Drone Reviews

What to Expect From the DJI Air 2S Review

Daniel Wisdom

September 14, 2024

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If you're considering the DJI Air 2S for your aerial photography needs, you might recall the success of the Mavic Air 2, which set a high standard for portable drones. The DJI Air 2S review aims to explore whether this newer model lives up to its predecessor's expectations. With its advanced features and upgrades, the Air 2S promises exceptional performance, but does it truly deliver? As you explore the review, you'll find out how it stacks up against its competitors and whether it's the right choice for your specific needs, starting with its key features and upgrades.

Key Takeaways

• The DJI Air 2S features a portable design, weighing 595 grams, and a waterproof casing for protection in harsh environments.
• The drone offers up to 31 minutes of flight time and a maximum range of 12 kilometers with its robust transmission system.
• Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and Hasselblad-designed lens, the Air 2S captures high-quality 20MP photos and 5.4K video at 30fps.
• The drone's advanced APAS 4.0 system enables real-time obstacle detection and avoidance, ensuring safe and reliable flight performance.
• With its 5.4K resolution at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, the Air 2S delivers exceptional video quality, suitable for professional applications.

Key Features and Upgrades

Upgrading from its predecessor, the DJI Air 2S boasts a range of key features that enhance its performance and versatility. You'll notice the portable design, which makes it easy to take on the go, weighing in at just 595 grams. This compact design doesn't compromise on durability, with a waterproof casing that protects the drone from harsh environments.

The DJI Air 2S also features a more efficient battery, allowing for up to 31 minutes of flight time on a single charge. You can also expect improved obstacle avoidance with the drone's advanced sensors, which work together to detect and avoid potential hazards.

Additionally, the drone features a more robust transmission system, with a maximum range of up to 12 kilometers. With these upgrades, you can expect a more reliable and efficient flying experience.

The combination of these features makes the DJI Air 2S an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its portability and versatility make it an ideal tool for a wide range of applications, from aerial photography to surveying and inspection.

Camera Performance Review

When it comes to camera performance, the DJI Air 2S truly shines. Its 1-inch CMOS sensor and 24mm equivalent lens deliver exceptional image quality, with crisp details and vibrant colors.

You'll appreciate the camera's ability to capture 20-megapixel photos and 5.4K video at 30fps, making it suitable for both stills and motion photography.

The DJI Air 2S also excels in color grading, offering a range of preset modes and manual adjustments to fine-tune your shots.

You can choose from various color profiles, such as D-Log, HLG, and standard, to suit your post-production workflow. Additionally, the camera supports 10-bit color output, ensuring a wide color gamut and precise color reproduction.

In low light conditions, the DJI Air 2S performs remarkably well, thanks to its high ISO range and noise reduction algorithms.

You can shoot in low light environments without compromising image quality, making it an excellent choice for capturing dawn or dusk shots.

Flight Time and Battery

The DJI Air 2S's maximum flight time of 31 minutes on a single battery charge is a significant advantage, allowing you to capture more footage or complete complex missions without needing to land and recharge.

This extended battery life is due in part to the drone's efficient power consumption system, which manages to balance performance and endurance.

When flying the DJI Air 2S, you'll want to keep an eye on your battery level to guarantee you have enough power to complete your mission.

Here are some factors that can impact battery life:

1. Flight mode: Aggressive flight modes can reduce battery life by increasing power consumption.
2. Wind resistance: Flying in windy conditions can decrease battery life due to increased power consumption.
3. Camera usage: Using the camera's advanced features, such as 5.4K video recording, can increase power consumption.
4. Temperature: Extreme temperatures can impact battery life, with cold temperatures reducing capacity and hot temperatures increasing degradation.

Image Quality Expectations

With your DJI Air 2S's extended flight time providing ample opportunities for aerial capture, you'll want to know what to expect from its image quality. The camera is equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and a Hasselblad-designed lens, which produce high-quality images with excellent color accuracy and dynamic range.

You can expect detailed, crisp photos with a resolution of up to 20 megapixels.

When it comes to video, the DJI Air 2S can capture stunning 5.4K footage at 30fps or 4K at 60fps. The camera's ability to adjust color grading and apply various styles can help you achieve the desired aesthetic for your footage.

Additionally, advanced noise reduction algorithms minimize unwanted digital noise, resulting in smoother and more professional-looking videos.

In terms of image processing, the DJI Air 2S features a quad Bayer filter, which helps improve image quality by capturing more data and reducing noise.

This technology, combined with the camera's advanced sensors and lenses, enables the drone to produce high-quality images with excellent color accuracy and minimal noise.

Obstacle Sensing and Safety

Operating in complex environments requires reliable obstacle sensing and safety features, and the DJI Air 2S delivers with its advanced APAS 4.0 system.

This system provides real-time obstacle detection and avoidance, giving you peace of mind while flying in challenging conditions.

The APAS 4.0 system is supported by multiple sensors, including a forward-facing stereo vision sensor, a rear-facing vision sensor, and upward- and downward-facing infrared sensors.

Here are some key benefits of the APAS 4.0 system:

1. Upgraded obstacle detection: APAS 4.0 can detect obstacles at speeds of up to 12 meters per second.
2. Improved obstacle avoidance: The system can automatically adjust the drone's flight path to avoid obstacles.
3. Enhanced Vision: APAS 4.0 is integrated with the drone's Enhanced Vision system, which provides a wider field of view for obstacle detection.
4. Active Tracking: APAS 4.0 supports Active Tracking, allowing you to track subjects while avoiding obstacles.

Controller and App Experience

Flying the DJI Air 2S relies heavily on the O3+ remote controller, which offers a seamless experience through its ergonomic design and high-resolution screen.

The controller's design is tailored to fit comfortably in your hands, reducing fatigue during extended flights. The 5.5-inch screen features a high brightness of up to 1,000 nits, allowing you to clearly see the footage even in direct sunlight.

Customization options are also available through the DJI Fly app, enabling you to personalize your flight experience.

You can adjust settings such as the control mode, gimbal settings, and more to suit your preferences. The app also provides a clear and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and access various features.

The O3+ remote controller also features dual-band Wi-Fi and OcuSync 3.0, providing a stable and reliable connection to the drone.

Additionally, the controller supports up to 8GB of internal storage and can be extended with a microSD card. Overall, the combination of the O3+ remote controller and DJI Fly app provides an all-encompassing and user-friendly experience for flying the DJI Air 2S.

Video Resolution and Stabilization

When it comes to capturing high-quality video, the DJI Air 2S delivers exceptional results. You'll be able to shoot in stunning 5.4K resolution at up to 30fps, or 4K at 60fps.

This level of detail is further enhanced by the drone's exceptional stabilization system, which uses a combination of gyroscopes and accelerometers to keep the camera steady even in turbulent conditions.

The DJI Air 2S's video capabilities also extend to slow motion, where you can capture dramatic footage at 120fps in 1080p. Here are some key video features to expect:

1. 5.4K resolution: Capture stunning footage at up to 30fps.
2. 4K at 60fps: Fast-paced action is smooth and detailed.
3. Slow motion: 120fps in 1080p for dramatic effect.
4. HDR: Enhanced color grading and contrast for a cinematic look.

With the DJI Air 2S, you'll have the creative freedom to experiment with different styles and techniques, from cinematic color grading to high-speed action shots.

The drone's video capabilities make it an ideal choice for filmmakers, videographers, and anyone looking to capture high-quality footage.

Real World Usage Scenarios

From capturing breathtaking landscapes to documenting live events, the DJI Air 2S's versatility lends itself to a wide range of real-world usage scenarios. You can utilize this drone for travel photography, capturing stunning aerial shots of vast landscapes, cityscapes, or monuments.

The drone's compact size and portability make it an ideal companion for photographers who want to capture unique perspectives without the hassle of carrying bulky equipment.

The DJI Air 2S is also suitable for aerial mapping applications, providing high-resolution images and precise data for surveying, construction, or environmental monitoring.

Its advanced obstacle avoidance system and stable flight performance guarantee accurate and reliable data collection.

Additionally, the drone's ability to capture 20MP still images and 5.4K video at 30fps makes it an excellent tool for inspecting infrastructure, monitoring wildlife habitats, or tracking changes in the environment.

Whether you're a photographer, surveyor, or environmental scientist, the DJI Air 2S offers a powerful and reliable platform for capturing valuable data and insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DJI Air 2S Drone Waterproof or Water-Resistant?

You'll find the DJI Air 2S drone isn't fully waterproof, but it's water-resistant to some extent. Its drone durability is decent, and it features waterproof cameras, but it's still vital to avoid direct water exposure or submersion.

Can the Drone Be Charged via USB-C or Only With Adapter?

You'll be relieved to know the DJI Air 2S drone can be charged via USB-C, offering portable charging convenience. It also supports fast USB-C ports for quick power boosts when you're on the go.

Does the DJI Air 2S Support Apple Prores Format?

When evaluating the DJI Air 2S, you'll find it supports the Apple ProRes format, enhancing video quality and making color grading more efficient, as it allows for higher data transfer rates and better compression.

Can the Drone's Propellers Be Replaced by Users or Only by Dji?

Precise propeller protection is pivotal when pondering replacement. You can replace the DJI Air 2S' propellers yourself with DIY kits, but guarantee proper installation to maintain propeller safety and warranty validity, or opt for authorized DJI service.

Is the DJI Air 2S Drone Compatible With Third-Party Apps?

You'll encounter third-party limitations when using the DJI Air 2S with external apps, as it's primarily designed for DJI's own GO 4 app, potentially causing app compatibility issues with certain third-party software.

Conclusion

You'll be impressed with the DJI Air 2S's performance. Its exceptional camera and robust transmission system make it ideal for various applications. For instance, it excelled in a recent film production, capturing stunning 5.4K footage of a cityscape with ease. With its advanced obstacle avoidance and 31-minute flight time, you can focus on getting the perfect shot. The Air 2S is a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts looking for a reliable and high-quality drone experience.