At the same $1,209 price, the Air 3S is the better buy for almost everyone: its main camera moves to a 1-inch 50 MP sensor that handles sunsets, night scenes and high-contrast light much better, it adds forward LiDAR for obstacle sensing in the dark, and it records 4K/120 slow motion with 42 GB of internal storage. The Air 3 still makes sense if you find it discounted, or if you like having two matched 48 MP cameras with the same look. Both weigh over 250 g, so both need FAA registration.
Specs side by side
| Air 3 | Air 3S | |
|---|---|---|
| Our price (standard kit) | $1,209 | $1,209 |
| Fly More Combo | $1,484 | $1,759 |
| Takeoff weight | 720 g | 724 g |
| Wide camera | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP, 24 mm f/1.7 | 1 in, 50 MP, 24 mm f/1.8 |
| Medium tele camera | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP, 70 mm f/2.8 | 1/1.3 in, 48 MP, 70 mm f/2.8 |
| Video | 4K/60 HDR, 4K/100 slow-mo | 4K/60 HDR, 4K/120 slow-mo |
| Color | Normal, HLG, D-Log M (10-bit) | Normal, HLG, D-Log M (10-bit) |
| Max flight time | 46 min | 45 min |
| Obstacle sensing | Omnidirectional vision | Omnidirectional vision + forward LiDAR |
| Internal storage | 8 GB | 42 GB |
| Video link (FCC) | O4, 20 km | O4, 20 km |
| Max speed | 21 m/s | 21 m/s |
| Wind resistance | 12 m/s | 12 m/s |
| Controller in standard kit | RC-N2 | RC-N3 |
Prices are our current prices. Specs are DJI's published figures. The Air 3S Fly More Combo adds the DJI RC 2 screen controller and ND filters.
The key differences
Main camera. The Air 3S's 1-inch sensor is the reason it exists. A larger sensor collects more light, so night, sunrise and backlit scenes look cleaner with more highlight and shadow detail. DJI raised the Air 3S's normal video ISO ceiling to 12,800, versus 6,400 on the Air 3. In bright daylight the difference is smaller; in low light it's obvious.
Tele camera. Unchanged. Both use the same 1/1.3-inch 48 MP 70 mm camera, so medium-tele shots look about the same from either drone.
Night safety. The Air 3S adds a forward-facing LiDAR that DJI rates for obstacle measurement out to 25 m at night. The Air 3's vision sensors need adequate light. If you fly at dusk or in the dark under Part 107 or recreational rules, the Air 3S is the safer drone.
Slow motion and storage. The Air 3S records 4K up to 120 fps versus 100 on the Air 3, and its 42 GB of internal storage holds far more footage if a card fails or fills.
Flight time. Essentially the same: 46 minutes for the Air 3 and 45 for the Air 3S.
What's the same
Same size and weight class, same O4 video link rated 20 km FCC, same 12 m/s wind rating and 21 m/s top speed, same 10-bit D-Log M, and both shoot vertical video as a 2.7K crop rather than by rotating the gimbal. Batteries are the same Air 3 series type, so Air 3 owners can share batteries if they upgrade.
Common mistakes
- Paying more for an Air 3. At equal prices, the Air 3S gives you a better main camera for nothing extra.
- Expecting the 1-inch sensor on both lenses. Only the wide camera changed.
- Forgetting registration. Both are over 250 g, so register them ($5 for 3 years) and fly with Remote ID on. See FAA registration.
Quick answers
Is the Air 3S worth upgrading from the Air 3? For low-light and night shooters, yes. If you mostly fly in daylight and like your Air 3 footage, the gain is smaller.
Air 3S or Mini 5 Pro? The Mini 5 Pro has a 1-inch sensor too and weighs under 250 g, but lacks the 70 mm camera and flies shorter. See Mini 4 Pro vs Air 3S.
Which should you buy?
- Most buyers at today's prices: Air 3S.
- Found an Air 3 deal, or matching an existing Air 3 fleet: Air 3.
For more detail, read the Air 3S guide, or ask a drone pilot.
Related guides
- DJI Air 3S vs Mavic 3 Pro: which should you buy?
- DJI Air 3S vs Mavic 4 Pro: which should you buy?
- DJI Mavic 3 Classic vs Air 3S: which should you buy?
- DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Air 3S: which should you buy?
- DJI Mini 5 Pro vs Air 3S: which should you buy?
- Can you buy the DJI Air 3S in the US? Ban status and price
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