Good morning, I am new to the forum located in Colorado. I just had my first experience with a drone and now I am wanting to jump in. The drone I was able to fly and see how great the images were was the air 2s. I feel that it currently suites my needs and powerful enough as my skill improves. I'm looking at a refurb Air 2s fly more kit with the 2 year protection or a new 3s fly more with 2 year protection. Other than price is there any advice you could share? Would I be buying something that is obsolete? Are there still updates available as far as firmware? I would be using a Google pixel 8 for the controller. I will be getting the 107 with whichever I choose. Thanks!
FLDave
Well-Known Member
When it comes to electronics, and as price is no concern, get the latest technology that suits your expected usage. Refurbished is still used with electronics of unknown expectations. On the other hand if refurbished is not used but really an unused model sold as used/refurbished, then you might go with such but should be aware of exactly what you are buying. Details of the "2 year protection" also matter; you didn't explain that. My suggestion is to go with latest model with the longest expected life expectancy and the longest time for DJI updates and support. Also, get a fly more combo and pay for Care Refresh from DJI.
If you can get your hands on a new Air 3s and price is not an issue, I would do it.
Thanks for the the reply. Both would be purchased off dji's website with refresh. By protection I meant refresh. I thought I read somewhere about android not being supported by the app anymore. Is there any truth to that?
FLDave makes several great points with the 3 you will be getting a newer drone with years of support to come. I use the AIR 2S daily and its a fantastic Drone and not sure if some realize its also the cheapest Drone to fly as far as Batteries go. they are getting old tho and don't expect much more support for them. I think I would have to say if you want a "budget" Drone get the Air2S. if you want a brand new model who's support window has just started I would advise you to get the Air3.
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If you're referring to the Air 2S, it's a drone that DJI no longer sells. Released in 2021, it's an older model, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be a good fit. If it offers all the features you need and aligns with your budget, it could still be a solid choice.
If you decide to go with refurbished, buying directly from the DJI Store would be a smart choice. DJI has been selling refurbished drones for years, so you'll likely have a great experience since they have that process down to a science by now.
One thing to take into consideration. 'older' models (Air 2S) have been around long enough to have had all the necessary feature updates pretty much perfected, they've also had more or less all the bugs and glitches ironed out.
New models (Air 3S) are still going through the process of having all the wrinkles and faults (identified by new owners) corrected. They are also going through the process of consecutive firmware refinement to ensure all advertised features are included and working to full capacity.
If you're okay with that: buy the new model, but perhaps wait about six months or so for DJI to get most of the donkey work done.
They are in my opinion one of DJI's best Drones Mine is WAAAY past its lifetime with gosh knows how many miles on it.
the batts are cheap and it has a very nice camera attached. I am NO photographer so I can't really say what you would be getting or loseing with that.BUT the AIR2S is a tank and you will be pleased with it for sure Just be aware that its support window is closing if not closed already. I will be flying my Air2s for years to come.
Other than just flying for fun I would use it to inspect towers at my work in the event of heavy storm damage. Not for hire, just as a tool. That may be a benefit to the newest tech, but I am in no way trying to sell myself as an aerial photographer. This will strictly be a tool / hobby
I'd lean toward an Air 2S today rather than an Air 3S someday.
There's nothing obsolete about an Air 2S and the image quality is superb. No, it's not the absolute latest and greatest technology, but is that really important to you? The Air 2S is still an absolutely astonishing flying camera with a navigation system that was only a remote fantasy not long ago. I've kept my Air 2S after stepping up to the Mavic 3 Pro and I'm happy that I have.
I'd have no qualms about a recertified drone from DJI.
One thing to consider is the fact there is a DJI Software Developers Kit, SDK, available for the Air 2S and there will not be one for the AIr 3S. The SDK makes automated flight modes and mapping available from third party developers like Litchi.
There's nothing obsolete about an Air 2S and the image quality is superb. No, it's not the absolute latest and greatest technology, but is that really important to you? The Air 2S is still an absolutely astonishing flying camera with a navigation system that was only a remote fantasy not long ago. I've kept my Air 2S after stepping up to the Mavic 3 Pro and I'm happy that I have.
I'd have no qualms about a recertified drone from DJI.
One thing to consider is the fact there is a DJI Software Developers Kit, SDK, available for the Air 2S and there will not be one for the AIr 3S. The SDK makes automated flight modes and mapping available from third party developers like Litchi.
The Air 2S would be fine for tower inspections. Be aware that you'll need an FAA Part 107 commercial rating to use it as part of your work, even if you're not being paid.
Like I'm still flying both my Mavic 2's five years after buying them.
YVRGUY
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Looks like the fly
Looks like the fly more kit isn't available. Does anyone have a lead on batteries and a charging hub new or refurbished. Any other essentials? Thanks
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