DJI Air 3S – LONGTERM REVIEW After 6 Months Of Flying!

I’ve been flying the DJI Air 3S for several months now, racking up a ton of flights across various conditions—sunny days, windy afternoons, and a few night missions. As a mid-range drone launched in late 2024, the Air 3S is positioned between the compact Mini series and the premium Mavic lineup, promising a blend of portability, advanced features, and high-quality imaging.

This long-term review reflects my real-world experience with the drone, focusing on its performance, camera system, battery life, flight capabilities, and a few quirks I’ve noticed over time. As of today, March 23, 2025, I’ve been flying the drone for roughly six months, giving me enough time to push it through its paces.

Camera System: A Dual-Lens Standout

Starting with the camera system, the Air 3S boasts a dual-camera setup that has become a standout feature after extended use. The primary 1-inch CMOS sensor, equivalent to 24mm, delivers crisp, vibrant images with excellent dynamic range, especially in tricky lighting like golden hour or overcast skies. The secondary 70mm equivalent telephoto lens offers three times optical zoom, which I’ve found invaluable for framing distant subjects like wildlife or architectural details without sacrificing quality.

Over time, I’ve noticed the larger sensor of the main camera really shines in low-light scenarios, producing very clean footage compared to its predecessor, the DJI Air 3. Features like 4K 60 frames per second HDR and 10-bit D-Log M have held up well for post-processing. However, the fixed aperture on both lenses means I always rely on ND filters in bright conditions, which can be a hassle to swap mid-flight. Still, the shots can take some heavy grading without issues. If you want to achieve a similar look for your footage, check out my signature LUT pack, which comes with two conversion LUTs and seven different looks depending on the mood you’re going for—I’ll link it below. Thanks for your support!

Battery Life: Impressive Yet Not Perfect

Battery life is another category where the DJI Air 3S easily impresses, though not without some caveats. DJI rates it at up to 45 minutes in perfect conditions, but in real-world use—accounting for wind, temperature, and aggressive flying—I’ve consistently gotten between 30 to 35 minutes per charge. This is a solid step up from the Air 2S’s 31 minutes and nearly matches the Air 3’s 46-minute claim, making it reliable for extended shoots. However, the batteries take about 80 to 90 minutes to fully charge via USB-C, which feels sluggish when juggling multiple batteries and eager to get back in the air.

Flight Performance: Steady and Reliable

When it comes to flight performance, it has proven to be a strong suit for the drone over these past few months. The DJI Air 3S handles winds up to 12 m/s with confidence, hovering steadily where lighter drones might wobble. Its omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, now enhanced with forward-facing LiDAR, has kept me out of trouble during complex maneuvers. The LiDAR really comes into its own at night, making dusk flights far less nerve-wracking than with previous models. As for the signal, the O4 transmission system delivers a rock-solid 1080p 60 frames per second feed up to 20 km without noticeable dropouts, even in urban areas with interference. I’ve had zero issues with signal over the months I’ve been using the Air 3S.

Intelligent Flight Modes: Growing on Me

Some intelligent flight modes have definitely grown on me with prolonged use. ActiveTrack 360 lets me lock onto subjects and adjust the drone’s orbit with a simple touchscreen drag. It’s tracked reliably across dozens of flights, rarely losing focus even with moderate obstacles. Waypoints, inherited from higher-end models, has been clutch for repeating precise flight paths or setting up a route so I can focus on another activity. That said, setting them up initially can be fiddly and time-consuming. Still, as a solo shooter, I’m a big fan of Waypoints and use it regularly.

Storage and Connectivity: Strengths and Minor Frustrations

Storage and connectivity have shown both strengths and minor frustrations. The jump from the Air 3’s 8 GB to 42 GB of internal storage has been a game-changer, letting me shoot for hours without swapping microSD cards—perfect for spontaneous trips. This reduces my reliance on external memory cards, and even if I forget one, I can still shoot with simplified data management. The RC2 controller, with its bright 700-nit 5.5-inch screen, is a joy to use, showing no signs of wear and no problems at all.

Build Quality and Portability: Holding Up Well

The build quality and portability have held up nicely under regular use. At 724 g, the DJI Air 3S folds down compactly, fitting easily into a backpack, and its robust construction has shrugged off light bumps and rough landings. The propellers, while durable, have picked up a few nicks from debris—I strongly suggest replacing them when in doubt. The gimbal guard feels essential to protect the camera during transport and is easy to put on and off. Noise levels are around 80 dB—not super quiet—but the lower-frequency hum is less intrusive than smaller drones, fading to near silence above 50 m. Still, it’s not super stealthy, and I’ve received curious looks when filming in quiet areas, but I can live with that.

Shortcomings: Regulatory Hurdles and Creative Limits

If I have to list a shortcoming, one would be the regulatory hurdles that come with owning this drone. Since it weighs over 249 g, it falls into a stricter category, meaning more regulations on where and how I can fly. While not the drone’s fault, it affects how I use it—I find myself seeking areas further from cities, people, and potential problems. I still fly in urban areas but limit myself to avoid issues. Additionally, the lack of adjustable aperture remains a creative limitation in my opinion—something the Mavic 3 Classic offers for a higher price. The absence of 5.4K video (4K maximum) feels like a missed opportunity for a mid-range top contender in 2025.

The DJI Air 3S – A Near-Perfect Drone

To sum it up, the DJI Air 3S delivers exceptional image quality, reliable flight performance, and a suite of smart features that have proven their worth over months of usage. The dual-camera system, long battery life, and night-capable LiDAR make it a versatile tool for both beginner enthusiasts and pros. Limitations like no variable aperture, regulatory restrictions, and slightly slow charging don’t overshadow its strengths but do temper its appeal for certain users. After a lot of time in the air, I’d call the Air 3S a near-perfect drone, offering a compelling balance of power, price, and practicality. That’s everything I have for you today—hope you enjoyed it! Drop a like, subscribe for more drone and tech videos, and never stop flying. Catch you in the next one—ciao!