The new version of the most popular drone changes name and improves performance with new sensors
Luca Viscardi Technology divulger and blogger
Radio host, blogger and writer. For years engaged in the popularization of digital culture, he is founder and Chief editor of MisterGadget.Tech
We tested it for several weeks and we had the confirmation that this is the best drone for “pro-sumer” use: DJI Air 2s is the evolution of one of the most beloved drones on the market, with several improvements from the technological point of view, but also with a significant increase in price.
When we say “pro-sumer” we mean the combination between the typical needs of a professional and those of a private consumer, even with some limitations that this drone manifests on the camera front.
What has changed compared to DJI Mavic Air 2
Yes because if on the one hand a new one-inch sensor is introduced, on the other, however, an optic is used that does not perfectly suit all needs and that for excellent results needs lenses that must be applied from time to time. These lenses, moreover, are not included in the normal sales package, but only in the box called “Fly More Combo”, which contains a second battery, a case for the device and all its accessories and the aforementioned optics.This version of the DJI Air 2s drone, however, pushes the cost further up, up to 1299 €, which for private use begins to become a challenging price.
In comparison to the previous model, the new DJI Air 2s drone also introduces two new sensors for vertical flight, capable of spotting obstacles above the drone: this hardware innovation is also joined by a software one, with the new APAS 4.0 autopilot system, which makes its use much safer. For an automatic flight without surprises would still lack the side sensors, reason why it is advisable to set the drone to stop when it senses obstacles: this is one of several options available, the other is to bypass the obstacle that comes in square, but without the side sensors could be a dangerous move.
For the rest, the functions of DJI Air 2s are very similar to those of the previous model, starting with the detail that it can be folded on itself to be transported with extreme ease. The battery life is also very similar to that of the previous model, with an autonomy that is around 25/30 minutes.
How to use and govern the DJI Air 2s drone
The new DJI Air 2s drone is managed with the remote control, which is in turn hooked to the smartphone, in the equipment there are cables for both the connection to an iPhone and an Android smartphone with USB C connector.
The application is very complete, however, requires a bit of practice to be fully familiar with the use of this device, which is beautiful to see, extraordinary to use, but can pose a serious danger and for this reason should be used with full knowledge of the facts. In this sense, it is necessary to emphasize one of the most important details about the DJI Air 2s drone: due to its weight and its technical characteristics, it now falls into a category that allows it to be used even in built-up areas, in the proximity of people being filmed, provided that you have the license issued by the air traffic control authorities.
However, since it does not have the necessary certification, from 2023 its classification will change dramatically, so this drone cannot be used in urban areas, it will have to maintain a distance of more than 50 m from the subjects being filmed and it can only be used with a double license, both the one issued online and the one obtained through courses at certified companies. This is a very important detail to take into account, if you decide to buy this flying object, because the penalties in case of violations of the rules are particularly heavy.
Having clarified the theme on the rules with which to use the DJI Air 2s drone, we can say that its management and control in flight are relatively simple and also offer very advanced solutions such as “mastershots”, which guarantee excellent results for photos and videos. Once you launch the flight, it is in fact enough to fix the target of your shots, because the drone performs a series of programmed movements and then generates a really very nice automatic video.
If this may be the right product for you, you must take into account the cost of about 1,000 euros.