DJI Air 3 Active Track: Ultimate Test & Tips Video

From obstacle avoidance, to how it actually works in real life, which ways to get the best shots, and plenty more!

The single biggest item with the Air 3 is that it now supports omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. Previously the Air 2S lacked sideways obstacle avoidance, which meant that when it flew sideways tracking you, or if trying to avoid an object, it might go sideways, it could whack into something. And by ‘could’, I mean ‘most definitely will’. However, the Air 3 now has full coverage in every direction with new added sensors. These should keep it safe, at least in most conditions. I suspect winter low-light conditions with thin tree branches will still be challenging, as that can be even for Skydio.

Now, the second biggest new sports-related item, and arguably almost as important, is that the Air 3 supports using the tele lens in Active Track. This means that you no longer have to be as close to the person that you’re tracking. This is incredibly useful because it can get you away from problematic objects (trees), or even away from people. It’s super useful for side-profile shots, especially low ones, because you can be substantially farther away with the 70mm lens than the 24mm lens.

And the third most notable thing, is that you’ve now got ActiveTrack 5.0 related functions. So sure, there’s the better object recognition and recovery, but also the ability to insta-select which filming angle you want (e.g., left/front/angled/etc…). Previously it was just back/side, and to get different angles you had to manually shift the aircraft.

Oh, and finally, you can film in 60FPS with ActiveTrack, which you couldn’t do previously on the Air 2S. Likewise, you can enable 10-bit via DLOG M, as well as any other feature you darn well want. Everything is supported in ActiveTrack modes.

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#DJIAir3 #Air3 #ActiveTrack

[MrUled]

This is the best review ever. I feel like all other reviewers would cut out the fails and just talk up how great the drone is. Instead this is way more nuanced, yes show the beautiful footage but also show it has clear limitations. Thanks!

[BigBodyPresence]

Hopefully DJI is watching your accurate real world tests, seems software fixable. Keep up the great videos

[youlupukki]

omg finally! you are the only youtuber who's doing a real tests for autonomous modes for DJI. thnks!

[EdTrails]

re beacon, I completely agree, we need something like this to control drone while we are on the move. I was trying to film myself while skiing, placing RC in the pocket, the experience is nightmare, all buttons are so easy to press by accident...

[designer.]

The Air 3 is a nice 12mp drone, I’m a 2S owner and I’m happy I didn’t sell it, Air 3S I see you in 11 months 😊

[RonaldBrown]

The new Air 3 did very well with tracking and avoiding. Great testing, thanks for sharing.

[fernando_dominguez]

Your reviews are the best man, thank you 🎉. It's unbelievable how far DJI is from the skydio.

[nathanwforrest]

Bringing this along seems like a great way to indroduce a ton of frustration to an otherwise nice ride

[osmirod]

I love how you always have the answer for what I need. 😎 thank you

[belovedLion]

“Come on crow, I’m not afraid of you” 🤣 👍🏽 from me!

[dr.gregoryf.maassen]

It is nice to see that I am not the only one talking to my drone :) Great review. Thanks for producing the video. I am a Skydio 2 user, and bought the drone specifically for its tracking capabilities. With Skydio exiting the consumer market, I am keeping a close eye on DJI's tracking and obstacle avoidance capabilities, as I am sure I will buy a DJI drone once my Skydio 2 is retired.

[SeriousSchitt]

I appreciate your realism dude, you’ve certainly cost DJI a sale on this one as I wanted it to track me, even from the front view, whilst riding my motorbike through a tightly packed pine forrest, however this baby’s just not up to the task. Also I can’t afford to babysit the thing while I’ve got both hands securing me to my motorbike. Is there a newer version on the horizon?

I’ve clicked the like button for sure, thanks.

[MrRJC]

This video saved me money. I was going to get this drone, i might go for the Skydio instead.

[Andrew-igsp]

Thank you! Still sticking with Skydio for tracking. Wishing too.

[frankb]

Great video, many thanks. I like your kind of testing because you are really go to the limits, be it with wind or with active track. Helps a lot when using my new Air 3 in the near future …

[YorktownUSA]

About what I expected. Better then the Mavic 3 originally was.

[ruirodrigues]

Just in general, thank you for the hard work you put into your reviews...I almost ordered a canyon aeroad with a shimano power meter til I saw your tour de France power meter video a few weeks back...went sram instead. Again, thank you sir and keep it up

[kennycoaniii]

Can you do this test again when/if they update the active track to the one in the new mini 4 pro?

My favourite Diver do Awesome! Test ) Thanks! Good Luck!

[AnastasTarpanov]

Kudos for your work and all the effort to put these videos!