DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo with Smart Controller - Drone with 4K Camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Directions of Obstacle Sensing, 31-Min Flight Time, Max 7.5-Mile Video Transmission, Gray

Admittedly of you want the best beginner done then it's probably the Mini 2 (the Mini 3 has just launched but it's not far off the cost of the Air 2S).BUT, if you want a great drone to learn in that will last you years, the Air 2S is the one. In almost all ways it's a better drone than any of the Mini series for not a fortune more money either. It shoots in 5.4k and has a higher wind resistance than the smaller and lighter Mini series. Unlike the Mini 2, this drone has obstacle avoidance, which I think is essential for a beginner.Of you are in the USA, this drone needs registering with the FSS, but it's only $5 for three years. There are no other restrictions relevant for the casual or beginner drone pilot.If you are in Europe, I would look at the Mini 2 or Mini 3 as your first drone, as there are more restrictions in Europe on heavier drones (over 250g) like the Air 2S

I purchased this drone in December 2021. I have used it in numerous climates, landscapes, and overall weather conditions. I have done time lapse photos, videos, "mastershots," panoramic pictures. I have tried to use as many of the available options as I can. The following is a summary of my experiences:**PROS**-Ease of use: DJI drones are notoriously easy to fly. The collision avoidance works fairly well and this package in particular with the Smart Controller, control is even better. More on the Smart Controller later. The automatic shots like the pano shots and master shots makes capturing cinematic shots super easy. Once you see how they turn out you can begin free-flying your own.-Camera: large 1" sensor and included filters set the stage for numerous combinations of settings and filters to capture whatever it is you are aiming at.-Additional Batteries: With the Fly More you get a total of 3 batteries with each battery averaging 15-20 minutes with my flight style which is usually a mix of sport mode and cine mode on each battery.- ND Filters: They really do help with the cinematic feel of a shot.- Smart Controller: While I might jinx myself saying this, I have ZERO issues with my controller. I often fly while out on the water in Florida and rarely if ever have issues seeing the 1000 nits screen. It is generally plenty bright. Most phone screens from the same era arent even close to the controllers brightness. New phones can get much more bright but will suffer from over heating in the same conditions. I love the feel of the controller in my hand and like having my phone be a phone instead of my drone controller. It might not be for everyone.-The bag: I have read how the package is too big and you cant fit everything back in the bag. I have never had an issue with spare props, 3 batteries, the drone, the smart controller, a lanyard, a night light, and ND filters all fitting in the issued bag without stressing the zippers.**CONS**-Cost: right now the Air 2s Fly More with Smart Controller Package is available on Amazon for $1,688. That is a lot of money for a drone which is a few years old. A bulk of this cost is the Smart Controller so can get the Fly More for just a bit more than $1,000.- Settings: if you aren't into photography/film, you might get overwhelmed with the settings. There are a ton of great tutorials online if you want to move away from the auto settings. Until you play with the settings the default video looks too bright and sharp. I shoot in DLOG and grade everything in my editor afterward.-Battery Storage: DJI wants you to store the batteries at 60% charge. Its not that difficult to do, but is kind of a pain. Certainly makes impromptu flights more difficult as all of your batteries are essentially shot out and need to be topped off before you can do anything.**SUMMARY**If you want a drone, as of late 2023, I still think this is a better buy than the Mini 4. It is really fun to fly, provides tremendous video if you do your part, and will allow you to grow as a photographer/film maker as you learn the craft.

Look, rather than a drawn out, in detail review, let me just say this drone still holds up as a very good investment. The camera quality is awesome, has a 1" sensor, flight time and response is awesome, and everything you would ever want in a drone is right here in this package. I have had this drone for about 3 years now and it has never failed me or crashed. I specialize in aerial cinematography and have 13 awards and over 30 nominations, including an Emmy nomination. This is the drone that has made that possible. I would recommend it to anyone.

Received everything as described.

If I could give this drone 1 star I would. I've bought this drone in 22 December of 2022 and 30 December 2023 this past year the drone malfunctioned and dove into the ocean. It's so sad because since I've bought the drone I literally only flew it a handful of times because I haven't been traveling. If I could count, I used the drone literally (3 times) only.This past Saturday, December 30th, 2023 I took a trip to the beach and decided to fly the drone there. I flew it a few times and it was fine. The final fly was on shore next to the ocean and suddenly the drone malfunctioned and flew itself into the water.I obviously wasn't aware this could happen hence did not realize I should've rinsed the drone immediately in filtered water. When I got home after 5 hours I watched some YouTube videos and saw that one have to immediately rinse the drone in filtered water as well as pour rubbing alcohol over the drone to prevent corrosion.Well, I rinsed the drone in filtered water and the next day bought rubbing alcohol and poured all over the drone as well as the battery that was in the drone when it malfunctioned.I'm not sure who to report this to, I do have the footage of the drone malfunction. I am so pissed because this drone cost (+-$1900).Should I contact DJI?

This is my second DJI drone and it was well worth the upgrade. I know the description says you will get the Smart controller but in actuality you will get the RC Pro. A steal. The package is worth it for the price. I'm an intermediate level drone pilot. This is not a toy and performs like a professional piece of hard ware. Yes it is easy to fly but you still have to know what you are doing and if you want to bring your aerial photography game up to the big boys level, this is the drone to take you there. I'm so happy I purchased this. Great product for DJI, you will not be disappointed.