By Marcus Yeo for the Just Drones team — updated 20 May 2026
Quick verdict: If someone walks into a conversation with the Just Drones team and asks which DJI to buy, this is what we point them at first. Capable across every mode, LiDAR obstacle sensing, no real weak points.
Specs at a glance
| Weight | 724g |
| Cameras | Dual 1/1.3" wide + 3x tele |
| Max video | 4K/100 HDR |
| Flight time | 45 min |
| Transmission | OcuSync 4 ~20km |
| Approx. AUD | $1,599+ |
DJI Air 3S review
What’s good about it
LiDAR obstacle sensing changes the night-flying maths
The Air 3S uses LiDAR for forward sensing, which means it works in real darkness not just the marketing definition of low light. Caught a branch on auto-RTH after sunset that the Air 3 would have eaten.
Both cameras are usable, not just the headline one
3x tele on the 3S is sharper than the original Air 3’s, and both cameras share matched sensors so cuts between them in the edit dont need colour-matching.
45-min flight is real
Real-world 39-42 min in moderate wind. Enough to plan a multi-shot sequence without battery anxiety.
Forward LED makes spotter ops legal and sane
Small thing, big impact — gives you a hard visual lock at distance. CASA’s VLOS rule becomes demonstrably easier to comply with.
What’s not so good
Air 3 (non-S) is still on shelves and discounted
If you dont need LiDAR or the better tele, the Air 3 is the better deal, often $300 cheaper especially refurbished.
Twin 1/1.3" sensors are still 1/1.3"
Coming from a Mavic 3 Pro into low light, you drop a stop. Dont expect Mavic-class noise performance, its not in the sensor budget.
Some firmware menus are deeper than they need to be
New LiDAR settings sit four menus deep in DJI Fly. Took the team three sessions to find the sensitivity slider.
Carrying case is the same uninspiring shoulder bag
DJI keeps shipping the same nylon bag with every Fly More. Replace it with a Smatree hard case day one.
Who should buy this
First-time prosumer buyer who wants a single drone for everything. Or upgrading from a Mini-class wanting more reach, more low-light, more sensors.
Who should skip
You need sub-250g — get a Mini 4 Pro. Or you want 4/3″ for stills — Mavic 3/4 Pro.
Heads up: the buy button above goes to Amazon Australia with the Just Drones team’s affiliate tag drones02-22. Costs you nothing extra; pays for the gear we crash during testing.
