The DJI Air 2S has quickly become a favorite among drone enthusiasts and professionals alike, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile and capable drones on the market. Combining advanced features, portability, and impressive performance, the Air 2S is often referred to as the "ultimate all-rounder" in the DJI lineup. In this DJI Air 2s review, we will delve deep into what makes the DJI Air 2S such a standout drone, covering its design, camera quality, flight performance, intelligent features, and more.
Also read my detailed review on DJI Mini 3 Pro.
1. Design and Build Quality
The DJI Air 2S maintains the compact and foldable design that DJI is known for, making it extremely portable and easy to carry. It weighs just 595 grams, striking a balance between lightweight construction and solid build quality. The drone’s body is made from high-quality materials that ensure durability while keeping the weight manageable. The folding arms and propellers make it easy to pack the drone into a small bag, making it perfect for travelers and outdoor adventurers.
Despite its compact size, the Air 2S feels sturdy in hand, with a design that inspires confidence during flights. The overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, with a professional look that belies its relatively affordable price point.
2. Camera Performance
One of the standout features of the DJI Air 2S is its camera. Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, the Air 2S offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Mavic Air 2. This larger sensor allows for better low-light performance, improved dynamic range, and more detailed images and videos.
- Still Photography: The 20MP camera on the Air 2S captures stunning still images with vibrant colors and sharp details. The larger sensor also allows for better depth of field and more accurate color reproduction, making your photos look more natural and lifelike.
- Video Quality: The DJI Air 2S can shoot 5.4K video at 30fps, providing ultra-high-definition footage that rivals much more expensive drones. It also supports 4K video at 60fps and 1080p at 120fps for slow-motion shots. The video quality is crisp, with excellent color accuracy and minimal noise, even in challenging lighting conditions. The addition of 10-bit Dlog-M color profile support allows for professional-grade color grading, giving you more control over your post-production process.
- HDR and Intelligent HDR: The Air 2S also features HDR (High Dynamic Range) video recording, which helps to retain more details in the shadows and highlights of your footage. Intelligent HDR automatically combines multiple shots to create images and videos with more dynamic range, making your footage look more vibrant and detailed.
3. Flight Performance and Stability
The DJI Air 2S excels in flight performance, offering a smooth and stable flying experience that is accessible to both beginners and seasoned pilots. The drone is powered by a robust propulsion system that allows it to reach speeds of up to 19 m/s (42.5 mph) in Sport mode. It can ascend at a rate of 6 m/s and descend at 6 m/s, making it agile and responsive during flights.
- Max Flight Time: The Air 2S offers a maximum flight time of 31 minutes, which, while slightly shorter than some of DJI's other models, is still impressive given the drone's size and capabilities. The drone’s battery is efficient, allowing you to capture plenty of footage during a single flight.
- Stability: Thanks to DJI's advanced flight control systems, the Air 2S remains stable even in windy conditions. The drone is equipped with four-directional obstacle sensing, which uses binocular zooming technology and sensors to detect obstacles up to 23.6 meters away. This enhances the drone’s ability to navigate complex environments and avoid collisions.
- O3 Transmission System: The DJI Air 2S features DJI's O3 (OcuSync 3.0) transmission system, which provides a stable and reliable connection between the drone and the remote controller. This system allows for a transmission range of up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and supports 1080p live video feed at 30fps, ensuring you get a clear view of your surroundings while flying.
4. Intelligent Features
The DJI Air 2S is packed with intelligent features that make capturing professional-quality footage easier than ever. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced drone pilot, these features help you get the most out of your drone.
- MasterShots: This feature is a game-changer for those who want to capture cinematic footage with minimal effort. MasterShots automatically selects and performs 10 different maneuvers, such as circle, helix, and rocket, to create a short, polished video. The drone does all the work, making it easy to capture stunning shots without needing to manually control the camera.
- FocusTrack: The Air 2S offers three powerful tracking modes: ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0. These modes allow you to track and follow subjects with ease, keeping them in focus while you fly. Whether you're tracking a moving car, a person, or an animal, FocusTrack ensures your subject stays centered and sharp.
- QuickShots and Hyperlapse: QuickShots offers pre-programmed flight paths that allow you to create dynamic shots with a single tap. Options like Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Boomerang add creativity to your footage. Hyperlapse, on the other hand, lets you create time-lapse videos with ease, compressing hours of footage into a short, mesmerizing clip.
- APAS 4.0: The Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 4.0 enables the Air 2S to autonomously avoid obstacles in complex environments. This feature works in conjunction with the drone's sensors to create a safe and smooth flying experience, even in tight spaces or around obstacles.
5. Battery Life and Charging
As mentioned earlier, the DJI Air 2S offers a flight time of up to 31 minutes on a single charge. While this is slightly less than some other DJI models, it’s still sufficient for most aerial photography and videography tasks. The drone comes with a standard Intelligent Flight Battery, and additional batteries can be purchased to extend your flying sessions.
The Air 2S supports fast charging, allowing you to recharge the batteries quickly and get back in the air. The battery life is managed efficiently, and the drone will automatically return to its home point if the battery gets too low, ensuring you don’t lose your drone during flights.
6. Remote Controller and Transmission
The DJI Air 2S comes with the DJI RC-N1 remote controller, which is compatible with DJI's Fly app. The controller is comfortable to hold and features a simple, intuitive layout. It has a built-in mount for your smartphone, which acts as your live view screen.
The O3 transmission system ensures a strong and stable connection between the drone and the controller, even in challenging environments. The transmission range is impressive, and the low-latency 1080p video feed allows for precise control and framing of your shots.
Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Camera | 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor |
| Video Resolution | 5.4K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps |
| Flight Time | Up to 31 minutes |
| Transmission Range | 12km (O3 Transmission System) |
| Obstacle Sensing | 4-directional |
| Max Speed | 19 m/s |
| Max Altitude | 5,000 meters |
| Weight | 595 grams |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | MasterShots, FocusTrack, QuickShots |
| Battery Capacity | 3,500mAh |
7. User Experience and Reviews
User reviews of the DJI Air 2S are overwhelmingly positive. Many users praise the drone for its excellent camera quality, smooth flight performance, and user-friendly interface. The Air 2S is often recommended for both beginners and professionals, thanks to its combination of advanced features and ease of use.
On Amazon, the Air 2S has garnered high ratings, with users highlighting the drone’s versatility and value for money. Some users have mentioned that they wish the flight time were longer, but this is a minor complaint given the drone's overall performance.
Also read my detailed review on DJI Mavic 3.
8. Price and Value
The DJI Air 2S is priced competitively for the features it offers. It’s more affordable than some of DJI's higher-end models, like the Mavic 3, but still delivers professional-grade performance. The Air 2S is available in several configurations, including the standard package and the Fly More Combo, which includes additional batteries, propellers, and a carrying case.
Given its capabilities, the DJI Air 2S offers excellent value for money. It’s a versatile drone that can handle a wide range of tasks, from casual photography to professional videography, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone in the market for a high-quality drone.
9. Conclusion
The DJI Air 2S truly lives up to its reputation as the ultimate all-rounder. It combines a powerful camera, impressive flight performance, and a host of intelligent features in a compact and portable package. Whether you’re a seasoned drone pilot or just starting, the Air 2S offers something for everyone.
Its 1-inch sensor and 5.4K video recording capabilities make it a strong contender in the prosumer market, while its ease of use and intelligent features make it accessible to beginners. While the battery life could be slightly better, the Air 2S’s overall performance and versatility make it a top choice in its class.
In summary, the DJI Air 2S is a fantastic drone that delivers on all fronts. If you’re looking for a drone that can do it all, from capturing stunning aerial footage to navigating complex environments with ease, the Air 2S is an excellent choice.