I'll admit it: I was skeptical. When DJI announced the Air 3 with its dual-camera system, I assumed it was a gimmick—a way to justify a higher price tag without meaningful improvements. After putting this drone through six months of real-world testing across deserts, coastlines, and urban environments, I've never been happier to be proven wrong.
"The Air 3 represents something rare in the drone world: genuine innovation at a reasonable price point. DJI could have played it safe with incremental updates. Instead, they redefined what a mid-range drone can accomplish."
— Hans Wiegert, Senior Drone CorrespondentThe Dual-Camera Revolution: Why 70mm Changes Everything
Let's start with the headline feature: the Air 3 carries two cameras. The primary wide-angle (24mm equivalent, 1/1.3-inch sensor) handles the classic drone shots we've come to expect. But it's the secondary 70mm medium telephoto camera that transforms what this drone can capture.
Having tested dozens of drones over the years, I can confidently say this: optical zoom isn't just about getting closer. It fundamentally changes your compositional options. Compressed perspectives, isolated subjects, architectural details without flying dangerously close to buildings—the 70mm lens opens creative doors that simply don't exist with wide-only systems.
Wide Camera (24mm)
- • 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
- • 48MP photo resolution
- • f/1.7 aperture
- • 4K/60fps HDR video
- • 82.3° FOV
Telephoto Camera (70mm)
- • 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
- • 48MP photo resolution
- • f/2.8 aperture
- • 4K/60fps HDR video
- • 35° FOV
46 Minutes of Flight: More Than Just a Number
DJI claims 46 minutes of flight time. In my real-world testing with mixed flying styles—hovering, cruising, using both cameras—I consistently achieved 38-42 minutes. That's extraordinary.
To put this in perspective: my trusty Mavic Air 2 gave me about 28 minutes of usable flight time. The Air 3 nearly doubles that. Over a full shooting day, this translates to fewer battery swaps, more creative time in the air, and significantly less anxiety about battery warnings interrupting the perfect shot.
⏱️ Real-World Flight Time Breakdown
O4 Transmission: The Range You'll Never Actually Use
DJI's O4 transmission system provides a claimed 20km range with 1080p/60fps video feed. In practice, I never flew beyond 3-4km—both because of legal visual line of sight requirements and because I didn't need to. What matters more than max range is signal stability, and here the Air 3 excels.
In urban environments with significant 5GHz interference, the Air 3 maintained rock-solid connections where my older drones would stutter and reconnect. The dual-band (2.4GHz + 5.8GHz) capability and automatic switching handle congested RF environments gracefully.
Image Quality: Serious Photography, Serious Results
Both cameras share identical 1/1.3-inch sensors with 48MP resolution, and the results are genuinely impressive. DJI's color science continues to mature—images require minimal correction out of camera, with accurate skin tones and well-balanced saturation.
Low-light performance surprised me. The f/1.7 aperture on the wide camera gathers significantly more light than the previous generation, and noise remains well-controlled up to ISO 1600 in stills. For video, DJI's noise reduction algorithms keep footage clean through golden hour and into blue hour without the smearing that plagued earlier models.
| Feature | Air 3 | Air 2S |
|---|---|---|
| Cameras | Dual (24mm + 70mm) | Single (22mm) |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.3" (both) | 1" |
| Max Video | 4K/60fps HDR | 5.4K/30fps |
| Flight Time | 46 minutes | 31 minutes |
| Weight | 720g | 595g |
Obstacle Avoidance: Finally, True Omnidirectional Protection
The Air 3 features genuine omnidirectional obstacle sensing with no blind spots—a first for the Air line. The vision sensors cover forward, backward, upward, downward, and both sides, and they work. I intentionally flew toward trees at moderate speeds, and the drone consistently stopped or navigated around obstacles.
The APAS 5.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance System) has also improved dramatically. In previous generations, APAS was too conservative, constantly halting movement. The Air 3's system finds a better balance—avoiding obstacles while maintaining fluid flight paths. For the first time, I actually leave it enabled during creative shooting.
Who Should Buy the DJI Air 3?
The Air 3 occupies a compelling middle ground. It's not the absolute best at anything—the Mavic 4 Pro has better sensors, the Mini 5 Pro is more portable, and specialized cinema drones offer more video features. But for most pilots, the Air 3 is better than "good enough" at everything.
✓ Perfect For
- • Travel and landscape photographers
- • Real estate videographers
- • Content creators who value versatility
- • Upgraders from Air 2/Air 2S
- • Pilots who want one do-it-all drone
✗ Look Elsewhere If
- • You need maximum portability (Mini line)
- • You require Hasselblad color science (Mavic line)
- • Budget is primary concern (under $500 options)
- • You need 1-inch sensor performance
But for the increasingly large group in the middle—content creators, real estate photographers, travel videographers, and serious hobbyists—the Air 3 hits a remarkable sweet spot. You get dual cameras, flagship-level flight time, robust transmission, and excellent image quality for $300-500 less than the Mavic 3 line.
🎯 The Verdict
The DJI Air 3 is the drone I wish existed when I started aerial photography. It's capable enough for professional work, approachable enough for enthusiasts, and priced reasonably enough that you don't need to justify it as a "business expense."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DJI Air 3 worth upgrading from Air 2S?
If you regularly wish for more focal length flexibility or longer flight times, yes. If your Air 2S is handling everything you need, the upgrade is nice-to-have rather than essential.
Does the Air 3 require FAA registration?
Yes. At 720g, it's well above the 250g threshold. You'll need to register and display your registration number. Check our FAA license guide for details.
How does the 70mm tele camera compare to digital zoom?
Night and day. The optical telephoto maintains full resolution and image quality. Digital zoom just crops and upscales. There's no comparison for serious work.
Should I get the RC 2 or RC-N2 controller?
The RC 2 (with built-in screen) is worth the premium for most users. It's brighter in sunlight, eliminates phone-cable hassle, and the overall experience is more polished.
Billy Stevenson tested the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo (RC 2) for six months across Arizona, California, and Oregon. This review was not sponsored by DJI, and the drone was purchased at retail price. Last updated December 2025.