DJI · Released 2024
DJI Air 3S review
1-inch image quality with LiDAR-assisted safety.
Verdict: The sweet spot for creators: near-Mavic image quality at a much lower price.
Check price on Amazon$1,000–$2,000 · check current stock
What we like
- ✓1-inch main sensor for low-light and dynamic range
- ✓LiDAR helps obstacle sensing at night
- ✓45-minute flights and 20 km transmission
What we don't
- ✕Requires FAA registration
- ✕Pricey for a first drone
- ✕Tele camera is smaller than the main one
Who should buy the DJI Air 3S?
Buy it if: Serious hobbyists, real estate and travel creators who want the best quality per dollar.
Skip it if: Absolute beginners on a budget.
DJI Air 3S specs
- Weight
- 724 g
- Max flight time
- 45 min
- Video
- 4K/60fps HDR, 4K/120fps slow-mo
- Sensor
- 1" CMOS wide + 1/1.3" 3× tele
- Photo resolution
- 50 MP
- Obstacle sensing
- Omnidirectional + forward LiDAR
- Max range (FCC)
- 20 km
- Stabilization
- 3-axis
- Controller
- DJI RC-N3 or DJI RC 2 (screen)
- FAA registration (recreational)
- Required (250 g or more)
- Typical price
- $1,000–$2,000
Manufacturer specs. Real-world flight time is usually 20–25% lower. Sold in the US under an FCC authorization granted before the December 2025 Covered List action — what that means.