DJI, the world leader in civilian drone and aerial imaging technology, will be releasing a host of products this year. We hope that the long-awaited DJI Air 3 will be among them.
The DJI Air range is one of their most popular consumer drone range; they are packed with features, are easy to operate and are not too expensive. The DJ Air 2S raised the bar for lightweight drones for aerial photography with its 1-inch sensor and 31 minutes of flight time.
However, it has been a couple of years since its release, and there is an expectation that DJI will be announcing the release of the DJI Air 3 later this year.
When Will The DJI Air 3 Be Released?
While the company has not confirmed a specific date, if they do release the DJI Air 3, it will likely be in the third quarter of 2023. It has been a couple of years since the release of the Air 2S, so hopefully, we will not have to wait too long for DJI to release the DJI Air 3.
DJI Air 3 Feature Upgrade
The DJI Air 3 is expected to come with a slew of upgrades, particularly in the areas of camera performance, transmission range, obstacle avoidance and flight time.
Enhanced Camera Capabilities
The DJI Air 3 will feature significant improvements in camera technology compared to its predecessor, the DJI Air 2S. With a focus on providing professional-quality aerial photography, the Air 3 is expected to boast a new, larger sensor that can capture more detail and perform better in low-light conditions.
While DJI has not yet confirmed the exact specifications of the Air 3’s camera, the possibility of incorporating a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor is generating considerable buzz among drone enthusiasts. The MFT sensor, similar to the one found in the Mavic 3, would be a significant upgrade from the 1-inch sensor in the DJI Air 2S.
The MFT sensor offers several advantages over the traditional 1-inch sensor, including a larger imaging area, which can result in better image quality, especially in low-light situations. With a higher dynamic range and improved colour reproduction, the Air 3 would be capable of capturing more detail and producing more accurate, true-to-life images.
While it is true that the Air 3 is not expected to feature a dual camera system like the Mavic 3, the inclusion of an MFT sensor would still be a significant improvement over its predecessor. This upgrade would not only enhance the Air 3’s image and video quality but also offer increased versatility for photographers and videographers alike.
This could potentially deliver 6K video resolution and high-resolution still images, pushing the boundaries of what consumer drones can achieve.
In addition to the improved sensor, the Air 3’s camera is anticipated to have an upgraded lens with a wider aperture (which may be adjustable), allowing for better depth-of-field control and enhanced low-light performance.
Extended Transmission Range
While the exact range remains unknown, it is speculated that the Air 3 will surpass the 12 km (7.45 miles) transmission range of its predecessor. This would allow pilots to fly their drones farther away while maintaining control and image transmission quality, opening up new possibilities for aerial photography and exploration.
Improved Flight Time
Longer flight times are always on the wishlist of drone enthusiasts, and the DJI Air 3 will most likely deliver. While the DJI Air 2S has an impressive flight time of 31 minutes, the Air 3 will push the boundaries even further.
Although the exact flight time remains unconfirmed, it is believed that DJI will achieve this improvement through a combination of a more efficient battery and optimized aerodynamics.
Advanced Obstacle Avoidance Capabilities
The DJI Air 3 is expected to improve the obstacle avoidance system found in the Air 2S, which uses 4-way obstacle avoidance sensors to detect and avoid obstacles in real time. The Air 3, however, will expand on this system with the addition of more advanced sensors, providing improved coverage and accuracy in obstacle detection.
It is speculated that the Air 3 will feature a more comprehensive 360-degree obstacle avoidance system, similar to the one in the DJI Mavic 2 and 3. This upgrade would enable the drone to detect and avoid obstacles not only in its forward, backward, and downward paths but also in its lateral and upward directions. This increased coverage will provide pilots with an added layer of safety, allowing for more seamless flight experiences, especially in complex environments.
How Much Will The DJI Air 3 Cost?
Based on the expected upgrades and improvements in features, we can speculate that the price might be higher than that of its predecessor, the DJI Air 2S.
For reference, the DJI Air 2S was launched with a starting price of around $999 for the standard package and $1,299 for the Fly More Combo, which included additional accessories such as extra batteries, a charging hub, and ND filters.
Considering the significant upgrades like the enhanced camera capabilities, improved transmission range, increased flight time, and advanced obstacle avoidance system, the Air 3 might be priced slightly higher to reflect these new features.
Summary
The DJI Air 3 will be a game-changer in the world of consumer drones, with its upgraded camera, extended transmission range, omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system and improved flight time. Although the release date remains unconfirmed, the Air 3 is one of the most anticipated drone releases in 2023.
