Introduction
The DJI Air series is a revolutionary lineup of drones that has set the standard for compact, powerful, and user-friendly aerial photography devices. Over the years, DJI has released several iterations in the Air series, each one improving upon the last to cater to enthusiasts, professionals, and casual users alike. This article explores the history, specifications, and unique features of each model in the DJI Air series, highlighting why it’s considered one of the best drone series in the market.
DJI Air Series History
1. DJI Mavic Air (Launched January 2018)
The first entry in the Air series, the DJI Mavic Air, was introduced as a compact, foldable drone designed for travelers and content creators. It bridged the gap between portability and professional-grade features.
Key Specifications:
- Camera: 12MP 1/2.3-inch sensor with 4K video at 30fps
- Flight Time: 21 minutes
- Range: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Weight: 430 grams
- Features: 3-axis gimbal, obstacle avoidance, SmartCapture, HDR photos
Why It Stands Out: The Mavic Air was groundbreaking for its size and capability. With its foldable design, high-resolution camera, and intelligent flight modes, it appealed to travelers and vloggers who wanted professional-quality footage without lugging around bulky equipment.
DJI Mavic Air Fly More Combo Arctic 4k Drone Electronics, White (CP.PT.00000165.01)
Features
- 32.0MP sphere panoramas - In addition to horizontal, vertical, and 180 Degree panoramas, Mavic Air stitches 25 photos together in just eight seconds to create crystal clear 32.0MP sphere panoramas.
- Lightweight and compact foldable design - You can take it anywhere with you.
- Manufactured in China
- 1 optical Zoom
2. DJI Mavic Air 2 (Launched April 2020)
The Mavic Air 2 took the Air series to the next level, offering significant upgrades in image quality, flight time, and intelligent features. It became a favorite among intermediate and professional users.
Key Specifications:
- Camera: 48MP 1/2-inch sensor with 4K video at 60fps
- Flight Time: 34 minutes
- Range: 10 km (6.2 miles) with OcuSync 2.0
- Weight: 570 grams
- Features: FocusTrack, HDR video, Hyperlapse, Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 3.0
Why It Stands Out: The Mavic Air 2 introduced advanced features like HDR video and FocusTrack, making it easier for users to capture stunning footage. Its extended flight time and range also made it a top contender in the mid-range drone market.
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo - Drone Quadcopter UAV with 48MP Camera 4K Video 8K Hyperlapse 1/2" CMOS Sensor 3-Axis Gimbal 34min Flight Time ActiveTrack 3.0 Ocusync 2.0, Gray
Features
- 【UP YOUR GAME】: The Mavic Air 2 camera drone takes power and portability to the next level. It combines a powerful camera with intelligent shooting modes for stunning results. Push your imagination to its limits because aerial photography has never been this easy.
- 【NEXT-LEVEL CONTENT】: Capture impressive 48MP photos with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor while the 3-axis gimbal provides 4K/60fps video. The secret to incredible HDR video is a high-performance Quad Bayer image sensor. OcuSync 2.0 has a video transmission distance of up to 6.2mi / 10 km and can also deliver 1080p FHD resolution livestream directly from the drone’s camera.
- 【IMPROVED FLIGHT】: An impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes allows you to pull off epic, fast-paced shots. Obstacle sensing in three directions makes it extra convenient for beginners and improves safety for your Mavic Air 2.
- 【INTELLIGENT TRACKING】: Mavic Air 2 features intuitive shooting functions that make aerial photography easier than ever. Spotlight 2.0 keeps the camera locked on a subject while you fly freely. ActiveTrack 3.0 keeps subjects centered. POI 3.0 tracks moving subjects like people and vehicles.
- 【APP COMPATIBILITY】: The DJI Fly app requires iOS v10.0, Android v6.0, or above. Compatible devices include: iPhone (11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6s Plus, 6s, 6 Plus, 6), iPad Pro (9.7’’), iPad Air 2 (9.7’’), iPad mini 4 (8’’), iPad Pro (10.5’’), iPad Pro 2018 11’’, iPad Pro 12.9’’, Samsung Galaxy (S20, S10+, S10, S9+, S9, S8+, S8, S7 edge, S7, S6, Note10+, Note9, Note8), Huawei (P30 Pro, P30, P20, P10, Mate 30 Pro, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 10, nova 5, nova 4, nova 3e, nova 2, Honor 8X, 10, 9, 20 Pro, Magic 2, Mi 8, MIX 2S, MIX 2, Redmi Note 5, Oppo Find X, R15, Vivo NEX, X27, X21, X20A, OnePlus 7, 6T, 5, Pixel 3 XL, 2 XL, 2, LG V20, LG G6, Sony Xpeial 1.
Compression between Mavic air 1 and Mavic air 2
DJI Mavic Air Fly More Combo Arctic 4k Drone Electronics, White (CP.PT.00000165.01)
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo - Drone Quadcopter UAV with 48MP Camera 4K Video 8K Hyperlapse 1/2" CMOS Sensor 3-Axis...
as of June 21, 2025 7:18 am
1 usedfrom $899.99
as of June 21, 2025 7:18 am
- 32.0MP sphere panoramas - In addition to horizontal, vertical, and 180 Degree panoramas, Mavic...
- Lightweight and compact foldable design - You can take it anywhere with you.
- Manufactured in China
- 1 optical Zoom
- 【UP YOUR GAME】: The Mavic Air 2 camera drone takes power and portability to the next level. It...
- 【NEXT-LEVEL CONTENT】: Capture impressive 48MP photos with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor while the 3-axis...
- 【IMPROVED FLIGHT】: An impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes allows you to pull off epic,...
- 【INTELLIGENT TRACKING】: Mavic Air 2 features intuitive shooting functions that make aerial...
3. DJI Air 2S (Launched April 2021)
Rebranded as the DJI Air 2S, this model featured professional-grade enhancements, making it a favorite for photographers and filmmakers.
Key Specifications:
- Camera: 20MP 1-inch sensor with 5.4K video at 30fps
- Flight Time: 31 minutes
- Range: 12 km (7.5 miles) with OcuSync 3.0
- Weight: 595 grams
- Features: MasterShots, ADS-B AirSense, 4-way obstacle sensing, SmartPhoto
Why It Stands Out: The Air 2S’s 1-inch sensor provided unparalleled image quality in a compact drone. Features like MasterShots and AirSense increased its appeal to both beginners and professionals looking for safety and creative options.
Features
- 【1-INCH IMAGE SENSOR】Equipped with a 1-inch image sensor and large 2.4μm pixels, DJI Air 2S is capable of 5.4K/30fps and 4K/60fps video.
- 【MASTERSHOTS】The next evolution of QuickShots, MasterShots is an advanced intelligent feature that gives users the best shots in any location with just a tap.
- 【THE CENTER OF ATTENTION】FocusTrack features Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, making it a breeze for DJI Air 2S to follow or circle your subject.
- 【ONE BILLION COLORS】The 10-bit Dlog-M color profile can record up to one billion colors while retaining all the little details that make footage pop.
- 【7.5 MILES MAX VIDEO TRANSMISSION】DJI Air 2S features DJI's most advanced O3 (OcuSync 3.0) image transmission technology, giving you an ultra-smooth, clear, and reliable image feed every time you fly.
Compression between Mavic air 2 and Mavic air 2s
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo - Drone Quadcopter UAV with 48MP Camera 4K Video 8K Hyperlapse 1/2" CMOS Sensor 3-Axis...
DJI Air 2S Drone Fly More Combo with Remote Controller (Renewed)
1 usedfrom $899.99
as of June 21, 2025 7:18 am
as of June 21, 2025 7:18 am
- 【UP YOUR GAME】: The Mavic Air 2 camera drone takes power and portability to the next level. It...
- 【NEXT-LEVEL CONTENT】: Capture impressive 48MP photos with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor while the 3-axis...
- 【IMPROVED FLIGHT】: An impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes allows you to pull off epic,...
- 【INTELLIGENT TRACKING】: Mavic Air 2 features intuitive shooting functions that make aerial...
- 【1-INCH IMAGE SENSOR】Equipped with a 1-inch image sensor and large 2.4μm pixels, DJI Air 2S is...
- 【MASTERSHOTS】The next evolution of QuickShots, MasterShots is an advanced intelligent feature...
- 【THE CENTER OF ATTENTION】FocusTrack features Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of...
- 【ONE BILLION COLORS】The 10-bit Dlog-M color profile can record up to one billion colors while...
4. DJI Air 3 (Launched July 2023)
The latest in the Air series, the DJI Air 3, introduced dual cameras for even more creative possibilities. It’s designed to be versatile and powerful, catering to advanced users while remaining accessible for beginners.
Key Specifications:
- Camera: Dual cameras (Wide 24mm, Medium Tele 70mm) with 4K at 60fps
- Flight Time: 46 minutes
- Range: 20 km (12.4 miles) with OcuSync 4.0
- Weight: 720 grams
- Features: Omnidirectional obstacle sensing, Waypoint flight, Night mode, Advanced HDR
Why It Stands Out: The Air 3 combines professional-grade capabilities with user-friendly features. The dual-camera system allows for creative flexibility, while its impressive flight time and omnidirectional obstacle sensing ensure safety and reliability.
DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2, Drone with Camera 4K, Dual Primary Cameras, 3 Batteries for Extended Flight Time, 48MP Photo, 20Km Max Video Transmission, FAA Remote ID Compliant
Features
- , - DJI Air 3's dual cameras offer creative focal-length options ideal for travel photography. Show off stunning environments and tell captivating stories through your lens.
- - DJI Air 3 complies with the FAA Remote ID rule. Please check the compliance document below to see the user guide for Remote ID, and you can visit the FAA's website for requirements of drone registration and Remote ID.
- , - - Fly confidently with Air 3's . It ensures comprehensive protection even in challenging environments like forests.
- - - Air 3 captures impressive 48MP images, allowing for remarkable crops. Even quickly snapped travel photos can be cropped to reveal surprising details.
- - Record stunning 4K/60fps HDR videos with the dual cameras. Experience breathtaking visuals with vibrant colors and lifelike details.
Compression between Mavic air 2s and Mavic air 3
DJI Air 2S Drone Fly More Combo with Remote Controller (Renewed)
DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2, Drone with Camera 4K, Dual Primary Cameras, 3 Batteries for Extended Flight...
as of June 21, 2025 7:18 am
as of June 21, 2025 7:18 am
- 【1-INCH IMAGE SENSOR】Equipped with a 1-inch image sensor and large 2.4μm pixels, DJI Air 2S is...
- 【MASTERSHOTS】The next evolution of QuickShots, MasterShots is an advanced intelligent feature...
- 【THE CENTER OF ATTENTION】FocusTrack features Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of...
- 【ONE BILLION COLORS】The 10-bit Dlog-M color profile can record up to one billion colors while...
- , - DJI Air 3's dual cameras offer creative focal-length options ideal for travel photography....
- - DJI Air 3 complies with the FAA Remote ID rule. Please check the compliance document below to...
- , - - Fly confidently with Air 3's . It ensures comprehensive protection even in challenging...
- - - Air 3 captures impressive 48MP images, allowing for remarkable crops. Even quickly snapped...
Why the DJI Air Series is the Best
- Compact and Portable: All models in the Air series feature a foldable design, making them easy to carry without compromising performance.
- Professional-Grade Cameras: With each iteration, the Air series has improved camera quality, from the 12MP Mavic Air to the dual-camera Air 3, ensuring stunning photos and videos.
- Intelligent Features: Features like SmartCapture, MasterShots, and FocusTrack make these drones accessible to beginners while offering advanced tools for professionals.
- Safety: With technologies like obstacle sensing and ADS-B AirSense, the Air series ensures a safe flying experience.
- Extended Flight Times: The series has progressively increased flight times, allowing users to capture more footage without frequent battery changes.
- Wide Appeal: Whether you’re a beginner, a content creator, or a professional filmmaker, the Air series has something for everyone.
Conclusion
The DJI Air series has evolved into one of the most versatile and powerful drone lineups on the market. From the groundbreaking Mavic Air to the feature-packed Air 3, this series continues to push the boundaries of what compact drones can achieve. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes, shooting cinematic videos, or simply exploring the skies, the DJI Air series offers the perfect balance of performance, portability, and innovation.
Ready to take your aerial photography to new heights? The DJI Air series awaits your creativity.
