DJI Announces the Air 2S with 1" CMOS Sensor
04/15/2021The new DJI Air 2S is here! Featuring a powerful imaging system that includes a 1" CMOS sensor, all-new autonomous functions, as well as the ultralight design for which the Mavic Air series is known, the Air 2S appears to be the total package. It’s portable. It’s powerful. And if you’re an aerial photographer looking for the perfect all-in-one drone, the Air 2S might just be it.
Super-Sized Sensor
Although it shares the same family name as the Mavic Air 2, the Air 2S appears to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor. Chief among its enhancements is the new 1" CMOS sensor, which allows the Air 2S to shoot 5.4K30 and 4K60 video, as well as 20MP stills. The new sensor also supports many advanced imaging features, such as 10-bit color and RAW format photos, as well as several proprietary capture modes, including Intelligent HDR, Hyperlapse, and Panorama.
Updates Galore
In addition to the powerful new sensor, the Air 2S also includes the latest versions of several features and functions, including the newly released OcuSync 3.0, Active Track 4.0, and MasterShots—to name a few.
OcuSync 3.0—or O3 as DJI calls it—is the latest iteration of DJI’s advanced image-transmission system. O3 recently made its debut with the DJI FPV drone, providing the reliably smooth images and ultra-low latency FPV flying requires. That same technology is available with the Air 2S, meaning it can consistently transmit clear, ultra-smooth 1080p footage from up to seven and a half miles away.
DJI calls the new MasterShots feature the “next evolution of QuickShots,” the popular autonomous shooting feature that allows pilots to capture cinema-worthy footage with the single press of a button. The number of available QuickShots has grown over the years—from the original four we saw with the DJI Spark to the 10 now available in the DJI Air 2S. And with the increase in number came an increase in sophistication, image quality, etc. Hence, they are now “MasterShots.”
Y’All Know Me, Still the Same Low g
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mavic Air if it wasn’t ridiculously lightweight. And despite the powerful new sensor, the Air 2S still weighs a mere 595g. That’s less than 30g heavier than the Mavic Air 2, despite having a camera several weight classes above it. Bottom line: You get all the convenience and portability of the Mavic Air 2, only with a better camera, better autonomous functions, and more advanced features. And with the Air 2S Fly More Combo, you'll get essential accessories to complete the package and fly longer.
In this session, DJI and marine wildlife filmmaker Roberto Ochoa will discuss how he’s been using the new drone on his latest adventures. Topics will include Ochoa’s history with drones, how he uses them to capture the world’s incredible marine life, and professional tips from Ochoa and DJI experts Stuart Cram and Donovan Davis.
Share your thoughts about the new DJI Air 2S, down below, in the Comments section.
Comments
27 Comments
Hi there, and thanks for the review.
I am a boat captain, and a long time pro still shooter.
I have been waiting , and waiting for a release of the long talked about mavic 3.
The air2s drone interest me, with the low entry price point.
With that said,(and what was mentioned several times by Roberto) My biggest fear is splashing one. It's one thing as a production company, or documentary film budget to lose a piece of equipment. As a normal consumer, it stings even more.
There are two major features, that weren't addressed that I think are vital to this type of usage.
#1 would be a return to controller feature, Not a return to home. When launching from a boat, and trying to capture these kinds of images, the boat is often on the go. Meaning the home is just a hole in the water.
#2 would be some sort of water surface detection. So you could say set a 1m/3' limit as to how low it would fly in reference to the water surface.
The return to controller would be a game changer for me.
Also there wasn't any tech talk about payload capacity?
My boat is engaged in sport fishing, and we are always on the move.
Thanks again
Daren
Hi Darren -
As you fly, obstacle avoidance, geofencing, return-to-home, and DJI's AirSense work to keep the Air 2S, bystanders, and other objects safe. The DJI MAVIC AIR 2S is not designed to carry a payload.
Also, thanks for the documentary aspect of having an ocean/sea experience made into something so educational as Galapalos Island turtles, whales, etc., and used for a purpose of appreciating the beauty of the planet we live on and saving it from further abuse. Being aware is the beginning! The end is: keeping it all pristine.
We are pleased you came away with something of value from this article, Nanette H. Thanks so much for your comments, and good luck flying whatever drone you decide to purchase.
Thank you guys for such an informative session because I am thinking about buying a drone for a Utah Landscape Workshop on June 4 - June 9, just a few weeks away. I liked hearing about the video capabilities but mostly being so new to drones I liked the raw photography information that Roberto made reference to (not having to use filters) that would be my personal preference having the footage & photographs that are just natural real time....its all in the quality of the camera. Thanks!
I hope this works better than the FPV. Over the past month, I’ve logged about 10 hours on tech support and zero hours flying. The software is simply not working. I asked to return it, but they didn’t send the return authorization. Twice.
I suspect the only way my FPV is going to fly is when I finally throw it out the window.
Will the iPad Mini 4 fit into the holder on the controller?
Hi Alan -
Yes. The included DJI RC-N1 for Mavic Air 2/2s will hold phones and tablets up to 7" and the width of the iPad Mini 4 is 5.3inches without a case.
DJI Remote Control Tablet Holder for Air 2S/Mavic Air 2/Mini 2 B&H # DJMA2RCTH Key Features:
In the Box
Any samples of using this at night for photography stills or video? Also, confirmation that it works with the new FPV goggles would be great as well!
It does not currently work with the FPV goggles. DJI has hinted that a possible firmware update might allow this functionality.
Hi Larry:
Visit DJI for more videos that feature low-light imaging: https://www.dji.com/air-2s
DJI has said to stay tuned for further firmware updates:
FPV Gimbal Mode:
It's thrilling enough to simply pilot a drone and record sweeping images and video, but with optional FPV (First Person View) goggles, you can view the live feed from the gimbal as if you were in a virtual cockpit on the Air 2S yourself.
So can it transmit to the new FPV goggles?
Not currently. DJI has hinted that a possible firmware update might allow this functionality. Stay tuned!
Hi Gavin -
DJI has said to stay tuned for further firmware updates:
FPV Gimbal Mode:
It's thrilling enough to simply pilot a drone and record sweeping images and video, but with optional FPV (First Person View) goggles, you can view the live feed from the gimbal as if you were in a virtual cockpit on the Air 2S yourself.
Wish I had known this was in the works. I wouldn't have wasted my money on Mavic Air 2. :( Guess I'll have to forgo this model and wait for the next generation. Unless I see something else better before then. No side sensors, no discount for those of us who pre-ordered Mavic Air 2 less than a year ago, and way too similar.
I get what you’re saying. Releasing a new version doesn’t make the MA2 obsolete by any measure. You could have paid up and got the M2P, but I imagine we’ll see a new version of that one soon. I have both and appreciate their differences. I’d like to see firmware updates for previous models that add some of the features on the new models.
Simple, just wait forever before buying anything. There will always be newer, better. And they need to sell the old stock before telling you about new items. Look at it as you funded the new development!
No 240fps @ 1080p? Why? Air 2 has it.
Why the fixed 2.8 aperture
I wondered the same. My guess is it’s most likely to keep some people interested in the next iteration of the Mavic Pro series.
Would you consider this an upgrade over the Mavic Pro 2 or would you wait for a new Mavic Pro to come out?
Hi Daniel -
It is an improvement overall with a lower price tag in a lighter airframe. But it will be interesting to see what DJI releases next.
Can the new Air 2S use the older Air 2 batteries or the Air 2 controller?
Yes to both.
Hi Keith,
You can use the older Air 2 batteries and controller with the Air 2S.
The important question for travelers is this compliant with the new EU requirements?
If not, you must operate under the highest restrictions.
Hi Jonathan -
Please check with EASA for the latest regulations regarding civil unmanned drones for recreational use.