Assembly and First Flight
When you first unbox the DJI Air 3 drone, you’ll find that it is quick and easy to assemble. Simply put the propellers on and charge the batteries, and you’re pretty much ready to go. For those who have never operated or flown a drone before, the first few minutes can be a bit nerve-wracking because you don’t know what to expect. However, I must say that this drone is super easy to fly right from the start.
To ease my concerns about the propellers potentially clipping the gravel during takeoff, I decided to place the drone on yoga mats. I soon realized that this precaution wasn’t necessary as the drone had sufficient clearance. However, it is worth noting that the back blades can catch long grass, so that’s something to be aware of.
The Fly More Bundle
We opted for the Fly More bundle, which includes the RC2 controller. I have to say that the controller itself is incredible. The moment you power up both the drone and the controller, it takes approximately 60 seconds for the controller to boot up. After that, you’ll need to wait another 30 to 45 seconds for the controller to connect to the satellites that allow you to track your drone.
Flight Performance
Once everything is connected and ready, the flight performance of the DJI Air 3 drone is truly impressive. With its powerful motors, it can handle different weather conditions and maintain stability even in gusty winds. The drone’s range is excellent, reaching up to 10 kilometers, which gives you the freedom to explore vast areas without worrying about losing connection.
Camera Quality
One of the key features that drew me to the DJI Air 3 drone was its camera quality. Equipped with a high-resolution camera, this drone captures stunning photos and videos. The 3-axis gimbal ensures smooth and steady footage, even when flying at high speeds or maneuvering through narrow spaces.
Intelligent Flight Modes
The DJI Air 3 drone also comes with a range of intelligent flight modes that make capturing professional-looking shots a breeze. The ActiveTrack feature allows the drone to automatically follow a subject, whether it’s a person, a moving vehicle, or even an animal. The Waypoints mode lets you plan a flight path, while the QuickShot modes provide pre-programmed cinematic shots.
Battery Life
In terms of battery life, the DJI Air 3 drone offers a decent amount of flight time. Depending on your flying style and weather conditions, you can expect to fly for approximately 25 minutes on a single charge. It is advisable to purchase spare batteries if you plan on using the drone for longer periods or on extended trips.
The Importance of Setting the Home Point
Setting the home point for the DJI Air 3 Drone is a crucial step before taking flight. This feature ensures that if anything goes wrong during the flight or if the batteries run out, the drone will automatically return to its designated home point. By establishing this point, users can have peace of mind knowing that their drone will safely return to them.
Easy Takeoff and Hovering
Taking off with the DJI Air 3 Drone is a breeze. Users simply need to press the takeoff button on the controller, and the drone will smoothly ascend and hover at a height of approximately one and a half meters above the ground. This simple and effortless takeoff process allows beginners to easily get their drone up in the air and ready for exploration.
Impressive Speed and Maneuverability
One aspect of the DJI Air 3 Drone that pleasantly surprised me is its incredible speed. Once it lifts off and soars into the sky, it climbs at a rate of around 6 meters per second. Within seconds, the drone becomes a mere dot in the sky, showcasing its impressive speed capabilities. Controlling the drone is akin to using a PlayStation controller, with the left control managing elevation, drop height, and rotation, while the right control moves the drone forwards, backwards, and banks left or right.
Mastery of Dual Controller Usage
Perhaps the biggest learning curve when operating the DJI Air 3 Drone is effectively utilizing both controllers in harmony. This skill is paramount in capturing those awe-inspiring and cinematic drone shots that make this device so popular. Becoming proficient in managing the simultaneous use of the controllers allows users to create stunning visuals that truly showcase the potential of aerial photography.
Customizable Buttons for Added Functionality
For added convenience and versatility, the DJI Air 3 Drone is equipped with two customizable buttons located on the back of the controller. Users can assign specific functions to these buttons according to their preferences. Personally, I have set one of the buttons to adjust the camera angle to a 90-degree downward view, allowing for unique perspectives, while the other button activates a three times zoom, enhancing the drone’s visual capabilities.
The DJI Air 3 Drone offers an impressive array of features and functionality that make it an excellent choice for drone enthusiasts and beginners alike. From its user-friendly takeoff and hovering capabilities to its remarkable speed and maneuverability, this drone delivers an enjoyable and immersive flying experience. With the mastery of dual controller usage, users can unlock the full potential of the DJI Air 3 Drone and capture breathtaking aerial footage. The inclusion of customizable buttons further enhances the drone’s versatility, allowing users to tailor their experience to their specific needs. Whether you are a seasoned drone pilot or embarking on your first drone journey, the DJI Air 3 Drone is sure to exceed expectations and deliver stunning results.
The DJI Air 3 Drone: A Review of My First Drone Experience
Point of View and Camera Control
The DJI Air 3 drone offers a convenient wheel that allows users to change the point of view of the camera. This feature provides the flexibility of adjusting the camera angle to one’s preference. With this function, users can drop the camera down or bring it straight back up to eye level. Additionally, the camera can be tilted up to 60 degrees, allowing for unique and creative shots.
Recommended for Frequent Use
For those who plan on using their drone frequently, the DJI Air 3 is highly recommended. With each battery, users can expect to get approximately 40 to 45 minutes of flight time. While this may seem like a considerable amount, it’s important to note that the battery drains faster during maneuvers and in windy conditions. It’s essential to ensure you have enough battery power for the drone to safely return to its controller.
Battery Monitoring and Overrides
The DJI Air 3 drone is equipped with a battery monitoring system that automatically brings the drone back when the battery drops below 20%. However, users also have the option to override this feature. There may be instances where you want to continue using the drone even when the battery drops below 20%. As long as the drone is within a safe distance and still has around 10% battery remaining, it can be safely landed.
Speed Options: Cinematic, Normal, and Sport
One of the notable features of the DJI Air 3 drone is the ability to switch between three different speeds: cinematic, normal, and sport. Cinematic mode offers the slowest speed, which allows for capturing dramatic shots with precision and elegance. As a beginner, I found this mode particularly helpful in capturing stunning visuals. However, as I gained more experience, I switched to the normal speed mode, which offers a good balance between control and speed.
Sensor Technology for Collision Avoidance
One of the greatest advantages of using the DJI Air 3 drone is its advanced sensor technology. The drone is equipped with an impressive array of sensors that prevent collisions with obstacles. These sensors are fully activated when the drone is in cinematic and normal mode, ensuring a safe and obstacle-free flight experience.
The DJI Air 3 drone offers excellent features and capabilities for both beginners and experienced users. Its camera control options, long battery life, speed modes, and collision avoidance sensors make it an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable and user-friendly drone. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking aerial shots or simply enjoying the thrill of flying, the DJI Air 3 drone is a dependable companion in your drone adventures.
The Camera Quality
The DJI Air 3 drone offers an incredible camera that allows you to capture footage and photos in both horizontal and vertical orientations. As an avid drone enthusiast living in Wales, this feature has been a game-changer for me. The stunning visual quality of the camera ensures that every shot is crisp, clear, and visually captivating. Whether you are capturing breathtaking landscapes or recording memorable moments from a unique perspective, this drone’s camera will not disappoint.
Handling Windy Weather
One of the initial concerns I had about the DJI Air 3 drone was how well it would handle windy weather conditions. While I typically fly my drone on calm days, I decided to put it to the test on a couple of occasions when the wind speeds were around 50 to 55 kilometers per hour. To my surprise, the drone handled these challenging conditions perfectly. It remained steady in the air, without any significant wobbling or instability. This ability to withstand windy weather makes it a reliable companion for aerial photography and videography, even in less-than-ideal weather situations.
The Controller Experience
Using the controller for the DJI Air 3 drone is a truly immersive experience. The controller communicates with you throughout the flight, making you feel like you’re in the cockpit of a plane. It provides real-time alerts and warnings, ensuring that you are aware of any potential issues or obstacles. During one flight, when the drone was approximately 120 meters in the sky and facing strong winds of 55 kilometers per hour, the controller prompted me to lower the altitude and return home. This feature adds an extra layer of safety and reassurance, allowing you to fly with confidence and peace of mind.
Gimbal Performance
Even in challenging weather conditions, the gimbal on the DJI Air 3 drone delivers exceptional performance. While flying against strong winds, I noticed the drone moving quite significantly in the sky as it compensated for the force of the wind. However, the footage captured by the camera remained perfectly smooth and stable, thanks to the advanced stabilization capabilities of the gimbal. The gimbal’s ability to counteract the effects of wind ensures that your footage maintains its quality, even in unfavorable circumstances. Whether you’re capturing fast-paced action or serene aerial shots, the gimbal on this drone is a reliable ally.
Air Traffic Awareness
Living near a small airport, I was initially concerned about the potential risks of flying a drone in close proximity to aircraft. However, the DJI Air 3 drone proved to be highly responsible in this regard. On one occasion when an aircraft was flying overhead, the drone alerted me to its presence, ensuring that I took appropriate action to avoid any potential conflicts. This built-in safety feature provides peace of mind, knowing that the drone is programmed to prioritize safety and adhere to airspace regulations.
The DJI Air 3 drone has exceeded my expectations in terms of camera quality, handling windy weather, controller experience, gimbal performance, and air traffic awareness. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drone operator, this drone offers a seamless and enjoyable flying experience. With its impressive features and reliable performance, it has quickly become an indispensable tool for capturing stunning aerial footage and photos.
The Safety Features of DJI Air 3 Drone
The DJI Air 3 Drone has proven to be a reliable and safe device, thanks to its impressive safety features. During one flight, we encountered a small Cessna flying nearby. To ensure safety, the DJI Tech alerted us to drop our altitude, which we promptly did. It is reassuring to know that DJI Tech keeps tabs on potential risks and prioritizes safety for its users.
The Quick Shots Feature
One of the standout features of the DJI Air 3 Drone is its quick shots functionality. This feature allows the drone to perform various maneuvers, creating stunning and dramatic footage without requiring constant control from the user. However, it is important to note that the quick shots are limited to horizontal filming only. If you are in an area with many tall trees, this feature might be hindered. Additionally, the quick shot maneuver will be terminated if a collision is detected, further ensuring the safety of the drone.
The Tracking Feature
Another notable feature of the DJI Air 3 Drone is its tracking capability. Users can set the drone to track either themselves or an object of their choice. This automated filming feature adds convenience and allows users to capture footage effortlessly. However, it is worth mentioning that the tracking feature works best with larger, slow-moving objects. During my personal experience, I tried tracking myself on a ride-on mower in a field, and the drone was able to track me quite well. However, if you turn in the opposite direction of the drone’s movement, it may lose sight of you and stop tracking.
The Importance of Additional Batteries
For those who plan to use the DJI Air 3 Drone extensively for filming purposes, I highly recommend investing in the fly more combo, which includes additional batteries. Having extra batteries can significantly enhance your filming experience as it allows for longer flight times. This is especially beneficial when you are on an outdoor shoot or capturing footage in remote locations. The fly more combo is a worthwhile investment for those looking to maximize their drone’s capabilities.
The DJI Air 3 Drone offers impressive safety features, including the ability to monitor potential risks and adjust altitude accordingly. The quick shots functionality provides users with the opportunity to capture stunning footage effortlessly. The tracking feature adds convenience, although it performs best with larger, slow-moving objects. Lastly, investing in the fly more combo with additional batteries is highly recommended for those who aim to use the drone extensively for filming purposes. Overall, the DJI Air 3 Drone is a reliable and feature-packed device that is sure to enhance any aerial filming experience.
Filming Capabilities
The DJI Air 3 drone offers impressive filming capabilities, even at night time. While the footage may not be as good as during the day, it still produces satisfactory results. It is worth noting that the flying distance is significantly better during the day. We tested the drone by sending it one kilometer away from us, and it handled that range perfectly. However, there were a few instances where the topography of the land interfered with the communication between the drone and the controller. In such cases, the controller instantly alerted us of the drop in signal strength, and we were able to bring the drone back towards us to improve the connection.
Signal Strength and Return Home Feature
Although we haven’t personally experienced it, there may be situations where the connection with the drone is lost. In such cases, the drone is equipped with a return-to-home feature. If the connection is lost, the drone will automatically return to the home point. This provides peace of mind, knowing that the drone will safely return without any human intervention.
Overall Performance
We must say that the DJI Air 3 drone has truly exceeded our expectations. It is exceptionally well-built, highly maneuverable, and stable in the air. The quality of the footage it captures, both horizontally and vertically, is outstanding. From HD to 4K, this drone delivers excellent video quality. Additionally, it can also capture high-resolution still images, providing users with a wide range of possibilities.
Customizability
One of the standout features of the DJI Air 3 drone is the level of customizability it offers. Users can personalize their drone experience according to their preferences. This adds an extra layer of versatility to the drone, allowing users to explore their creativity and capture unique shots.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my first drone, the DJI Air 3. Its easy assembly, user-friendly controls, impressive flight performance, and high-quality camera make it a great choice for beginners. The Fly More bundle with the RC2 controller is worth the investment, as it enhances the overall flying experience. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to capture breathtaking aerial shots or someone venturing into professional photography, this drone will not disappoint.
If you are a beginner looking for a drone to start your aerial photography journey, we highly recommend considering the DJI Air 3. Its impressive filming capabilities, reliable signal strength, and the return-to-home feature make it a safe and enjoyable option. The overall performance of this drone, combined with its customizability, ensures that you will have a positive experience. So, take the leap and embrace the world of drone photography with the DJI Air 3.
