Japanese-Made QUKAI MEGA FUSION 3.5 Demonstrates 120 km Logistics Mission for Disaster Relief by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb This article published in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association. Le Ciel Drone Co., a Japanese developer of mid-size fixed-wing logistics drones, alongside Kao Corporation and Qukai Co., Ltd., recently announced successful […]
Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is a question about upgrading to the DJI Air 3S vs Air 2 drones. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here. Note, the following question has been edited for clarity and brevity.
I recently planted my DJI Air 2 in a treetop (RIP) and am debating my next move. Should I get a refurbished Air 2S from DJI or go big with the Air 3S and its dedicated controller? I’m a hobbyist but have had my Part 107 for three years (yes, I did my training update which I think most don’t do!).
I love your enthusiasm for drones! Losing an Air 2 in a treetop is a tough break, but it sounds like you’re ready for an upgrade that not only improves your experience but also supports your potential future business ventures. I promise, the DJI Air 3S is much easier to fly.
The DJI Air 3S has a dual camera and omnidirectional obstacle sensing. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)
If budget is a key factor, the refurbished Air 2S is still a great drone with a solid 1-inch sensor for high-quality images. You and I both say refurbished, because DJI has since ceased production. Though, you can find new models on third-party retailers including Amazon and B&H Photo.
However, given that you’re eyeing an easier setup and considering future commercial applications, the Air 3S is a strong choice. It’s a significant improvement from the 2 and 2s, and it’s (relatively speaking) not that much more expensive when looking at the base models.
Some highlights of the DJI Air 3S include that it has dual cameras (wide-angle and medium tele), significantly better battery life (45 minutes vs. 31 minutes on the Air 2S), and, most importantly, a dedicated controller (DJI RC 2), which eliminates the need for a phone hookup.
Here’s how these drones look on key specs, side-by-side:
DJI Air 2
DJI Air 2S
DJI Air 3S
Camera Sensor
1/2″ CMOS
1″ CMOS
Wide: 1/1.3″ CMOS, Medium Tele: 1/1.3″ CMOS
Flight Time
34 minutes
31 minutes
45 minutes
Obstacle Avoidance
Forward, backward, downward
4-way (forward, backward, downward, upward)
Omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with forward-facing LiDAR and an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft
Note that prices can vary, particularly on the DJI Air 2 and DJI Air 2S, as DJI has ceased production on both drones. These prices are based on major retailers, which resell their existing stock of drones, but are more likely to change than prices on products still in production. Of course, all prices can change — especially with recent China tariff news.
And in one example on my chart, the Air 2S with upgraded controller, we’re looking at the price for a used model. You mentioned being willing to buy a refurbished version of the Air 2S. Refurbished or used drones can be worth it — especially if cost is a priority.
But, read the description carefully. In some cases, refurbished drones are almost as good as buying new if it’s simply a product that was opened, never used and returned — but now can no longer be sold as brand new.
Other types of used or refurbished drones might actually have issues that aren’t worth the risk. For example, in the example of the $1,087 used DJI Air 2S, Adorama clearly spells out the issues, including that it’s missing a bunch of cables. That might not be a big deal if you have the cables anyway (and hey, you already had a DJI Air 2 that crashed into a tree, but you likely have the cables still). But, the savings on a used version might not be worth the headache in dealing with a used drone that is missing pieces.
And something negative to consider when buying a drone that’s both used and out of production: you won’t get the level of support you’d expect. Especially if you need to buy replacement parts, you’ll have a tough time finding them.
DJI Air 3S vs Air 2: how to choose
Since you already have your Part 107, the Air 3S could be a great step toward professional work, whether that’s offering sailing footage, getting into real estate footage of lighthouses, doing inspections or working in an advanced field like mapping.
Key upgrades like O4 transmission and that longer flight time will make professional work much easier.
Yes, the DJI Air 3S is more expensive. But especially because you want the controller with the built-in screen (that’s the RC 2 rather than the RC-N3), it’s better to just buy it new with the DJI Air 3S then go for a refurbished model.
If you’re looking for an easy, high-quality drone for both personal and potential business use, go for the Air 3S. It’s a powerful, versatile tool that will elevate your flying experience while keeping future opportunities open.
A French Reaper drone on a surveillance mission in international airspace over the eastern Mediterranean was the target of intimidation by a Russian SU-35 fighter jet, France’s Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday. The incident comes as European countries scramble to boost defence spending and increase support for Ukraine in its war against invading […]
The U.S.Air Force’s first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft are fighters, the first unmanned aircraft to carry such a designation, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin announced in a keynote address at the AFA Warfare Symposium on March 3. General Atomics’ CCA will be called the YFQ–42A and Anduril Industries’ CCA will be […]
– Diehl Defence exhibited its Sky Sphere drone defence system at this year’s Enforce Tac trade fair, which took place in Nuremberg from February 24 to 26. The focus was on the new eMissile CICADA, which is designed to defend against threats from class 1 and 2 drones and which was presented under this name […]
— uAvionix has announced the launch of Casia G Release 4.0, a software update that enables nighttime detection of aircraft and expands Casia G’s capabilities to support 24/7 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAS operations. With the software enhancement, Casia G unlocks BVLOS operations up to 400 feet at night. Casia G’s nighttime capability […]
The latest version of Bayraktar TB2, Turkey’s first-ever indigenous unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), marks nothing short of the aircraft’s rebirth—now equipped with a turbo engine and advanced artificial intelligence. The next-generation Bayraktar TB2T-AI, set to tilt the balance of power on the battlefield with its superior altitude, high speed, and AI-powered smart flight capabilities, […]
Morocco has recently acquired the Chinese-made TB-001K drone, known as the ‘Twin-Tailed Scorpion’, as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities and diversify its defense suppliers. The acquisition comes as Morocco, ranked 59th in global military power according to the Global Firepower Institute, continues to strengthen its aerial defense capabilities through […]
Comprehensive Bill Could Limit Drone Use by Government Agencies Missouri lawmakers are currently considering House Bill 210 (HB 210), the “Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act of 2025,” which aims to regulate and restrict the use of drones by government agencies within the state, particularly those manufactured in countries of concern like China. The proposed legislation […]
Maharashtra’s ‘Namo Drone Didi’ Scheme to Advance Agricultural Technology and Women’s Empowerment The Maharashtra government has introduced the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ program as part of its 2024-25 budget, aiming to modernize agriculture and empower rural women through drone technology. This initiative will equip 325 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with agricultural drones, providing them with the […]
