Having been writing about drones for the past three years, my biggest goal for a while was owning one. This would have helped me learn more about them as well as opened up more doors of opportunities. After considering several factors I will explain in this article, I finally settled for the DJi Air 2S.
This will be an unboxing piece where I show what you should expect to find in the box, how to fly it, my review of how it feels to fly it, my review of the features of this drone, and who I think it’s best for.
If you are planning to get your first drone for photography, videography, and other professional works, read on to find out why I got the Air 2S and other alternatives that you can also consider.
An Overview of the DJI Air 2S
Released in April 2021, the DJI Air 2S is still one of the most affordable camera drones that can be used for professional work. It features a decent camera, a flight time of up to thirty minutes, light and foldable design, obstacle sensors, and stable overall performance.
What’s in the Box?
I opted for the Fly More Combo since it offers the best value for money. With that in mind, below is what you will find in the box and some photos of what I got in my package.
- The Drone
- Three batteries
- Charger
- Charging hub for the batteries
- ND filters (ND4, ND8, ND16, ND32).
- Spare propellers.
- A shoulder bag
- Controller
- Charging cables
DJI Air 2S Specs
Let’s examine the main features that make the DJI Air 2S stand out.
Design
The DJI Air 2S features a small and foldable design, which makes it very easy to carry around. It only weighs 595 grams. Even when you pace the drone, the three batteries, charging hub, charger, and all the accessories that come with it, it will still be a small and light package you can easily move around with.
The controller’s design is also quite convenient. It’s light, comfortable, and has padded grips, so you can’t easily drop it. When storing it, you can unscrew the joysticks and place them in the spaces at the bottom of the controller.
As you will see, with the controller, you have to connect your smartphone, and DJI has created a convenient design where the controller holds the mobile device tightly. However, if you have the budget, you can get the DJI RC controller, a smart controller with a 5-inch screen that first came with the DJi Mini 3 Pro. One of the issues I had with my smartphone is that sometimes it freezes when I use the DJI Fly app, and you wouldn’t want this happening when you are with a client or in an emergency, and you see the drone’s live transmission.
The DJI RC is a dedicated controller where you will not need an additional smartphone. Dedicated means uninterrupted live transmission, better performance in extreme conditions, and better control. If you find this controller too expensive, you can get a cheaper smartphone, preferably an iPhone, to use with the drone.
Camera
The DJ Air 2S has a 1-inch CMOS sensor on a 3-axis gimbal. This sensor is double the size of the Air 2S’ predecessor, the Mavic Air 2. The 1-inch sensor allows the Air 2S to shoot in up to 5.4K at 30 fps and take 20 MP photos. Other video shooting options include the 4K at 60 fps and 1080p at 120 fps. Below are some unedited images taken directly from the DJI Air 2S.
Intelligent flight modes
A lot of the features on drones are often automated. The DJI Air 2S has its share of automated features, including intelligent flight modes. This feature allows the drone to automatically film a subject in complex maneuvers that would take time to do manually. These include;
ActiveTrack 4.0:
- ActiveTrack 4.0 is an advanced intelligent flight mode enabling the DJI Air 2S to track and follow subjects autonomously.
- The drone can identify and lock onto subjects such as people, vehicles, or objects using advanced algorithms and computer vision technology.
- It can maintain a consistent distance from the subject, ensuring smooth and stable footage even during high-speed movements.
- ActiveTrack 4.0 also offers different tracking options, including Trace, Parallel, Point of Interest, and Spotlight, allowing users to customize the tracking behavior based on their specific shooting requirements.
Point of Interest 3.0:
- Point of Interest 3.0 allows the DJI Air 2S to circle a selected object or location automatically.
- By choosing a point of interest on the screen, the drone will continuously orbit the subject, capturing stunning 360-degree footage.
- Users can adjust the orbit’s radius, speed, and direction, giving them full control over the cinematic effect they want to achieve.
- Point of Interest 3.0 is handy for creating captivating shots of landscapes, architecture, or any other stationary point of interest.
QuickShots:
QuickShots is a collection of pre-programmed flight paths and maneuvers that enable the DJI Air 2S to capture dynamic and cinematic shots easily.
- Dronie: The drone flies backward and upward while keeping the subject in the frame, creating a dramatic reveal shot.
- Circle: The drone flies in a circular path around the subject, capturing a smooth and sweeping shot.
- Helix: The drone ascends and spirals upward while maintaining a consistent distance from the subject, resulting in an impressive helix-shaped shot.
- Rocket: The drone ascends straight up into the sky, keeping the subject centered in the frame and creating a stunning vertical shot.
- Boomerang: The drone flies in an elliptical path around the subject and then returns to its starting position, capturing a unique and engaging shot.
These intelligent flight modes of the DJI Air 2S offer a range of creative options to capture professional-looking footage effortlessly. Whether tracking a subject, circling a point of interest, or capturing dynamic QuickShots, these features make it easy for users to unleash their creativity and achieve impressive aerial shots.
Mastershots
This intelligent flight mode leverages advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to capture professional-grade footage effortlessly. With MasterShots, users can select a subject, and the drone will autonomously execute a complex series of pre-programmed flight maneuvers to capture a visually stunning video. The DJI Air 2S analyzes the scene, applies creative camera movements, and records a cinematic sequence automatically. This feature is ideal for users who want to create captivating videos without needing advanced piloting skills. By harnessing the power of AI, the DJI Air 2S opens up a new world of creative possibilities for aerial videography enthusiasts.
Hyperlapse and Panorama
The DJI Air 2S offers impressive Hyperlapse and Panorama modes that elevate the possibilities of aerial photography. With Hyperlapse, users can capture mesmerizing time-lapse videos with a unique twist. The drone automatically captures a sequence of photos over a set duration while simultaneously moving along a designated path. This results in stunning footage that showcases the passage of time in a dynamic and visually striking way. The DJI Air 2S also provides Panorama mode, which allows users to capture breathtaking wide-angle shots effortlessly. By intelligently stitching together multiple photos, the drone creates a seamless panoramic image that encompasses a vast and immersive view. These features enable photographers to go beyond traditional stills and add a sense of movement and grandeur to their aerial imagery, unlocking a new level of creativity.
Flight time
The DJI Air 2S has a flight time of up to 30 minutes. However, you will often get less than 25 minutes when actively flying it. This flight time will also be considerably lower if flying in extreme winds. As mentioned, the DJI Air 2S fly more combo comes with three batteries so that you will have at least 60 to 80 minutes of flight time. However, since one battery takes at least 90 minutes to charge, getting at least three more batteries would be ideal. This way, by the time you are done with all six batteries, at least one more will be fully charged.
Aperture
The DJi Air 2S features a constant aperture of f2.8. As such, you can’t adjust it and will have to adjust the ISO and exposure value to get the shot you want. Luckily, you can use the ND filters to achieve the shots you want. And as I mentioned earlier, DJI does include ND4 to ND32 ND filters in the combo. These are all the ND filters you will need for most shots unless you want to achieve a particular effect. You can get the ND64, 356, or even 1000 in that case.
Functionality
Like most DJI drones, the DJI Air 2S is quite stable. Unless it comes with a malfunction, the drone practically flies out of the box. Anyone with basic drone flying skills can fly it. The app is also quite straightforward, and you will have no issues finding any settings you are looking for. I will write a comprehensive post about the app in a later post. Today, let’s learn about its features and how to take off with it.
One feature regarding functionality is the ADS-B app, which allows it to communicate and receive data transmitted by manned aircraft. As such, you will know when manned aircraft are approaching and have enough time to give way. But before you even get there, you should always check the airspace you are flying in case it is closed or have an observer to let you know of any low-flying aircraft.
Obstacle Avoidance
This convenient feature allows the drone to detect obstacles from a few feet away. Alot to of drones now have this feature. The DJi Air 2S can detect obstacles on the top, front, down, and back. It is “blind” on its side, which limits the areas you can fly it in, especially in autonomous modes. Whether flying it manually or using autonomous modes like ActiveTrack, always check the surroundings and ensure there isn’t anything the drone will bump into.
Range and transmission
DJI’s OcuSync system is one of the most advanced systems in consumer drones. Since it was released in 2021, the Air 2S features the OcuSync 3.0, a very stable system that allows the Air 2S to fly up to 10 Km from the drone. However, most regulations require you to fly such drones with the line of sight, and you may need to fly that far for most projects. But for short-range flights, you can expect a stable connection, but make sure you are not flying in areas with interference from metallic objects, power lines, or other transmitting devices that may interfere with your signal. When testing it, I experienced a stable connection at up to 4 kilometers, and it struggled after that, so don’t push it too hard unless you have to.
Zoom
The DJI Air 2S features a 2X zoom in 4K, 4X in 2.7K, and 8X in 1080p. Unfortunately, the zoom capability is only available in the video feature; you can’t access it when taking photos.
Set up and First Flight
As mentioned, the DJi Air 2S practically flies out of the box. Below is a labeling of all the notable features of the drone.
- Gimbal cover
- Downward sensors
- LED landing light
- Camera
- Front and top obstacle sensors
- Backward sensors
- Memory card slot
Propellers
Secondly, attach the propellers. Propellers come in pairs, each rotating in different directions to keep the drone in the air. The propellers are also labeled. If you attach them wrongly, the drone may not take off.
Below is how the propellers are labeled. Those marked A go to the back left and front right arms. And those marked B go to the front left and back right arms.
Attaching the battery
Before you start setting up, first charge the batteries. You need to do this to activate the batteries.
After attaching the propellers, you can attach the battery. Hold it with the broader side up and press it until you hear a click. The power button is on the battery and ends up on the top. Press it once to check the battery levels, and press once, then a second time and hold to power up the drone.
To remove the battery, press the locks on both sides and pull the battery up. Below is a video that shows how to do it;
Controller
First, download the DJI Fly app from DJI’s official website. If you have an account, you will be asked to log in. If you don’t, you will be asked to register.
If you are using the RCN1, remove the appropriate cable that comes with the drone and attach it to the controller and attach the other end to the mobile device. iOS, USB-C, and regular USB port cables are provided.
- Power up the controller as you did with the drone by pressing one, then a second time, and hold for a few seconds.
- Choose the “Transfer Files” option for the USB cable.
- Start the app. The drone comes connected to the controller, so it should detect it automatically. If not, I will later show you how to connect the drone to the controller.
- If everything works fine, you should see a large button that says “GO FLY” on the lower right section of the app.
Below is what this setup looks like;
First flight
After attaching the propellers and the battery, it’s time to take the first flight. There are two ways to do this; Manually and Automatically.
- Before taking off, check that the drone has enough satellites, make sure it sets the homepoint, observe the weather to make sure it’s not raining and it’s not windy, and make sure the drone does not have any physical damage.
- With the manual method, push both joysticks down and inwards to arm the propellers, then press the left stick up gradually and the drone will take off and hover.
- With the automatic method, press the upward-facing arrow on the left side of the app. In the dialog box that appears, press and hold, and the drone will take off and hover.
Basic movements
Below are some basic movements to start practicing with the DJI Air 2S or any other drone.
Roll:
- Roll refers to the drone’s movement along its longitudinal axis, tilting from side to side.
- To perform a roll, use the right control stick on the remote controller.
- Push the stick to the left to tilt the drone to the left, and push it to the right to tilt the drone to the right.
- Practice controlling the roll movement by making small adjustments to achieve smooth, controlled sideways movements.
Pitch:
- Pitch refers to the drone’s movement along its lateral axis, tilting forward or backward.
- To control the pitch, use the right control stick on the remote controller.
- Push the stick forward to tilt the drone forward, and pull it backward to tilt the drone backward.
- Start with gentle movements and gradually increase the pitch angle to maintain stability and control during flight.
Yaw:
- Yaw refers to the rotation of the drone around its vertical axis, turning left or right.
- Use the left control stick on the remote controller to control the yaw movement.
- Move the stick to the left to rotate the drone counterclockwise (left), and move it to the right to rotate the clockwise (right).
- Practice smooth and precise yaw movements to achieve controlled turns and adjust the drone’s orientation during flight.
Throttle:
- The throttle controls the altitude or vertical movement of the drone.
- It is controlled using the left control stick on the remote controller.
- Push the stick upward to increase the throttle and make the drone ascend.
- Pull the stick down to decrease the throttle and make the drone descend.
- Mastering throttle control is crucial for maintaining the drone’s desired altitude and smooth takeoffs and landings.
The Verdict – Is the DJI Air 2S still worth it in 2023?
It should be. The camera is still decent, and I have seen people create even better footage with even less powerful cameras. The battery life, functionality, ease of use, portability, range, and intelligent flight modes are features you can use to do a lot, from storytelling to professional videography and photography, content creation, and even mapping. The only deal breakers are the limited aperture and obstacle avoidance, but I will keep updating the list if something else comes up.
DJI Air 2S Alternatives
If you’d like more options, below are more similar drones that I have considered using.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
This is the latest mini drone from DJI and one of the best mini drones out there, and considerably cheaper than the DJI Air 2S. It is similar to the DJI Air 2S in obstacle avoidance, intelligent flight modes, and foldable design.
However, it has a smaller aperture (f1.7) and a smaller sensor (1/2.3-inch), so it will not perform as well as the DJI Air 2S, but it still produces decent footage. One unique feature of the DJi Mini 3 Pro is the ability to turn the gimbal from landscape to portrait mode, which works great for content creators who post their content on platforms like Instagram.
That’s because they don’t have to crop the footage that much. The DJi Mini 3 Pro also has a longer flight time. You get a 34-minute battery and an option to get a 47-minute one. The DJI Mini 3 Pro is smaller than the Air 2S, weighing 249 grams, making it even more portable, but it also means it will be more challenging to fly in windy areas than the Air 2S.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a perfect alternative for anyone looking for a cheaper drone that can do professional work or for content creators looking to add drone footage to their content.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic
You can go for the DJI Mavic 3 classic if you have a bigger budget. This is the OG Mavic 3 without the extra camera. It only features the 4/3 Hasselblad sensor, which is much better than the Air 2S or Mini 3 Pro cameras. The Mavic 3 Classic also features a longer flight time (40- minutes), upgraded ActiveTrack, 360-degree obstacle avoidance, and variable aperture ranging from f2.8 to f11. These are all features that the Air 2S or Mini 3 Pro are limited in, making it worth the higher cost.
The DI Mavic 3 Classic is the perfect alternative for professionals who may find the Air 2S a little limiting and the OG Mavic 3 quite expensive.
Go drone for sure. How is it so far? And the batteries have you gotten the extra 3?
Good so far. Yes, I got three batteries