In the world of high-end compact drones, the DJI Air 2S stands out as one of the most versatile and powerful consumer drones available. It is one of the best drones in its price range and a fantastic option for professional drone photography. However, with the increased use of drones for outdoor activities, it’s essential to know whether the DJI Air 2S can handle the elements. In this blog post, we’ll focus on answering the question: is the DJI Air 2S waterproof?

Related: The Best Waterproof Drones

Is The DJI Air 2S Waterproof?

The DJI Air 2S is not officially classified as waterproof. It lacks an IP rating, meaning it hasn’t been tested to withstand water ingress. Although it can handle some light rain or minor water exposure, it is not intended to be flown in heavy rain.

What Happens If the DJI Air 2S Gets Wet?

If the DJI Air 2S gets wet, its electronic components may be at risk of damage, potentially leading to malfunctions or complete failure. Water can also corrode metal parts and cause problems with the drone’s motors or battery.

Can You Fly The DJI Air 2S In The Rain?

DJI’s official stance on flying their consumer drones, including the DJI Air 2S, in the rain is clear: avoid it. Despite this, many adventurous drone enthusiasts do push these boundaries by operating their drones in less-than-optimal weather conditions.

Given the significant investment required for a high-quality drone like the DJI Air 2S, I generally advise against exposing it to any form of wet conditions. However, it’s worth noting that there are instances where pilots have flown this particular model in light rain without experiencing immediate adverse effects, as shown in the video linked below.

But before you consider doing the same, remember that just because some drones have survived such conditions, it doesn’t guarantee yours will. Light rain might not cause immediate harm, but it could lead to long-term damage. Moisture can infiltrate the delicate electronic systems and cause corrosion over time, leading to unexpected failures down the line.

Moreover, flying in the rain is a risk that could void the warranty provided by DJI, leaving you liable for any repair or replacement costs.

Therefore, while the DJI Air 2S may exhibit a level of resilience to light rain, it’s essential to remember that it’s not designed or rated for such conditions. For the longevity of your drone and to ensure its optimal performance, it’s best to fly in clear, dry conditions whenever possible.

A Brief Overview of the DJI Air 2S Drone

Is The DJI Air 2S Waterproof?

The DJI Air 2S is an advanced drone that brings significant improvements to its predecessor, the Mavic Air 2. The standout feature of the Air 2S is its powerful 1-inch CMOS sensor, capable of capturing stunning 20 MP photos and 5.4K videos at 30 fps, or 4K videos at 60 fps, offering users greater detail and image quality. Its flight performance is robust, with a maximum speed of 19 m/s, wind resistance of up to 10.5 m/s, and a battery life that allows for approximately 31 minutes of flight time.

The Air 2S also introduces the MasterShots feature, which automates the process of capturing professional-level aerial footage in various modes, including proximity, landscape, and portrait, and seamlessly merges the results into a short cinematic video. To ensure safe and easy navigation, the drone is equipped with an Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 4.0, which enables it to autonomously avoid obstacles in its path.

DJI’s proprietary transmission technology, O3 (OcuSync 3.0), allows for a reliable, high-resolution, low-latency video feed from up to 12 km away. The Air 2S also takes safety seriously, with an integrated ADS-B receiver, known as AirSense, which alerts the operator to nearby manned aircraft.

Despite its rich features, the Air 2S maintains a compact and foldable design, enhancing its portability. The drone is also capable of intelligent tracking, thanks to features such as Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, which facilitate the creation of dynamic shots.

The Importance of Knowing If Your Drone Is Waterproof/Rainproof

Knowing if your drone is waterproof can be crucial whether you’re flying near bodies of water or in unpredictable weather. Water damage can lead to short circuits, corrosion, or even complete failure of the drone, which can be both costly and disappointing. It’s important to know how water-resistant your drone is so that you can make better choices about the right time and place to fly it.

Explanation of IP Rating and What it Means for Water Resistance

An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standardized measure of how well a device is protected against dust and water. The IP rating has two numbers: the first represents protection against solid particles, while the second indicates protection against liquids. For example, an IP67 rating means the device is dust-tight and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without suffering damage.

DJI Air 2S Wetsuit

For those who are determined to fly in the rain, I do recommend you purchase a DJI Air 2S wetsuit. It’s made by Phantomrain.org, and this is the only company I know of that has created a working wetsuit for many of the most popular DJI drones, and this includes the DJI Air 2S. As you can see from the video below and from the comments on their Etsy shop, the wetsuits work and allow pilots to operate their drones in the rain.

Tips on How to Dry and Clean the Drone After Exposure to Water

If your DJI Air 2S gets wet, follow these steps:

  • Power off the drone immediately and remove the battery.
  • Gently shake the drone to remove excess water.
  • Use a soft cloth or paper towel to dry the exterior surfaces.
  • Place the drone and battery in a dry, well-ventilated area or a container filled with silica gel packets to absorb moisture.
  • Allow the drone to dry completely before attempting to power it on again.

Protecting Your DJI Air 2S from Water Damage To minimize the risk of water damage:

  • Avoid flying in rainy conditions or near bodies of water.
  • Be cautious in high-humidity environments.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain your drone, paying particular attention to its battery, motors, and electronic components.
  • Best Practices for Flying Near Bodies of Water or in Rainy Conditions If you must fly near water or in light rain, follow these tips:
  • Fly at a safe distance from the water’s surface.
  • Keep a close eye on the weather conditions and be prepared to land immediately if the rain intensifies.
  • Use waterproof accessories, such as a waterproof drone bag, to protect your drone.

Final Thoughts

The DJI Air 2S is an impressive drone, boasting a range of advanced features and delivering high-quality imagery.  Is the DJI Air 2S waterproof? As we have seen, officially, the drone is not waterproof, and DJI discourages users from flying the Air 2S in wet conditions, so it’s important to exercise caution when near bodies of water. By understanding the drone’s limitations, using protective accessories, and following best practices, you can keep your DJI Air 2S safe and prolong its lifespan. Remember, the key to preventing water damage is preparation and quick action if your drone does get wet.