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Writer's pictureGuillaume H

Best SD Cards for DJI Air 3S

Updated: Nov 27

Having the right SD card for your DJI Air 3S can mean the difference between smooth 4K video and choppy footage or, worse, interruptions in recording. Imagine being in the air, capturing stunning scenery, and suddenly your video is ruined by a lack of write speed on your SD card. This is a situation that can be avoided if you make the right choice from the start.

The DJI Air 3S features a dual camera system capable of shooting 4K video at 100fps. This impressive performance requires an SD card that can quickly process the massive amounts of data generated. That’s why it’s essential to choose an SD card with fast write speeds and sufficient capacity.



Why choose the right SD card for DJI Air 3S?

The DJI Air 3S is a powerful drone, designed to deliver high-quality images thanks to its dual camera system . It is equipped with a 50 MP main camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor , capable of filming in 4K at 120 frames per second (fps) . The second camera, a 48 MP with a 3x optical zoom , allows you to capture details from a distance with great precision. This configuration makes the DJI Air 3S an ideal tool for capturing breathtaking landscapes, portraits, and even low-light scenes thanks to its advanced obstacle detection capabilities and night flight modes.

With such performance, it’s obvious that the SD card has to be up to par. To shoot 4K at 120fps , you need an SD card with a write speed of at least 30MB/s , certified UHS-I U3 . Without this minimum speed, you risk having recording interruptions or jerky videos, which is less than optimal when capturing complex scenes in high resolution.

Storage capacity is also a crucial factor to consider. The DJI Air 3S has 42GB of internal memory , which is enough for some short shots, but can quickly fill up during long flights or 4K capture sessions. It is therefore highly recommended to use SD cards of 128GB to 256GB to avoid running out of space mid-flight. This allows you to film in peace, without having to interrupt a session to change cards.



Technical specifications to look for in an SD card for the DJI Air 3S

1. UHS-I U3 Class Speed

To fully exploit the capabilities of the DJI Air 3S , an SD card with UHS-I U3 certification is essential. This standard guarantees a minimum write speed of 30MB/s , which is necessary to handle 4K videos at 120 fps . With a slower SD card, you risk interruptions, stuttering, or even loss of your recordings due to the amount of data generated by these high resolutions and frame rates. A UHS-I U3 card ensures that high-definition video streams are stored smoothly and without a hitch.

2. Recommended storage capacity

The DJI Air 3S has 42GB of internal storage , but this capacity can quickly become insufficient for extended flight sessions or 4K video. For regular use, a 128GB SD card is a good starting point. However, if you plan on capturing long video sessions or complex projects, cards between 256GB and 512GB are highly recommended. This ensures that you don’t run out of space and allows you to film with peace of mind without worrying about having to change cards in the middle of a flight.



Best SD Cards for DJI Air 3S

1. SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB

The SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB is the perfect option for those looking to capture 4K video with their DJI Air 3S . With write speeds of up to 140MB/s , this card ensures smooth recording even during demanding scenes. Plus, it’s built to withstand harsh conditions, being waterproof, shockproof, and temperature-resistant . Whether you’re flying in the mountains or near water, this card offers exceptional reliability.


DJI Air 3S SD Card
DJI Air 3S SD Card

2. Lexar Professional 1066x

For those looking for a more affordable alternative, the Lexar Professional 1066x is a great choice. With high read speeds of up to 160MB/s , this card offers good performance for capturing high-resolution video with the DJI Air 3S . Designed for outdoor environments, it is rugged and can withstand harsh conditions like heat and cold. It is perfect for drone enthusiasts looking for a good SD card at a more attractive price.



3. Samsung EVO Plus

The Samsung EVO Plus is another reliable option for DJI Air 3S users. With impressive write and read speeds of up to 130MB/s , this card ensures fast and smooth 4K video recording. In addition to its performance, it is built to withstand the elements: waterproof, temperature-proof, shockproof, and X-ray-proof . It is a perfect card for those who want a durable and high-performance solution for their aerial adventures.


Samsung SD Card for DJI Air 3S
Samsung SD Card for DJI Air 3S

Practical tips to maximize the use of your SD card

1. Regular formatting

Before each use of your DJI Air 3S , it is strongly recommended to format your SD card . This simple action allows you to optimally delete old files and avoid fragmentation errors that could slow down writing speed. Indeed, when you delete files in the traditional way, fragments of data can remain, which complicates access to new information and can generate interruptions during recording. Formatting the card before each flight therefore ensures fully freed storage space and smooth writing, essential for capturing high-resolution videos without a hitch.

2. Have a backup card

To ensure hassle-free flying sessions, it’s always a good idea to have a spare SD card on hand. Whether it’s due to forgetfulness, card failure, or unexpected capacity shortages, an extra card can save the day. Imagine yourself in mid-flight, capturing unique landscapes, when suddenly your card is full or becomes unusable. With a spare card, you can simply replace it and continue recording without missing a beat. This is especially useful for professional projects or long flying sessions where every moment counts.


DJI Air 3S
DJI Air 3S

Conclusion: The importance of choosing the right SD card

To take full advantage of the DJI Air 3S ’s capabilities, choosing a fast, high-capacity SD card is crucial. With its 4K 120fps performance, the drone requires a UHS-I U3 certified SD card that can keep up with the data flow without interruption. Plus, opting for a card of at least 128GB , or even 256GB , gives you the peace of mind you need to film long sessions without having to worry about storage space.

Take action!

Don’t let an unsuitable SD card ruin your in-flight moments! Opt for a recommended card, like the SanDisk Extreme Pro , Lexar Professional 1066x , or Samsung EVO Plus , and make sure you always have a spare card on hand for future flights. This will ensure a smooth flight experience, with high-resolution videos ready to share.

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