4 is out so it will force you to buy it

[@seasideshutterworx]

No D-Log = no go

[@ultimatedogrii5361]

Just wait for the Air 4, will be way better and we’ll get proper D-Log i hope

[@Staralium]

Only be waiting 2 years

[@austinpedersen__]

All questions answered 🤌🏼

[@iVisual.sambonkowski]

DJI Air 3S could have been the best Drone ever if only it had Aperture control....nobody wants the hassle of using ND filters like we in 1920...you spend that money, you expect to have, as a basic, Aperture control. every $200 camera has it...

[@bremz11]

Thank you for being the first creator I've seen that brought up the lack of D Log and adjustable aperture... this is crucial as a professional drone pilot. I'll be waiting for the Mavic 4/Pro and believe it or not STILL sticking with my Mavic 2 Pro.

[@peacefulthrillseeker]

@@bremz11 absolutely but I will mention for example that you can get the Mavic 3 Classic( drone only) for less than the Air3s and get the best camera (outside of the inspire series) of any foldable drone on the market, hands down with variable aperture

[@laurenthenry]

I had the Mavic 2 Pro and trust me the quality was better in photo/video than my actual Air3. But I changed for everything except the video quality that makes my life easier flying this drone 😂

[@peacefulthrillseeker]

If you own the Air2s, Air 3, Mini 3/4 Pro, and Mavic 3 series drones. Do not upgrade to the Air3s because of one crucial feature which is the video bitrate which is 130 mbps very very disappointing. DJI is trying to give us incremental updates by beefing up their processing capabilities, AI software, etc. They are moving away from actual hardware innovations to more of software improvements in order to save $$$ should the DJI ban passes here in the US. The mavic 4 will be a dead giveaway to this fact once it is released by the end of this year. In the meantime do not upgrade and wait to see what the mavic 4 will offer

[@Seismic78]

Mavic 4 is in totally different product category, you just can't compare it to Air series. If you are looking to consumer drone around 1500 money, then Air 3s is the choice. If you allready have last gen then probably don't need it, as with almost every consumer electronic product.

[@peacefulthrillseeker]

@@Seismic78 ok fine you can get a Mavic 3 classic for 1749 with a remote and have better video quality( higher bitrate), variable aperture, etc.

[@XavierBaker]

@@peacefulthrillseeker Yeah id take the m3c over the air 3s anyday. The sensor and aperture on the M3 Series blows the air 3s out of the water.

[@The_Snowbike_Channel]

In reality it’s missing the DJI beacon for tracking. This was leaked last week and was abandoned for some reason. Sticking to my trusty Skydio S2 because no DJI drone has been successful at tracking snowbiking.

[@hellohogo]

i really dislike thumbnails and videos like this

[@jpyuce2054]

go working