As expected, DJI has announced its 2S drone. The AIR 2S highlights are its larger sensor (1-Inch), high resolution (5.4K), and autonomous flying capabilities. A drone to reduce the hassle of independent filmmaking. 

DJI AIR 2S

We’ve reported about the sensor possibly implemented in the AIR 2S that is capable of 20 MP. The only valid option for this design is the IMX383 image sensor by Sony. The IMX383-AAQK is a diagonal 15.863 mm (Type 1) CMOS image sensor with a color square pixel array and approximately 20.48 M effective pixels. Basically, that’s the most significant upgrade of the 2S compared to its predecessor. Here’re the main differences between DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2:

• Better camera performance
• Intelligent features
• Improved obstacle sensing and transmission systems
• 1-inch CMOS sensor
• Four-antenna low-latency transmission
• Added upward dual vision sensors, and MasterShots

The Air 2S price is $1,000 and the Mavic Air 2 is $800.

Compatibility compared to other drones

The DJI AIR 2S is compatible with the Mavic Air 2 remote controller but owns a new remote controller that boasts a prolonged battery life of up to four hours, a more comfortable grip, and an improved antenna design for a better viewing experience on the screen. Furthermore, it doesn’t support the DJI FPV Goggles series or the DJI Motion Controller. Nevertheless, DJI emphasizes that users will have to pay attention to future firmware updates. That means it’s possible you’ll see the support of the AIR 2S regarding those devices.

Automatic aerial photography

The DJI Air 2S supports obstacle sensing in four directions: upward, downward, forward, and backward. The ActiveTrack 4.0 features advanced flight route planning algorithms that plan a route in advance when an obstacle is detected, resulting in an optimal tracking experience.

Capturing capabilities:  5.4K/30fps and 4K/60fps

The DJI Air 2S captures photos in 20 MP, and JPG or RAW formats are also available. Also, the DJI Air 2S can shoot videos with resolution up to 5.4K/30fps. It also supports 4K/60fps videos in 10-bit D-log videos in H.265 coding format, convenient for color adjustment in post-editing. The 1-inch CMOS sensor with 2.4μm-sized pixels, offering improved low-light performance, and the ability to capture up to 12.6 stops in RAW.

MasterShots

MasterShots support automatic aerial photography and post-editing. According to the type and distance of the target, DJI AIR 2S automatically selects from Proximity, Landscape, and Portrait templates and creates a cinematic sequence of shots. After the shooting is complete, DJI AIR 2S automatically edits the footage.

Final thoughts

If the DJI FPV drone was built for capturing ultra-dynamic shots which demand high skilled pilot, the AIR 2S goal is to get the best overall image quality, with minimum flying skills required. The two basic strengths of the AIR 2S are its autonomous flying capabilities and the 1-inch sensor, which are packed within a compact device, ideal for independent filmmakers. Explore its commercial below: 

What are your thoughts about the DJI AIR 2S? Would you use it in your aerial productions?