DJI Air 3 with dual 48MP 1/1.3-inch sensors, 4K slow motion at 100fps, and 48% longer battery life

DJI has unveiled the Air 3 drone (DJI RC-N2), featuring several upgrades, such as a 48-megapixel dual camera, a new controller with OcuSync 4 support, and an extended battery life of 46 minutes.

Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the DJI Mavic 3, the Air 3 sacrifices some premium features, like the Hasselblad branding and the large FourThirds sensor found in the Mavic 3’s main camera, to keep costs down. Nonetheless, the design of the Air 3 closely resembles that of the Mavic 3, and it shares many of the same functions.

The Air 3 comes equipped with a 48 MP f/2.8 telephoto camera featuring a 1/1.3-inch sensor and triple zoom, which is identical to the one found in the Mavic 3 Pro. Additionally, it boasts a 48 MP f/1.7 main camera with the same sensor as the telephoto camera, but with a lens offering a 35 mm equivalent focal length of 24 mm. Both cameras are capable of capturing photos with shutter speeds ranging from 2 seconds to 1/16,000s, as well as shooting 4K videos at up to 100 frames per second.

The drone also supports recording portrait videos in 2.7K resolution, and it offers a range of automated tracking features, including ActiveTrack 5.0, Spotlight 2.0, Point of Interest 3.0, and QuickShots. Additionally, a new addition to the Air series is the waypoint function, which enables users to plan a flight route for the drone to automatically follow, resulting in smoother tracking shots.

Thanks to OcuSync 4, the drone can transmit 1,080p videos at 60 frames per second to the remote control, with a maximum range of 10 kilometers in Europe. The standard package includes the new RC-N2 remote control, which lacks a display. DJI claims that the Air 3’s battery life is 48 percent longer than its direct predecessor, allowing the drone to stay airborne for up to 46 minutes before requiring a battery change.

DJI Air 3 release date and price

The DJI Air 3 is available for purchase on Amazon.com, Bhphotovideo.com, and Amazon.co.uk. Customers can opt for a bundle with the DJI RC-N2 remote control for $1,099, or choose the Fly More Combo, which includes two additional batteries and spare propellers, priced at $1,349. Another option is the $1,549 package, which includes the DJI RC 2 remote control with a touchscreen. Batteries can also be purchased individually for $149.