by 2 reviews.
DJI Air 2S Review: The Ultimate Drone for Creators on the Move
The DJI Air 2S is a compact yet powerful drone designed for creators who demand high-quality aerial footage without the bulk. With a 1-inch CMOS sensor, 5.4K video recording, and advanced obstacle sensing, this drone is packed with features that make it a standout in its class. Whether you're a professional videographer or an enthusiast looking to elevate your content, the DJI Air 2S promises to deliver stunning visuals and reliable performance.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Image and Video Quality
The DJI Air 2S shines in its ability to capture breathtaking footage. The 1-inch sensor and 5.4K video resolution are frequently praised by users. One reviewer noted, "The image quality on the Air 2S is much better than the Mavic Air and the Phantom 4 Pro, both in resolution and dynamic range." The 10-bit Dlog-M color profile also allows for richer color grading, making it a favorite among content creators.
However, some users mentioned that the dynamic range could be better. "The shadow recovery is much better than highlight recovery, so always expose for the highlights," advised one reviewer. While the footage is impressive, it may not match the dynamic range of higher-end cinema drones like the Inspire 2 with an X5S camera.
Portability and Design
The compact and foldable design of the DJI Air 2S is a major win for travelers and adventurers. One user shared, "Coming from an Inspire 2 with X5S, the size is the biggest advantage overall. No longer needing to carry around a 50lb pelican case for my drone is quite convenient." The drone’s lightweight build and included carrying bag make it easy to transport, while the low-noise propellers ensure discreet flights.
On the flip side, some users wished for more robust obstacle avoidance. "I don’t like how it doesn’t have rear obstacle avoidance," commented one reviewer. While the drone excels in forward, backward, upward, and downward sensing, the lack of rear sensors can be a limitation in complex environments.
Flight Performance and Features
The DJI Air 2S offers a 31-minute flight time, which is ample for most shooting scenarios. Users appreciate the MasterShots feature, which automatically captures dynamic footage with just a tap. "MasterShots is one of the coolest things about the drone. It literally does everything for you and comes out really cool," raved one user.
The OcuSync 3.0 transmission system provides a reliable and clear video feed up to 12km, though some users noted connectivity issues in urban areas. "Flying behind objects will sometimes lose the connection, and in cities with lots of Wi-Fi signals, it has less range," explained one reviewer.
Battery Life and Accessories
The included Fly More Combo is highly recommended, as it comes with extra batteries, ND filters, and propellers. "The battery life is roughly 20 minutes of spirited flying, which is plenty for hyperlapses and creative shots," shared a user. The ND filters are particularly praised for their quality and ease of use.
However, some users wished for darker ND filters for midday shooting. "You may need something darker than ND32 for mid-day shooting," noted one reviewer.
Conclusion: Is the DJI Air 2S Worth It?
The DJI Air 2S is a versatile and powerful drone that strikes an excellent balance between portability and performance. Its 1-inch sensor, 5.4K video, and intelligent features like MasterShots make it a top choice for creators. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of rear obstacle avoidance and occasional connectivity issues in urban areas, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
For those looking to step up from entry-level drones or seeking a more portable alternative to high-end cinema drones, the DJI Air 2S is a fantastic investment. As one user aptly put it, "For a single man band, this drone is only beaten by the Mavic 3, which is several times the price."
If you're ready to take your aerial photography and videography to the next level, the DJI Air 2S is a drone that won’t disappoint.
Specification DJI Air 2S, Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Directions of Obstacle Sensing, 31 Mins Flight Time, 12km Video Transmission, FAA Remote ID Compliant, Gray:
Comments from Amazon:
*UPDATED BELOW* Bought the DJI Mavic Air 2, two weeks ago before I knew an update was coming so soon buttt.... I just ordered the Air 2S! The Air 2 has been fantastic but I did run into some range issues or losing connectivity around buildings and residential areas. Hoping the updated unit with 4 antennas vs 2 will fix that issue. Also looking forward to the updated hardware and 1 inch sensor! Will post back with comparison and if it was worth the extra buy. *UPDATE* So today I just got the beautifully upgraded 2S only two weeks after purchasing the Air 2. What are my first look and flight opinions... 100% worth the upgrade! Now don’t get me wrong the Air 2 is still an amazing drone and will work great for anyone but for me as I had the money and interest in learning how to edit video footage this upgrade was well worth it. Just look at the difference in the cameras in my pictures... Air2S - aluminum or metal material gimbal and has a beautiful 1” sensor vs Air2 - .5” plastic sensor and tbh the picture on the Air2S is just flat out better. However the Air 2 is still a fully capable drone and I will still use it as my everyday drone and for riskier shots. As for the OcuSync 3.0 or better know as O3 I didn’t see a huge improvement on my first flight and I live in a suburb area with no tall buildings. That doesn’t mean that the range won’t be better for some but in my impression I saw no improvement here. I do have out of ground power lines all over where I live so this could be causing the issue. It generally lost signal when I was about .25 miles away and was flying low but would regain signal going above 65 feet. Not a huge deal breaker for me and I know others have said they saw a big improvement so maybe it’s the specific area where I live. Lastly, MASTER SHOTS! This is one of the coolest things about the drone IMO. You select your target and the Air2S shoots a sequence of really cool dynamic shots and throws them into an edit for you. It literally does everything for you and it comes out really cool if you want to impress your friends or social media followers. All in all 100% BUY THIS DRONE if it fits your budget. I don’t think it is too far off the price of the Air2 so if you have the extra cash I would definitely spend a little extra and go with the Air2S. In my opinion - Always go with the Fly More Combo - I got it on both drones.
This purchase completes my DJI family. The Mavic Air 2s was the only model that I didn't have. I spent months agonizing whether I should buy it. But, a few advantages to the newest 2s FMC (fly more combo) finally tipped the scale. With the improvements to the OAS, autonomous flight programs and enhanced image quality, I just could not say 'no' to the Air 2s. And, who buys just the drone basic package, just to struggle with getting the additional accessories one by one later on? I'd rather just get what I need now and get it over with, as the FMC. Then, pick up the few accessories that I know I will need to round out the set. The Air 2s is on par with the rest of the DJI aircraft for performance and reliability. It's very easy to fly. It interfaces with your smart phone very smoothly. The controls are straightforward and simple to understand and operate. It's larger than the Mini, smaller than the M2P and right in the middle, price wise. The complications of adhering to FAA regulations and licensing have been simplified with built in and available software. The most basic things to remember right now are that, as a recreational flyer, you need to register with the FAA and display your registration number on all of your aircraft. BTW, as a recreational flyer, you only need to register once, as a pilot, and YOUR number is what's displayed on the drone. Each aircraft does NOT need to be registered. That is with the pilots that want to fly for profit. Because the Air 2s is heavier that 250g, your number has to be applied to this drone, in an obvious place on the exterior of the drone. I recommend using a label maker to do the FAA number and your cell phone number. The Air 2s is a great aircraft and like all of my DJI aircraft, it gets 5 stars.
Love the air 2s, I have a few of them and they've been amazing machines for pics and vids. Handles wind with ease and good flight times. Lots of features and well built with a really good camera.
Excelente dron para iniciar profesionalmente en este mundo de los drones, si consideras esté como tú dron de iniciación personalmente te recomendaría mejor el DJI mini 2 o mini S E que son más baratos y te ofrecen casi las mismas cualidades en cuanto a vídeo, ya que si no sabes o no usarás los perfiles de color logarítmicos (D - LOG, HLG) ni los hyeprlapses estarías desaprovechando las capacidades de este excelente dron.
First, it arrived on time, second, The unboxing experience was awesome! Third, after marking it with a registration number and getting myself the pilot certificate in Canada here, my first flight was amazing! The drone hovers in one place really well, and the sensors help you not crash the expensive drone, and DJ I did a really good job with a 1 inch camera sensor it captures crispy video and photos. The Intelligent flight modes it has is really helpful to create some thing amazing with very little time. Also, because of the intelligent flight modes you really don’t need to be experienced pilot to create something usable. I would suggest going in the open field with no obstacles so you can take the drone up and familiarize yourself with all of the controls. There are a lot of YouTube videos that I would recommend watching.
Dron óptimo, con grandes imágenes y muy buena estabilidad
Okay let me start out with the stuff I don’t like. There’s not much… I don’t like how it doesn’t have rear obstacle avoidance. I wish it went just a little faster/more power for better air control. I also wish it had an adjustable aperture. Wish the EXP’s for yaw were lower and more yaw range in the gimbal. Wish it had slightly more dynamic range too. Okay now what I do like! Coming from an Inspire 2 with X5s, the size is the biggest advantage overall. The fact it folds down so small is amazing. No longer needing to carry around a 50lb pelican case for my drone is quite convenient lol. The Air 2S is much more low key and quiet for “sketchy” quick flights or through tight obstacles. Plus, the Air 2S shoots higher resolution than the Inspire. Yes, given it’s not Cinema DNG RAW, but the D-Log and 10-Bit H.265 files from the Air 2S are very workable (Especially with the new Mac M1 processors). It has maybe 12.5-13 stops dynamic range from my eye and color grading tests in Resolve. As for color grading the footage, the shadow recovery is much better than highlight recovery so try and always expose your image for the highlights as they cannot be recovered nearly as much in post. The files are a good bitrate 5.4K 24fps 10-Bit, meaning you have the resolution to zoom in without loss and they have better color tonality. The colors can be a little strange especially blue midtone shadows. Fixable in post though. You just have to understand how amazing it is to have a camera that you can put virtually anywhere in the air with a detailed 5.4K video. With three batteries charging you can get a lot of flights in one day with this guy, maximizing your opportunities for creative shots in many different locations. The size of the drone is amazing. Like legit the size of a large camera lens. The controller also fits nicely as the thumb sticks come off and store in it making it more flat. Also, the controllers battery life is just simply amazing. It lasts forever. The bag the drone comes with is extremely nice and great if you are just doing a trip with it. Everything fits in there. The included ND filters are very nice and honestly required for most flights. No noticeable color shift on the filters and they balance on the gimbal perfectly. I did order myself some additional CPL filters that helped quite a bit when shooting water and such. You may need something darker than ND32 for mid day shooting FYI. Battery life is roughly 20 mins of spirited flying while still leaving plenty reserve and not letting them go below 20% to extend their life. Plenty for some fun hyperlapses, which is an awesome included feature. The master shots feature (will the drone will fly itself and get some base level shots) is good to just do as a base level and completes in a couple mins. Results are good for zero effort. Finally, the range on it is superb. 9/10 situations it will have no problems. Staying within line of sight keeps signal the best (and legal). Flying behind objects will sometimes lose the connection. Also in cities (areas with lots of wifi signals) it has less range. But I would say it has better signal than the Inspire 2. The Inspire 2 was more “nimble” and “smooth” given the better power envelope of the motors, 360 spin of the gimbal, and second operator all adding to smoother footage of hard to track items, but could not go nearly as far. With the Air 2S line of sight becomes a TINY speck on the horizon. For a single man band this drone is only beaten by the Mavic 3, which is several times the price ($5k for the good “cinema” version). In my 10+ years of videography I haven’t been this stoked on a new tool in a while and it will be used a lot when the bigger cinema drones cannot fly or are not practical. Okay let’s compare the drones I have flown/used: Mavic Air 2S ($1000) vs Mavic Air ($500) vs Phantom 4 Pro ($1600) vs Inspire 2 X5S ($10,000) vs Freefly Alta 8 RED Monstro Zeiss CP3 ($175,000) When I compared the top dogs like an Inspire and a flying cinema camera (Alta 8), the Air 2S surprisingly holds its strengths pretty well. They are different tools for different jobs and are not apples to apples AT ALL but the fact the Air 2S and everything in the bag is about the same size as the MoVI (Alta 8’s Gimbal) Controller is kind of funny. The image quality on the Air 2S is much better than the Mavic Air and the P4P both in resolution and dynamic range. The resolution is comparable to the X5S camera but the dynamic range of the Air 2S is noticeably worse than the X5S. Obviously, if you are shooting something with budget and need 8K with good lenses, the Alta is your best bet. But that is 2 huge 80lb boxes, has a 10 min flight time at 45lbs with massive batteries. Minimum of 2 operators. Whole different beast. Can’t really compare the Alta to the Air 2S. If you’re into travel vlogging, weddings, real estate, landscape this is the perfect drone if you can’t quite stretch to get the Mavic 3. Also to compare this to the “48mp” Mavic Air 2, the pictures are actually much sharper because of the 1 inch sensor and better lens. Plus the Air 2 is a 12MP camera with pixel shift it’s marketing talk. Megapixels are not everything and the true 20 MP of the Air 2S will be enough for most uses I think. Also note 4K 60 has a crop where 5.4K does not. Can be pretty useful actually IMO. Amazing where technology is going and excited to see when the Mavic line comes out with interchangeable lenses someday! Great product DJI! Included is a video I made along the California Coast with exclusively the Mavic Air 2S and the included ND filters. Enjoy!