A leaked image showcases what appears to be the new DJI Air 3S drone alongside the current DJI Air 3 model. This image, shared by Igor Bogdanov, known as Quadro_News on Twitter, suggests significant advancements in the upcoming DJI Air 3S. Potentially including LiDAR-enabled obstacle avoidance or autonomy.
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Camera and Gimbal Design
The first noticeable difference is the camera and gimbal design. The DJI Air 3S features a larger and more complex dual-camera setup compared to the Air 3. This likely suggests that the Air 3S is equipped with larger image sensors, which could provide higher resolution and better performance in low-light conditions.
The upgraded camera system aligns with the trend in Drone Technology to mimic the multi-lens setups found in modern smartphones. Over the last few years, we've seen an increasing number of drones adopting dual and even triple-camera setups, much like the transition seen in smartphone technology.
New LiDAR Speculation
One of the most intriguing aspects of the DJI Air 3S is the sensor setup at the top-front of the drone. Positioned between two obstacle avoidance sensors, this third sensor is generating a lot of speculation.
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The current consensus is that this could be a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor. LiDAR technology, which has become more compact and affordable, is already used in devices like the iPhone and iPad for enhanced camera focus.
LiDAR systems work by emitting laser beams and measuring the time it takes for them to return after hitting an object. This allows for precise distance measurement and detailed mapping of surroundings. If this sensor is indeed a LiDAR system, it could greatly enhance the Air 3S's autonomous flying capabilities and obstacle avoidance.
LiDAR could allow the drone to navigate more accurately and focus better in low-light or no-light conditions. However, it's important to note that the working range of smaller, less powerful LiDAR systems is limited.
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For wide-angle landscape photography, where the distance between the drone and the subject can be quite large, the effectiveness of LiDAR for focusing purposes would be reduced. Typically, smaller LiDAR systems have a shorter range and may not be able to focus on distant objects. This limitation means that while LiDAR could significantly improve close-range obstacle avoidance and tracking, it might not be as useful for longer-distance photography applications.
Evolution of Drone Camera Systems
The evolution of drone camera systems is similar to the advancements seen in smartphones. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro, for example, now boasts a triple camera setup, offering unparalleled versatility and image quality. Similarly, the DJI Air 3 features a dual camera setup, and the Air 3S seems poised to push the envelope even further. This progression highlights the industry's move towards providing more sophisticated imaging solutions, catering to both professional photographers and hobbyists.
Potential Benefits of LiDAR Technology
If DJI has integrated a LiDAR system in the Air 3S, it opens up several exciting possibilities. For one, the drone could achieve more precise and accurate obstacle detection, enhancing safety and usability. Autonomous flying modes could become more reliable, allowing for smoother and more intelligent flight paths. Additionally, improved tracking capabilities would enable drone pilots to capture dynamic and creative footage with greater ease.
LiDAR technology has seen significant advancements in recent years, becoming smaller, cheaper, and more efficient. In consumer electronics, it's been used to enhance augmented reality experiences and improve autofocus in cameras. By incorporating LiDAR into drones, DJI could offer features that were previously only available in higher-end, professional-grade equipment.
DroneXL's Take
This leak points to exciting potential upgrades for the DJI Air 3S, positioning it as a significant improvement over the current Air 3 model. The incorporation of a LiDAR system would be a game-changer, enhancing both obstacle avoidance and autonomous flight capabilities. While the limited range of smaller and less powerful LiDAR systems means they may not be as effective for long-distance applications, the benefits for close-range navigation and obstacle detection are substantial. As DJI continues to push the envelope with its drone technology, the DJI Air 3S could set new standards in the Drone Industry.
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The DJI Air 3S features a larger and more complex dual-camera setup compared to the Air 3. This likely suggests that the Air 3S is equipped with larger image sensors, which could provide higher resolution and better performance in low-light conditions.
DJI, which stands for Da-Jiang Innovations (大疆创新; 'Great Frontier Innovations'), is a Chinese technology company headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong, with manufacturing facilities throughout the world.
Released back in November 2020, the DJI Mini 2 looks remarkably similar to its predecessor, the Mavic Mini – but it packs a much bigger punch. The headline change on the newer model is that the 1/2.3" CMOS sensor can support 4K video, which is a significant improvement on the 2.7K offered by the older Mini.
In 2013, DJI released the first model of the Phantom drone, an entry-level drone that was more user-friendly than other drones on the market at the time. The Phantom was commercially successful but led to conflict between Guinn and Wang.
The core concern is based on the apprehension that DJI drones, by virtue of their sophisticated data collection capabilities, could funnel critical data beyond U.S. borders, directly threatening national security.
Because the compatibility strategy between the DJI App and Google Play Store is changing, you currently cannot finish downloading and updating using Google Play. Thank you for your understanding. Do not be concerned. To ensure your usage, we have launched a DJI official download channel.
The world's first drone billionaire, Frank Wang is the founder and CEO of DJI, the biggest seller of consumer drones. Wang founded DJI in 2006 and ran it out of his dorm room at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology.
In accordance with the FAA drone registration and Remote ID rule, when using DJI Mini 3 series products (DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI Mini 3) with a standard battery (with a takeoff weight less than 250 g) for purely recreational purposes, the user does not need to register their drone or comply with the Remote ID rule.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro was announced on September 24, 2023, and it's now available in other combo packages — including a Fly More Combo package that includes additional batteries and a dedicated charging system.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the best and most advanced consumer/prosumer drone to date thanks to advanced features including omnidirectional collision avoidance, advanced Return to Home and advanced subject tracking. This is a powerful 33.8oz / 958g drone offering three cameras on its gimbal.
As a privately owned and operated company, DJI focuses on our own vision, supporting creative, commercial, and nonprofit applications of our technology. Today, DJI products are redefining industries.
DJI did not comment on questions about whether Chinese government-controlled funders were investors in the company, but maintained it had not received “direct” investments from the Chinese government. “DJI is privately held. The company is solely managed by and majority-owned by the founder team.
Valued at US$4.8 billion by December 2020, Wang's DJI dominates with a 77% market share in US consumer drones. His journey from a university idea to creating the widely popular Phantom drones epitomizes tech entrepreneurship. Wang Tao, also known as Frank Wang, was born in 1980 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China.
Chinese drone manufacturer Shenzhen DJI Innovation Technology Company Limited (known simply as DJI) controls over 70 percent of the global drone market, perfectly illustrating the fusion of China's economic ambitions with its strategic military buildup.
As a privately owned and operated company, DJI focuses on our own vision, supporting creative, commercial, and nonprofit applications of our technology. Today, DJI products are redefining industries.
In 2022, The Washington Post reported that DJI obscured ties to Chinese government funding. In the same year, the U.S. Department of Defense classified DJI as a "Chinese military company." As of January, DJI remains on the list of such companies operating in the United States.
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