If you’re a drone enthusiast, travel photographer, or content creator dreaming of capturing cinematic aerial footage with ease, the DJI Air 3S LiDAR-Enabled Drone is here to make those dreams a reality. Launched on October 15, 2024, this mid-range powerhouse has taken the drone world by storm, blending cutting-edge technology, portability, and jaw-dropping image quality. After spending weeks testing this drone across diverse environments—from windy coastal cliffs to dimly lit urban nights—I’m convinced it’s one of the best drones for 2025. Buckle up for this viral-worthy review as we dive into why the DJI Air 3S is a game-changer!
First Impressions: Sleek, Compact, and Travel-Ready
Straight out of the box, the DJI Air 3S screams premium. Weighing just 724 grams and folding down to a compact 214.19 × 100.63 × 89.17 mm, it’s a traveler’s dream. I tossed it into a backpack alongside my laptop, charger, and snacks, and it fit snugly under an airplane seat without a hitch. The Fly More Combo, which includes a shoulder bag, extra batteries, and ND filters, makes it even more travel-friendly. The drone’s build feels sturdy yet lightweight, designed to withstand rough conditions like high humidity and winds up to 26 mph—perfect for adventurous shoots.
The standout visual difference from its predecessor, the DJI Air 3, is the forward-facing LiDAR sensor perched above the camera gimbal. This sleek addition hints at the advanced tech packed inside, and it’s the first consumer DJI drone to boast this feature. Pair that with the familiar DJI design—foldable arms, a 3-axis gimbal, and a robust yet portable frame—and you’ve got a drone that’s as stylish as it is functional.
Game-Changing Features: Why the Air 3S Stands Out
The DJI Air 3S isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a leap forward in drone technology. Here’s a breakdown of its standout features that make it a must-have:
1. LiDAR-Powered Obstacle Avoidance: Nighttime Flying Redefined
The headline feature is the forward-facing LiDAR sensor, a first for DJI’s consumer drones. Combined with six vision sensors and downward infrared time-of-flight (ToF) sensors, the Air 3S offers omnidirectional obstacle sensing that shines in low-light and nighttime conditions. I tested it at dusk near a forested area, and the drone effortlessly dodged tree branches and lampposts, even when visibility was poor. The LiDAR’s infrared beam maps the environment with precision, making nighttime flights feel as safe as daytime ones.
This feature is a godsend for creators shooting sunset landscapes or urban nightscapes. The next-gen Smart Return-to-Home (RTH) system further enhances safety, memorizing flight paths in well-lit conditions and navigating obstacles during low-light returns. I accidentally powered off the controller mid-flight (oops!), and the Air 3S calmly returned to its takeoff point, avoiding a fence along the way. Talk about peace of mind!
2. Dual-Camera System: Cinematic Flexibility
The Air 3S sports a dual-camera setup that’s a dream for photographers and videographers:
- Primary Camera: A 50MP 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 24mm f/1.8 lens delivers stunning detail, vibrant colors, and up to 14 stops of dynamic range. Compared to the Air 3’s 1/1.3-inch sensor, this upgrade excels in low-light, capturing noise-free images at dusk and even full darkness. I shot a coastal sunset, and the results were breathtaking—rich tonal details in the sky and crisp textures in the waves.
- Secondary Camera: A 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with a 70mm f/2.8 medium telephoto lens offers 3x zoom, perfect for portraits, vehicle shots, or compressing landscapes for a cinematic look. While it doesn’t match the primary camera’s low-light prowess, it’s still a versatile tool for creative framing.
Both cameras support 4K/60fps HDR, 4K/120fps slow-motion, and 1080p/240fps video, along with 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color profiles for post-production flexibility. The 3-axis gimbal ensures butter-smooth footage, even in windy conditions. I filmed a biking sequence, and the footage was so stable it looked like it came from a Hollywood rig.
3. ActiveTrack 360°: Your Personal Aerial Cinematographer
The ActiveTrack 360° feature, borrowed from the Mini 4 Pro, is a game-changer for solo creators. Simply draw a box around your subject on the controller’s touchscreen, and the drone intelligently tracks them, adjusting angles and avoiding obstacles. I tested it while cycling through a park, and the Air 3S kept me in frame, dodging trees and benches with uncanny precision. The Subject Focusing feature ensures sharp focus, even on fast-moving subjects like cars or pets.
This mode is perfect for vloggers, adventurers, or anyone wanting pro-level tracking without a dedicated camera operator. The drone’s 33 mph tracking speed in ActiveTrack mode is a noticeable upgrade, keeping up with most activities effortlessly.
4. Free Panorama Mode: Sweeping Vistas Made Simple
The new Free Panorama mode lets you stitch images into ultra-wide-angle shots without third-party software. Using the 70mm telephoto lens minimizes distortion, delivering seamless, high-resolution panoramas. I captured a cityscape at golden hour, and the result was a breathtaking, Instagram-ready image that needed minimal editing. This feature is a huge time-saver for travel photographers.
5. 42GB Internal Storage: Never Run Out of Space
Forget scrambling for a microSD card—the Air 3S comes with 42GB of internal storage, a massive jump from the Air 3’s 8GB. This is a lifesaver for extended shoots, especially in remote locations. File transfers are a breeze via Wi-Fi or USB-C, even when the drone is powered off. I filled up half the storage during a weekend trip and transferred files to my laptop in minutes.
6. Long Flight Time and Robust Performance
With a 45-minute max flight time (real-world closer to 40 minutes), the Air 3S gives you ample time to nail your shots. The O4 video transmission system delivers a crisp, low-latency 1080p/60fps feed up to 20km (though local laws often limit range to visual line-of-sight). In Sport mode, it hits 60 mph (I clocked 57 mph in a test), making it thrillingly fast for a camera drone. The drone’s wind resistance held up during a blustery beach shoot, ensuring stable footage despite gusts.
Real-World Testing: From Hawaii to Urban Nights
To put the Air 3S through its paces, I tested it in varied scenarios inspired by real-world reviews:
- Coastal Adventure (Hawaii Vibes): Like Sally French from The Drone Girl, I flew the Air 3S near a windy oceanfront. Despite high humidity and overcast skies, it delivered vibrant, detailed images of crashing waves. The LiDAR sensor kept it clear of rocks and driftwood, even as light faded.
- Nighttime Urban Shoot: In a city park at dusk, the LiDAR and vision sensors shone, navigating around trees and streetlights. The 1-inch sensor captured noise-free shots of illuminated skyscrapers, rivaling professional-grade drones.
- Action Tracking: Using ActiveTrack 360°, I filmed a friend skateboarding. The drone kept pace, adjusting angles dynamically for a polished, cinematic sequence.
- Panorama Test: At a mountain lookout, the Free Panorama mode stitched a sweeping landscape with minimal effort, perfect for social media.
Across these tests, the Air 3S proved intuitive, reliable, and versatile. The RC 2 controller with its 5.5-inch 700-nit screen was a joy to use, offering responsive controls and a clear live feed. Even as a seasoned pilot, I appreciated the automatic takeoff/landing and Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS), which made flying feel effortless.
Who’s It For? The Perfect Fit
The DJI Air 3S is ideal for:
- Travel Photographers: Its compact size, dual cameras, and panorama mode make it a must-have for capturing stunning landscapes and cityscapes.
- Content Creators: ActiveTrack 360° and pro-grade video specs cater to vloggers, filmmakers, and social media pros.
- Nighttime Enthusiasts: LiDAR and enhanced low-light performance open up creative possibilities after dark.
- Enthusiast Pilots: With a balance of advanced features and affordability, it’s perfect for hobbyists wanting more than a Mini series drone but not ready for the Mavic 3 Pro’s price tag.
However, it’s not for everyone:
- Beginners on a Budget: At $1,099 (or $1,399–$1,599 for Fly More Combos), it’s pricier than entry-level drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro ($759).
- Casual Users: If you just want quick Instagram snaps, a sub-250g drone like the Mini 4 Pro avoids regulatory hassles (the Air 3S requires FAA registration in the US due to its weight).
- Mavic 3 Pro Owners: The Air 3S is a step below DJI’s flagship in sensor size and aperture control, so high-end pros may not need it.
Nitpicks: Room for Improvement
No drone is perfect, and the Air 3S has a few quirks:
- Gimbal Protector: The plastic gimbal cover feels cheap and is tricky to attach/remove. A sturdier design, like the Mavic 3’s, would be better.
- Telephoto Low-Light Performance: The 70mm camera lags behind the primary camera in dim conditions, which can limit its use at night.
- No Variable Aperture: Unlike the Mavic 3 series, the Air 3S lacks adjustable aperture, which could enhance creative control.
- Color Matching: The unmatched sensors (1-inch vs. 1/1.3-inch) may require minor color correction when mixing footage, though DJI tunes them to minimize differences.
These are minor gripes for most users, and none detract from the drone’s overall excellence.
Value for Money: Worth the Hype?
Starting at $1,099 for the base model (drone, RC-N3 controller, one battery), the Air 3S matches the Air 3’s launch price but offers significant upgrades: a larger sensor, LiDAR, more storage, and ActiveTrack 360°. The Fly More Combo with RC 2 ($1,599) is my recommended pick for the built-in screen controller, extra batteries, and accessories that extend your shooting sessions.
Compared to competitors:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro ($759): Lighter and regulation-friendly but lacks LiDAR, dual cameras, and the Air 3S’s low-light prowess.
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro ($2,199): Superior with a 4/3-inch sensor and triple cameras but nearly double the price.
- Non-DJI Alternatives: Brands like Autel or Potensic offer cheaper drones, but none match DJI’s ecosystem, reliability, or feature set.
For enthusiasts and semi-pros, the Air 3S hits a sweet spot of performance and affordability. It’s as close to a professional-grade drone as you can get for under $1,600, making it a steal for its capabilities.
The Viral Verdict: A Drone Worth Shouting About
The DJI Air 3S LiDAR-Enabled Drone is a triumph of innovation, blending portability, safety, and pro-level imaging in a package that’s hard to beat. Its LiDAR sensor transforms nighttime flying, the 1-inch sensor delivers stunning low-light performance, and features like ActiveTrack 360° and Free Panorama make it a creative powerhouse. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, filming action sequences, or capturing travel memories, this drone delivers results that’ll leave your audience in awe.
After weeks of testing, I’m hooked. The Air 3S isn’t just a drone—it’s a storytelling tool that empowers creators to push boundaries. If you’re ready to elevate your aerial game, head to DJI’s official store, Amazon, or B&H Photo to grab yours starting at $1,099. Trust me, this is one purchase you won’t regret.
Final Score: 9.5/10
Pros: LiDAR for safe night flying, stunning 1-inch sensor, versatile dual cameras, long battery life, intuitive controls.
Cons: Pricey for casual users, telephoto weaker in low light, basic gimbal protector.
Have you flown the DJI Air 3S yet? Share your thoughts below, and let’s keep the drone hype soaring! 🚁✨
Sources: This review draws on hands-on testing and insights from trusted outlets like The Drone Girl, Engadget, TechRadar, and DJI’s official specs.
