DJI Air 3S Leak Reveals Impressive Camera Upgrades and Accessories

Jasper Ellens and Igor Bogdanov have shared exclusive images of the upcoming DJI Air 3S, giving us a detailed look at its camera system and accessories. These leaks provide substantial insight into DJI’s soon-to-be-released drone offering. In the meantime, however, we’re still waiting for the e-store leaks to provide us with all the detailed specifications and features of the DJI Air 3S drone.

Air 3S: A Step Towards “The Big 4”

The DJI Air 3S is set to “definitely end the era of 3’s,” according to Ellens, paving the way for future advancements. This new model promises a “slightly better camera” and potential safety enhancements, positioning itself as a bridge between the Air and Mavic series.

Enhanced Camera and Safety Features

Ellens suggests that DJI aims to “solve camera quality issues from Air 3” with this update. The drone appears to feature a new front sensor bar, which Ellens speculates could house “Lidar or infrared probably. This might enable a safer automatic flight while in sport modes.”

Dual-Camera System with Wide-Angle Option

The DJI Air 3S boasts a dual-camera setup, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The main camera features a 24mm lens, while a secondary camera offers a 70mm tele lens.

An additional, snap-on, wide-angle lens attachment with a 0.6x magnification factor is also available, expanding the drone’s versatility for different shooting scenarios.

Enhanced Imaging Capabilities

The drone’s primary camera might have a slightly larger sensor, potentially improving low-light performance and overall image quality.

Neutral Density Filter Set

DJI is including a set of ND filters with the Air 3S, catering to photographers and videographers who need more control over their exposure settings. The kit includes multiple ND filters of varying strengths (8, 32, 128), allowing for creative long-exposure shots and smoother video in bright conditions.

Design and Build

The Air 3S maintains a similar form factor to the Air 3, with a sleek grey body. The drone features obstacle avoidance sensors on its front, bottom, and rear, suggesting improved flight safety and autonomous capabilities.

Pricing and Availability

While an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, the Fly More Combo is expected to be priced at 1359 euros (approximately $1,445 USD).

This package includes:

• The Air 3S drone
• RC2 controller
• Three batteries
• A charging hub
• ND filters
• Spare propellers
• A carrying case

Potential Specs and Features

While full specifications aren’t confirmed, Ellens hints at improvements that could bring the Air 3S closer to the Mavic 3’s capabilities:

• Improved camera quality
• Potential LiDAR or infrared sensors for enhanced safety
• Longer flight time (suggested by a “bigger battery”)
• Possible “double registration” like previous Cine and Pro versions

Release Date and Availability

Though an exact release date wasn’t provided, Ellens asks, “Will we see this before Christmas?” suggesting a potential launch in the coming months.

DroneXL’s Take

The DJI Air 3S appears to be a significant upgrade in DJI’s consumer drone lineup. The dual-camera system with a wide-angle option and included ND filters show that DJI is targeting both amateur and professional users. This aligns with the trend we’ve seen in drone technology, where manufacturers are packing more professional features into consumer-friendly packages. The Air 3S could potentially bridge the gap between DJI’s consumer and prosumer offerings, providing users with more advanced features at a competitive price point.

These upgrades could make the Air 3S an attractive option for aerial photographers and videographers looking for a versatile, high-quality imaging drone without stepping up to the more expensive Mavic series. The inclusion of professional-grade accessories like ND filters straight out of the box adds significant value to the package.

What do you think about the DJI Air 3S based on these leaks? Does the dual-camera system and included accessories make it a compelling upgrade? Share your thoughts in the comments below!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​