As a drone enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of piloting numerous drones over the years, but the DJI Air 2S stands out as a game changer in the field of aerial photography and videography. From the moment I unboxed this sleek drone, I knew it was something special. Its capabilities far surpassed my expectations, combining user-friendly features with powerful technology that makes capturing professional-quality footage a breeze.

5 Most Impressive Features

The DJI Air 2S is packed with features that make it an exciting drone for any aerial photography enthusiast or professional videographer. Here are some of the standout features that particularly excite me:

1. 1-Inch CMOS Sensor

The inclusion of a 1-inch CMOS sensor in the DJI Air 2S is a significant upgrade from its predecessors. This larger sensor size allows for higher quality images with better detail, greater dynamic range, and superior performance in low-light conditions. The ability to capture 20-megapixel photos and 5.4K video at 30fps makes this drone capable of professional-level aerial cinematography and photography, providing the kind of image quality that excites any visual storyteller.

2. Advanced Obstacle Sensing

Safety is a major concern when flying drones, especially in complex environments. The DJI Air 2S features an upgraded Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS 4.0) and has four-directional obstacle sensing. This means the drone can autonomously detect and avoid obstacles from nearly all sides, enhancing safety during flight. This feature not only protects the drone from accidents but also allows me to fly with more confidence, focusing on capturing great shots instead of constantly worrying about potential collisions.

3. OcuSync 3.0 Transmission Technology

The reliability of a drone’s transmission system is crucial, especially when flying at longer distances or in areas with interference. The DJI Air 2S utilizes OcuSync 3.0, which supports a dual-frequency band and can automatically switch between 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz to ensure the most reliable transmission. This technology allows a maximum transmission distance of up to 12 km (7.5 miles), which is incredibly useful for exploring remote areas and capturing more diverse shots without losing the signal.

4. MasterShots

The MasterShots feature is a brilliant addition for anyone who wants to produce high-quality video content with minimal effort. This intelligent feature allows the drone to perform a series of sophisticated maneuvers automatically, capturing professional-quality footage that can be a challenge to achieve manually. It’s perfect for creating dynamic videos with cinematic quality, making the Air 2S an excellent choice for content creators looking to elevate their productions.

5. Compact and Portable Design

Despite its advanced features, the DJI Air 2S maintains a compact and lightweight design, weighing less than 600 grams. This portability is crucial for me as it allows for easy transportation to various shooting locations. The drone’s foldable design means I can quickly pack it into a small backpack and head out on adventures, ready to shoot at a moment’s notice.

What about the price? – less than 1000 Euro

The DJI Air 2S, with its sophisticated features and capabilities, is priced at a premium level, reflecting its position as a high-end consumer drone. The price might be seen as steep for casual hobbyists or those new to drone flying, especially when considering the additional costs for any extra batteries, accessories, or insurance. However, for those who value cutting-edge technology, such as the 1-inch sensor camera, advanced tracking features, and robust build quality, the investment can be justified. The compatibility with older accessories from the Mavic Air 2 also offers some savings and convenience, which can mitigate the initial high cost for users upgrading from the previous model. Overall, while the price may be a barrier for some, the performance and capabilities of the DJI Air 2S offer considerable value for serious enthusiasts and professionals in videography and photography.

These features of the DJI Air 2S combine to create a drone that is not only highly capable in technical terms but also incredibly user-friendly and safe to operate. It excites me as a user because it strikes the perfect balance between advanced functionality and ease of use, opening up new possibilities for creative expression from the skies. Whether it’s capturing stunning landscapes, detailed architectural images, or dynamic action shots, the DJI Air 2S is equipped to handle it all, making every flight a potentially awe-inspiring experience.

Unmatched Camera Quality

The heart of the DJI Air 2S is its impressive camera. Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, the Air 2S offers 20 megapixels of resolution and delivers 5.4K video at 30fps—capabilities that are typically found in much larger, more expensive drone models. The quality of the footage is simply breathtaking. The colors are vivid and the details are crisp, making every shot worthy of a cinematic portfolio. Numerous online reviews, such as those from DPReview and TechRadar, have praised its camera for bringing pro-level photography to the skies in such a compact form.

Advanced Flying Features

One of the Air 2S’s standout features is its obstacle sensing system. This drone is equipped with four-directional obstacle sensors, which greatly enhance its safety by automatically detecting and avoiding obstacles. This feature gives me peace of mind when flying in complex environments, allowing me to focus more on getting the perfect shot. The Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS 4.0) take this a step further by smoothly navigating around obstacles while maintaining flight path.

Flight Performance and Battery Life

In terms of performance, the Air 2S does not disappoint. It boasts a maximum flight speed of 19 m/s and a wind resistance of 8.5-10.5 m/s, which means it holds up incredibly well in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The battery life is equally impressive, providing up to 31 minutes of flight time under optimal conditions. This allows for extended sessions of shooting without the need for constant landings to swap batteries, a feature highlighted in many online forums and reviews.

Portability and Ease of Use

Despite its advanced capabilities, the DJI Air 2S is surprisingly portable. It features a compact, foldable design that makes it easy to carry on all my adventures. The setup process is quick and straightforward, which is great when I need to capture fleeting moments. This drone also supports one-tap transfer, which allows for quick downloading of images and videos directly to my mobile device—enhancing my workflow significantly.

My Experience and Final Thoughts

Using the DJI Air 2S has transformed my approach to drone photography. Each flight is not just about capturing images but experiencing the joy of flight with confidence. The intuitive controls and robust design of the Air 2S have allowed me to explore and create in ways I never thought possible. The images and videos I’ve captured with this drone are some of my best, often garnering compliments for their professional look.

For anyone serious about entering the world of aerial photography or looking to upgrade their current drone, the DJI Air 2S is an excellent choice. It strikes the perfect balance between high-end functionality and user-friendly design, making it suitable for both seasoned pilots and beginners eager to experience next-level aerial imaging.

Whether you’re capturing landscapes, urban scenes, or events, the DJI Air 2S is a versatile drone that promises not only to enhance your capabilities but also to open up new creative possibilities in the sky. The sky is literally the limit with this incredible piece of technology!

For those who prefer a video review, check out Air Photography’s review below!

• The DJI Air 2S has an impressive camera and built-in tools for capturing dynamic, high-quality footage, which makes it highly favored by the reviewer even compared to other drones like the Autel Evo 2 and Phantom 4 Pro.
• DJI retained accessory compatibility with the previous model, the Mavic Air 2, allowing users to reuse batteries and cases, which is economically and environmentally beneficial.
• The Focus Track feature in the Air 2S includes tools like Spotlight 2.0, Point of Interest 3.0, and Active Track 4.0, enhancing filming capabilities around moving subjects and simplifying complex shots for beginners.
• Master Shots, a new addition, automates complex movements and editing, making it easier for new users to produce polished content quickly.
• Despite being less tolerant of cold temperatures compared to its predecessor (rated for 0 degrees Celsius minimum), the Air 2S has proven durable and reliable in various weather conditions and even after a significant crash incident.