Incredibly quiet, exceptional flight and camera performance, and a pretty reasonable flight time – that’s the total summary of the DJI Air 2S review.
Being the industry leader, people always look forward to the new releases from DJI. Usually, the expectations are met, but with Air 2S, these expectations are overly fulfilled. It is a more affordable version of the Mavic Air 2 and has several additional features.
Is the DJI Air 2S worth the money? And is all the hype it receives justified by its specs and performance? Here is a detailed review of this drone.
DJI Air 2S Review
This ultimate drone is the host of dozens of incredible features. Though it carries the traditional design of the Mavic series by DJI, it is significantly upgraded in several aspects. It has extraordinary 5.4k shooting capabilities, powerful autonomous functions, an intelligent obstacle sensor, robust safety features, a larger sensor, easy portability, 31 minutes of flight time, and many other features to enhance the craft’s performance; DJI Air 2S is a game-changing.
And above all, the price is not that much compared to the performance and features offered.
DJI Air 2S was launched in April 2021, and afterward, a few more drones by the manufacturer itself and several drones from direct competitors, but still, it is one of the best drones in the market. Here is the complete breakdown of its features and performance.
Salient features of DJI Air 2S
Design and Built
Traditional design but nothing traditional in performance! That’s what can describe the DJI Air 2S best.
It carries the traditional design of DJI’s Mavic series but is significantly lightweight. The folded dimensions of the aircraft are 180×97×77 mm (length×width×height), whereas the unfolded dimensions are 183×253×77 mm (length×width×height).
With that, it weighs only 600 grams*, making it very easily portable and easily fit into your standard backpack.
Compared to the predecessor Air Mavic, there’s much more below the surface, but the only significant physical additions are a new camera and two upward-facing sensors.
Despite these additions, Air 2S weighs only 25g heavier than its predecessor, which is impressive. It is available in the only color in which the other drones of this series are available – dull charcoal grey.
The device can be controlled with remote control, but it isn’t that impressive. It connects to the aircraft more quickly than the Mavic 2 controller; it lacks a simple screen that displays vital flight and camera details.
Overall, it is identical to the one with the Mavic Air 2. However, unlike the Mavic 2 Pro’s controller, it is not folding and weighs 393 grams. The remote fits nicely in your hand.
It features a clip at the top to hold your smartphone, which you’ll need to see and change camera settings with. Android and iOS phones are supported with controllers.
DJI Air 2S has short Lightning, Mini USB, and USB-C connections to ensure compatibility.
*The weight of 600 grams falls in the category of drones, which requires registration with concerned authorities in several countries, i.e., FAA registration in the USA. Please check the drone flying laws, et cetera, in your country to avoid any unfortunate circumstances.
DJI Air 2S Camera
This drone is designed to offer professional-level photos and videos. Beneath the traditional design, it features multiple new shooting features as well. The new and upgraded 20 MP 1-inch CMOS sensor offers the video resolution of:
- 5472 x 3078 5.4K videos at up to 30fps;
- 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD and 2688 x 1512 2K at up to 60fps, and
- 1920 x 1080 HD at up to 120fps
Moreover, the 20MP sensor supports 5472 x 3648 and 5472 x 3078 for still images. All still image formats, DNG, JPEG, and RAW, are supported by DJI Air 2s camera.
There are still several cameras by recognized camera manufacturers who are still trying to offer superior level 4K videos. Still, even though it is a current product of the drone itself, this camera provides a 5.4K video.
The resolution output also makes Air 2S stand out in the crowd. The camera comes combined with several shooting features like 4x to 8x digital zoom, 88-degree field of view, the full-frame equivalent focal length of 22mm, ISO control of 100-12,800 for stills, ISO 100-1600 for video, QuickShot, Single Shot, Timed Photo, AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing), HDR, Panoramas and Hyper lapses.
Overall, both stills and video quality is excellent.
Both videos and stills are stored internally in the drone on a micro-SD card.
Internal Storage
DJI Air 2S comes with 8GB of internal storage. For photography, it works fine, but it will fill up with just two-three videos if you are shooting videos in 4k or 5.4K resolution.
Built-in storage is a nice feature, but you must keep SD cards to enjoy uninterrupted shooting.
Flight Performance and Features:
The flight timings of DJI Air 2S are pretty much the same as its predecessor Mavic Air 2. Full Sport mode is around 42mph.
DJI Air 2S is so easy to fly that even a beginner can handle. The results are so superior that it can be the next best shooting gadget for a professional photographer.
The drone comes bundled with several flights and safety features. APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance System) 4.0 has an addition to the front, backward, and downward-looking sensors; two additional upward-facing sensors are on the top of the body.
This addition to DJI Mavic’s obstacle avoidance arsenal allows it to detect obstacles overhead, providing AIR 2S with unrivaled composure when navigating trees and buildings, particularly when paired with DJI’s new ActiveTrack 4.0 function, which is the upgraded version of ‘follow me feature.
Another noteworthy flying feature is the upgraded Spotlight 2.0, which allows you to create spectacular cinematic images while the pilot controls the flight. Draw a square around the subject using your phone and the DJI Fly app, and the camera will lock onto it and start shooting while you manage the flight controls.
SmartShots, a new autopilot mode on the DJI Air 2S, is another debut. Once this mode is activated, the drone takes a couple of minutes to capture pre-programmed footage.
It offers a wide window of creativity with features like Wide circular shots, narrow circular shots, top-downs, and other similar options. These recorded videos are automatically converted into an edit by App, ready to share. It’s an excellent choice for inexperienced pilots.
The DJI Fly app, first introduced with the Mavic Mini, is also used by the Air 2S but with many additional features. It’s simple to use, and all the photo and video settings can be controlled via your smartphone.
During the flight, DJI Air 2S is incredibly quiet. DJI has improved electronic speed controllers and flight performance tremendously. Overall flight performance is satisfactory; the only downside is that the aircraft cannot withstand moderate to strong winds. In extreme winds, the camera’s shutter opening can also cause the drone to shake, leading to blurred footage.
Flight Timings
The battery time is a paltry three minutes shorter – 31 minutes compared to the predecessor DJI Mavic 2. In the case of winds and drone hovering, the maximum flight time can be 2-3 minutes, less than 31 minutes.
DJI Air 2S uses a 3500 mAh LiPo 3S battery.
DJI Air 2S Drone Specifications:
- Weight: 21oz / 595g
- Folded dimensions: 7.1 x 3 x 3.8 inches
- Unfolded dimensions: 7.2 x 3 x 10 inches
- Battery: 3500 mAh LiPo 3S / up to 31 minutes
- Charger type: AC Mains / 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 1.3 A
- Modes: Sport, Positioning, Cine
- Max ascent/descent Speed: 6 m/s (S Mode), 6 m/s (N Mode)
- Max Flight Time (no wind): 31 minutes
- Max Hovering Time (no wind): 30 minutes
- Max Flight Distance (no wind): 18.5 km
- Camera sensor: 1-inch CMOS
- Video transmission range: 12km
- Video resolution: 5.4K, 4K, 2.7K, 1080p (FHD)
- Frame rates: 5.4K up to 30 fps / 4K up to 60 fps / 2.7K up to 60 fps / FHD up to 120 fps
- Propellers: Quick release, low noise, folding
- Stabilization: 3-axis (tilt, roll, pan)
- Aircraft Arms: Foldable
- GNSS: GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO
- Compass: Single Compass
- IMU: Single IMU
- Internal Storage: 8 GB
- Battery Life: 6 hours (4 hours when charging a mobile device)
- Supported Mobile Device Connectors: Lightning, Micro USB, USB-C
- Max Supported Mobile Device Size: 180×86×10 mm (length×width×height)
Pros:
- Upgraded CMOS 1-inch 20MP sensor
- Excellent 5.4 videos and 20 MP still images
- Good flight time and performance
- 8 GB internal storage
- Several flight and shooting modes
- Automated shooting possibilities
- 7 miles range
- The improved collision avoidance system
- Drone safety systems
Cons:
- Not very resistant to winds
- No aperture control
- App-based editing is limited to 1080p output only
Conclusion
Except for a few additions, DJI Air 2S is a replica of the DJI Mavic 2. We do not recommend buying this aircraft if you already own the latter. But if you are looking for a new drone with a good camera and flying performance that is easy to operate, DJI Air 2S is a pretty nifty choice <– Affiliate Link 🙂
DJI Air 2S is a marvelous combination of features, performance, weight, and size. It is the lightest consumer drone, with a 1-inch sensor and 5.4K video shooting capabilities.
Though it is a little costly, the aircraft will come bundled with the quality guarantee of DJI, and you do not have to worry about losing it due to its intelligent safety features.
