Subsequent up in our “Ask Drone Lady” sequence is a query about upgrading to the DJI Air 3S vs Air 2 drones. When you have a query for Drone Lady, contact her right here. Observe, the next query has been edited for readability and brevity.
I lately planted my DJI Air 2 in a treetop (RIP) and am debating my subsequent transfer. Ought to I get a refurbished Air 2S from DJI or go large with the Air 3S and its devoted controller? I’m a hobbyist however have had my Half 107 for 3 years (sure, I did my coaching replace which I believe most don’t do!).
I like your enthusiasm for drones! Shedding an Air 2 in a treetop is a troublesome break, however it sounds such as you’re prepared for an improve that not solely improves your expertise but in addition helps your potential future enterprise ventures. I promise, the DJI Air 3S is way simpler to fly.
DJI Air 3S vs Air 2: which is best for you?
If funds is a key issue, the refurbished Air 2S remains to be an ideal drone with a stable 1-inch sensor for high-quality photographs. You and I each say refurbished, as a result of DJI has since ceased manufacturing. Although, you’ll find new fashions on third-party retailers together with Amazon and B&H Picture.
Nevertheless, given that you simply’re eyeing a neater setup and contemplating future business functions, the Air 3S is a robust selection. It’s a major enchancment from the two and 2s, and it’s (comparatively talking) not that rather more costly when wanting on the base fashions.
Some highlights of the DJI Air 3S embrace that it has twin cameras (wide-angle and medium tele), considerably higher battery life (45 minutes vs. 31 minutes on the Air 2S), and, most significantly, a devoted controller (DJI RC 2), which eliminates the necessity for a cellphone hookup.
Right here’s how these drones look on key specs, side-by-side:
| DJI Air 2 | DJI Air 2S | DJI Air 3S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital camera Sensor | 1/2″ CMOS | 1″ CMOS | Huge: 1/1.3″ CMOS, Medium Tele: 1/1.3″ CMOS |
| Flight Time | 34 minutes | 31 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Impediment Avoidance | Ahead, backward, downward | 4-way (ahead, backward, downward, upward) | Omnidirectional binocular imaginative and prescient system, supplemented with forward-facing LiDAR and an infrared sensor on the backside of the plane |
| Transmission System | OcuSync 2.0 | O3 | O4 |
| Inner Storage | 8GB | 8GB | 42GB |
| Max Wind Resistance | 10.7 m/s | 10.7 m/s | 12 m/s |
| Weight | 570g | 595g | 724g |
| Worth of base mannequin with normal controller | $820 | $894 | $1,099 (with DJI RC-N3 controller) |
| Worth of Fly Extra Combo with upgraded controller | n/a | $1,087 (used) | $1,599 (with RC 2) |
Observe that costs can fluctuate, notably on the DJI Air 2 and DJI Air 2S, as DJI has ceased manufacturing on each drones. These costs are based mostly on main retailers, which resell their current inventory of drones, however usually tend to change than costs on merchandise nonetheless in manufacturing. After all, all costs can change — particularly with current China tariff information.
And in a single instance on my chart, the Air 2S with upgraded controller, we’re wanting on the worth for a used mannequin. You talked about being keen to purchase a refurbished model of the Air 2S. Refurbished or used drones may be price it — particularly if value is a precedence.
However, learn the outline fastidiously. In some circumstances, refurbished drones are virtually pretty much as good as shopping for new if it’s merely a product that was opened, by no means used and returned — however now can now not be bought as model new.
Different varieties of used or refurbished drones may even have points that aren’t definitely worth the threat. For instance, within the instance of the $1,087 used DJI Air 2S, Adorama clearly spells out the problems, together with that it’s lacking a bunch of cables. That may not be a giant deal in case you have the cables anyway (and hey, you already had a DJI Air 2 that crashed right into a tree, however you seemingly have the cables nonetheless). However, the financial savings on a used model won’t be definitely worth the headache in coping with a used drone that’s lacking items.
And one thing unfavorable to contemplate when shopping for a drone that’s each used and out of manufacturing: you gained’t get the extent of help you’d anticipate. Particularly if that you must purchase alternative components, you’ll have a troublesome time discovering them.
DJI Air 3S vs Air 2: how to decide on
Since you have already got your Half 107, the Air 3S may very well be an ideal step towards skilled work, whether or not that’s providing crusing footage, stepping into actual property footage of lighthouses, doing inspections or working in a sophisticated discipline like mapping.
Key upgrades like O4 transmission and that longer flight time will make skilled work a lot simpler.
Sure, the DJI Air 3S is dearer. However particularly since you need the controller with the built-in display (that’s the RC 2 quite than the RC-N3), it’s higher to simply purchase it new with the DJI Air 3S then go for a refurbished mannequin.
When you’re on the lookout for a straightforward, high-quality drone for each private and potential enterprise use, go for the Air 3S. It’s a robust, versatile device that can elevate your flying expertise whereas protecting future alternatives open.
Completely happy flying!
When you have a query for Drone Lady, contact her right here.
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