DJI Air 2S Just Released | Gear Focus Review

DJI has just released their latest drone: the Air 2S. Gear Focus takes a look at this drone’s impressive features and stats. Is this the drone for you in 2021? So how does it stack up to previous releases? We take a look at those questions and more in our review!

DJI Mavic Air 2S Available Now

Today, April 15, 2021, marks the release date of DJI‘s newest drone the Air 2S. The Air 2S sports some pretty impressive features that a variety of users will be able to take advantage of. So lets start with this drone’s main specs:

• 20 MP 1″ CMOS sensor
• 5.4K 30 fps
• f/2.8 fixed aperture
• 12km max transmission distance
• 3-axis (tilt, roll, pan) stabilization with RockSteady EIS
• 3500 mAH battery capacity (~31 minute flight time for DJI Air 2S.)
• Improved optical avoidance
• 19 m/s max speed
• 8GB internal storage
• 595 g takeoff weight
• $999 base cost ($1299 w/ Fly More kit)

Updated Image Sensor

The real takeaway from this follow up to the Mavic Air 2 is the incredible 20 MP photo upgrade on the DJI Air 2S. The previous model was only capable of capturing 12 MP photos, so this is a great improvement. The Mavic Air 2 used a 1/2-inch sensor compared to the full 1-inch sensor in the Air 2S (similar to the 1-inch sensor on the Mavic 2 Pro).

The camera can record video up to 5.4K/30p, 4K/60p, or 1080p/120p. And can zoom in on subjects up to 4X at 4K/30p or 2.7K/60p, up to 6X at 2.7K/30p or 1080p/60p, and 8X at 1080p/30p.

DJI Air 2S Fly More Kit

The fixed aperture on the DJI Air 2S is in line with it’s predecessor at f/2.8. However, the Mavic 2 Pro features an adjustable f/2.8-f/11 aperture, which is really helpful for adding additional control when trying to get just the right exposure. You get ND filters if you purchase the separate Fly More kit, but that is a) an additional expense and b) an added hassle.

12km Transmission Distance

Yes, you read that right: 12km transmission distance! (That’s just shy of 7.5 miles) The previous model was able to transmit from about 10km (which is impressive in it’s own right). However, the DJI Air 2S can reach even further at 12km. The Air 2S also has an upgraded O3 transmission system, which is an improvement over the Mavic Air 2’s OcuSync 2.0.

So is the DJI Air 2S Worth an Upgrade?

Of course this is completely dependent on your individual needs and budget. Our initial thoughts are that it might not be enough on it’s own to justify upgrading from the Mavic Air 2. (Or from the Mavic 2 Pro for that matter.) If you don’t have a drone now and are looking to jump into the DJI drone world, this could be a great one to get started with. The picture and video quality will be tough to beat, and with the Fly More kit you’ll have everything you need to get started right away.

But if you are like us, the improved stats on the DJI Air 2S camera are almost wasted. We typically use drones for b-roll only and so there isn’t necessarily a need for greater-than-4K resolution. Will we change our minds when we get our hands on one and see the results for ourselves? Probably yes. You can see more about this drone by checking out DJI’s video.

Will You be Upgrading?

So what about you? Are you planning on picking up a DJI Air 2S? And if so, why? Let us know in the comments below what made you decide to take the leap and buy this drone, we’d love to hear from you. And of course if you are upgrading, you know where to sell your used drone to get the most return for your next purchase!

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