DJI Air 3S
DJI Air 3S: two focal lengths, 724 g. What that weight changes in the regulations, and what to plan for.
Two focal lengths, and a threshold crossed
The Air 3S carries two sensors: a wide angle and a telephoto. That is what sets it apart from the Mini range, and what lets you change framing without moving the aircraft, and so without getting closer to what you are filming.
But it weighs 724 grams, and that single fact changes the whole regulatory frame.
What the regulations require for this model
| Mass | 724 g |
| Aircraft class | C1, marked by the manufacturer. The marking on the aircraft is what counts |
| Flight category | Open, subcategory A2 or A3 depending on distance to people |
| Training | Mandatory: A1/A3 as a minimum, A2 to fly close to people |
| Operator registration | Mandatory |
| Operator number | To be displayed on the aircraft |
| Insurance | Not mandatory for recreational use, strongly advised |
This is the most expensive difference between this aircraft and a Mini: training is required, where none is under 250 grams. A1/A3 is taken online, but it is not optional.
Flying over people is also more constrained than in A1, and a flight in a built-up area means holding distances the aircraft does not measure for you.
What it does well
- Two focal lengths, so you do not move closer to frame tight
- 1-inch sensor on the main lens
- Obstacle sensing with forward LiDAR, useful in low light
- Steadier in wind than a 249-gram aircraft
What to know before buying
- 724 g: training is mandatory, and the flight category is more constrained
- Bulkier than a Mini: it does not slip into a pocket
- The telephoto is useful but not universal: it is a second framing, not a continuous zoom
- Neither memory card nor filters are supplied
- The advertised flight time assumes hovering with no wind
What is in the box, and what is missing
The basic pack flies as it comes, but a memory card is essential from the first serious outing: two 4K sensors fill one fast.
Going further
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ND filters