DJI Air 2S: Upgraded Camera and Obstacle Sensor

For all intents and purposes, the DJI Air 2S is last year’s Mavic Air 2 with an upgraded camera and obstacle sensors, expanded automatic camera movements, and the robust safety features and quality that have made DJI the market leader in aerial imaging.

- JIM FISHER

The larger camera sensor and 5.4K recording are worthwhile upgrades for professional photographers and videographers, though most pilots starting out with a drone will be just as happy with the Mavic Air 2 for $200 less, which is more of a crowd-pleaser and remains our Editors’ Choice winner. If you want more than 4K, however, the Air 2S is worth the price bump.

A MAVIC NO MORE

This is the second drone release from DJI in a row to drop Mavic from the product name, so it’s safe to say the company is moving away from clever branding. Instead it gets right to the point here—this is the DJI Air 2S, a bit bigger than the DJI Mini 2 and with a different camera than the otherwise similar DJI Mavic Air 2. OK, so it’s still confusing, but hopefully, things will make more sense as DJI continues updating its naming conventions.

The Air 2S follows the Mavic playbook closely. It’s also pretty small, at just 3.3 by 3.8 by 7.1 inches (HWD) when folded and about 1.3 pounds, and it takes up just a little more room in a camera bag than a typical 2470mm full-frame zoom. The arms fold in a jiffy, too.

It’s heavy enough to require FAA registration, though. If you’re flying for fun, a $5 fee covers any drones you own for three years. Pilots making money—perhaps for real estate or cinema production—are required to pass a certification exam.

DJI is selling the Air 2S on its own for $999.99 or in a Fly More Combo for $1,299.99. The standard edition includes everything you need to get started—the drone, a flight battery, a remote control, and chargers. Fly More gets you two additional batteries, a multi-charger, a set of neutral density filters, and a carrying case.