Buy the DJI Air 3S in Australia: Which Combo to Choose and How It Compares With the Air 3
Three ways to buy the dual-camera Air 3S, how it differs from the Air 3, and the spares worth ordering with it.
· 9 min read · Flight Operations Team
The DJI Air 3S is the drone many Australian creators choose when a Mini starts to feel limiting but a full Pro-class aircraft is more than the job needs. It carries two cameras, a 1-inch wide camera and a 3x medium tele, flies for up to 45 minutes on one battery and costs well under the price of a Mavic. Searches for the Air 3S have grown steadily, and buyers are also comparing it with the Air 3 and the DJI Air 3S accessories on offer. This guide explains the three ways to buy the Air 3S, what each includes, how it differs from the Air 3, which pilot each package suits and which spares are worth adding to the first order.
What you are buying: the DJI Air 3S at a glance
The Air 3S is a dual-camera travel and creator drone. The main camera is a 1-inch CMOS sensor with 50 MP of resolution, and the second is a 1/1.3-inch medium tele camera of 48 MP with a 70 mm equivalent lens. Between them you can change the framing of a shot without moving the aircraft, which is why property photographers, travel filmmakers and wedding videographers like the Air series. Video records in 4K at up to 120 fps, and forward LiDAR helps the aircraft sense obstacles and capture cleaner footage in low light, alongside omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
- Wide camera: 1-inch CMOS, 50 MP.
- Medium tele camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48 MP, 70 mm equivalent.
- Video: 4K at up to 120 fps.
- Flight time: up to 45 minutes per battery.
- Weight: about 724 g, so it is well above the 250 g class.
- Sensing: omnidirectional obstacle sensing with forward LiDAR.
Three ways to buy the DJI Air 3S
Every package uses the same aircraft and the same two cameras. What changes is the controller and how much battery power you receive. The table shows what each package includes and its price in Australian dollars.
| Package | Controller | What is included | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Air 3S (RC-N3) | DJI RC-N3, uses your smartphone | Aircraft and controller | $1,699 |
| Air 3S Fly More Combo (RC-N3) | DJI RC-N3, uses your smartphone | Extra batteries, charging hub and shoulder bag | $2,129 |
| Air 3S Fly More Combo (RC 2) | DJI RC 2 with built-in screen | Extra batteries, charging hub and shoulder bag | $2,429 |
DJI Air 3S with the RC-N3: the lowest entry price
At $1,699 the DJI Air 3S with the RC-N3 is the cheapest way to own the aircraft. The RC-N3 is a compact controller that holds your smartphone and uses it as the screen, which keeps both the price and the weight of the kit down. It is a sensible choice if you already own a modern phone, fly short sessions and plan to add a spare battery later. Be realistic about how you will use it, though. One battery gives up to 45 minutes in the air, but a day of shooting rarely fits in a single flight, so most buyers who start here add a battery within weeks.
Air 3S Fly More Combo with the RC-N3: the value pick
For most buyers the Fly More Combo with the RC-N3 at $2,129 is the better purchase. It adds extra Intelligent Flight Batteries, a charging hub and a shoulder bag to the same aircraft and controller. That is $430 more than the basic package, and it replaces several separate purchases with one order. The shoulder bag also gives the kit a proper place to live when you travel. It suits creators who fly for hours rather than minutes and are happy to use their own phone as the screen, such as property photographers, holiday filmmakers and event videographers.
Air 3S Fly More Combo with the RC 2: the complete kit
If you would rather not clip a phone to the controller, the Fly More Combo with the DJI RC 2 is the complete Air 3S package at $2,429. The RC 2 has a bright screen built in, so there is no phone to mount, no app to open on your own device and a quicker set-up in the field. It is also easier to read in strong sun than a phone, and your phone stays free for calls, messages and the client. You still receive the extra batteries, the charging hub and the shoulder bag. Choose it if you shoot for clients, fly in bright conditions or simply want the simplest controls. Our guide to DJI controllers explained compares the RC-N3, RC 2 and RC Pro in more detail.
DJI Air 3S vs DJI Air 3: which should you buy?
Many buyers are weighing the Air 3S against the original DJI Air 3, which is available at the same $1,699 starting price. Both are dual-camera aircraft with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, and they weigh almost the same, so the real difference is the camera. The Air 3S carries a larger 1-inch sensor on its wide camera, adds forward LiDAR and records 4K at up to 120 fps.
| DJI Air 3S | DJI Air 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wide camera | 1-inch CMOS, 50 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48 MP |
| Medium tele camera | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48 MP, 70 mm eq. | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48 MP, 70 mm eq. |
| Video | 4K up to 120 fps | 4K up to 100 fps |
| Flight time per battery | Up to 45 min | Up to 46 min |
| Take-off weight | About 724 g | 720 g |
| Obstacle sensing | Omnidirectional with forward LiDAR | Omnidirectional |
| Starting price | $1,699 | $1,699 |
| Fly More Combo | $2,129 | $2,049 |
At the same entry price, the Air 3S is the better buy for most people, because the larger wide sensor is the camera you will use most often. The Air 3 remains a strong aircraft if you find it in a Fly More Combo, where the Air 3 Fly More Combo is $2,049 and the Air 3 Fly More Combo with the RC 2 is $2,349. Those are $80 below the matching Air 3S combos. If you already own an Air 3, the batteries and propellers are listed separately for each model, so check the name before you order.
DJI Air 3S vs DJI Mini 5 Pro: size or second camera?
The other common comparison is with the DJI Mini 5 Pro, which also carries a 1-inch sensor but weighs under 250 g. The two aircraft answer different questions.
| DJI Air 3S | DJI Mini 5 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 1-inch CMOS, 50 MP | 1-inch CMOS, 50 MP |
| Second camera | Yes, 70 mm equivalent medium tele | No |
| Flight time per battery | Up to 45 min | Up to 36 min |
| Weight | About 724 g | Under 250 g |
| Starting price | $1,699 | $1,119 |
Choose the Mini 5 Pro if weight, portability and keeping the aircraft under 250 g matter most. Choose the Air 3S if you want the second camera for tighter framing, a longer flight time and the extra capability that comes with a larger aircraft. Our Mini 5 Pro buying guide explains its four packages in detail. If you are considering something bigger, the Mavic buying guide compares the Pro-class folding drones.
What to add: DJI Air 3S accessories worth ordering
A few extras make a bigger difference to the quality of your footage and the length of your day than any upgrade to the aircraft. Every item below is listed for the Air 3S, so you can order it with the drone.
- DJI Air 3S Intelligent Flight Battery, $219: a spare pack for up to 45 minutes of flight per battery.
- DJI Air 3 Series Battery Charging Hub, $129: charges several batteries from one input. It is listed for both the Air 3 and Air 3S, and is already in the Fly More Combos.
- DJI Air 3S ND Filter Set (ND8/32/128), $159: neutral-density filters that let you hold a slower shutter speed in bright light for smooth video.
- DJI Air 3S Wide-Angle Lens, $99: a wider view for interiors and landscapes.
- DJI Air 3 Series Low-Noise Propellers, $39: a spare set keeps the drone flying after a prop strike.
- DJI Air 3 Series Propeller Guard, $38: added protection when you fly close to walls or people.
You can browse everything compatible with the Air series in our batteries and accessories category, and our battery, charger and propeller guide explains how to look after the packs so they last. If you are buying with property work in mind, our guide to the best drones for real estate and aerial photography explains how the Air series fits that job.
Flying a 724 g drone in Australia
At about 724 g the Air 3S sits well above the 250 g class that makes the smallest Minis so simple to fly. Rules depend on the weight of the aircraft and on whether you fly for fun or for paid work, and they change from time to time. Always confirm the current requirements on the CASA website before your first flight, and read our FAQ on registering a drone and CASA rules. If you plan to earn money from your footage, check whether you need accreditation, and keep a record of your flights. The aircraft's obstacle sensing is a safety aid and not a substitute for watching the drone and the airspace around it.
Should you buy new or used?
Used Air 3S drones appear from time to time, but a new aircraft arrives with a full warranty, genuine batteries and the current firmware. If a used price looks too good to be true, read our guide to buying a new or used DJI drone before you commit. A new Fly More Combo costs more up front, but the cost of replacing a worn battery on a used aircraft can close the gap quickly.
Which DJI Air 3S package should you buy?
- You want the lowest price and will add batteries later: the Air 3S with the RC-N3 at $1,699.
- You fly for hours and use your phone as the screen: the Fly More Combo with the RC-N3 at $2,129.
- You want a built-in screen and the complete kit: the Fly More Combo with the RC 2 at $2,429.
- You want to spend less and accept the older camera: the Air 3 Fly More Combo at $2,049.
How buying from Drones for Sale works
Every order ships free to any Australian address by express courier, with signature on delivery and transit insurance. Prices are in Australian dollars, unopened hardware can be returned within 30 days and Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply. You can pay by cryptocurrency with a 10% discount, or by bank transfer, PayID or Osko. Use the order form to place an order, and we will email your payment details and confirm dispatch. If you are unsure which package suits your work, send us a message through the quote form and a specialist will recommend one. You can also compare every model in our DJI Mini and Air range.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the DJI Air 3S cost in Australia?
The DJI Air 3S with the RC-N3 is $1,699. The Fly More Combo with the RC-N3 is $2,129 and the Fly More Combo with the RC 2 is $2,429. All prices are in Australian dollars with free express shipping.
What is the difference between the DJI Air 3S and the Air 3?
The Air 3S has a larger 1-inch sensor on its wide camera, forward LiDAR and records 4K at up to 120 fps. Both have a 70 mm equivalent medium tele camera, omnidirectional obstacle sensing and flight times of 45 minutes (Air 3S) and 46 minutes (Air 3).
Which DJI Air 3S combo is best?
For most buyers the Fly More Combo with the RC-N3 is the best value because it adds extra batteries, a charging hub and a shoulder bag. Choose the RC 2 version if you want a built-in screen and no phone.
How long does the DJI Air 3S fly?
Up to 45 minutes per battery, so a Fly More Combo gives you several flights in a day.
Is the DJI Air 3S under 250 g?
No. It weighs about 724 g, so check the current CASA rules for your type of flying before you take off.
Featured products
- DJI Air 3S (DJI RC-N3) – $1,699 AUD
- DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC-N3) – $2,129 AUD
- DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) – $2,429 AUD
- DJI Air 3 – $1,699 AUD