Choose Standard RC-N3 for the lowest entry cost. Choose Fly More RC-N3 for three batteries and the accessory kit if you are happy using your phone. Choose Fly More RC 2 when a dedicated-screen controller is worth the extra cost.
The three packages use the same DJI Air 3S aircraft. Buying the more expensive combo does not upgrade its cameras or extend the endurance of an individual battery. You are choosing how much equipment comes with it, and how you start each flight.
Prices and retailer terms checked October 5, 2026. Canadian dollars before applicable tax and shipping. Confirm the current offer and delivery timing before ordering.
See the three-combo comparison ↓
What is actually different between the three Air 3S combos?
Start with the factory-box contents, then decide which extras you would actually use. Both Fly More versions add the same battery and accessory package; the controller is the difference between them.
Swipe or scroll horizontally on a small screen to see every column.
| What you get | Standard RC-N3 | Fly More RC-N3 | Fly More RC 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft | DJI Air 3S | DJI Air 3S | DJI Air 3S |
| CAD price | C$1,439 | C$1,839 | C$2,059 |
| Controller | DJI RC-N3 | DJI RC-N3 | DJI RC 2 |
| Flight batteries | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Battery Charging Hub | Not included | Included | Included |
| ND8 / ND32 / ND128 set | Not included | Included | Included |
| Shoulder bag | Not included | Included | Included |
| Spare propeller pairs | 1 pair | 3 pairs | 3 pairs |
| Phone needed for flight display | Yes | Yes | No; built-in screen |
| USB-C PD cable / gimbal protector | Both included | Both included | Both included |
| Controller-to-phone cables | USB-C and Lightning | USB-C and Lightning | Not needed for display |
| Wall power adapter | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Factory inclusions: DJI’s Air 3S box lists. Prices: the exact SpeedyDrone listings below. Retailer add-on bundles are separate from this three-kit comparison.
Images from the corresponding SpeedyDrone listings. Use the table for factory-kit inclusions; not every accessory pictured is listed in the factory box.
Standard RC-N3: who should buy it?
Standard is a complete aircraft-and-controller package, not a reduced-capability Air 3S. It makes sense when your outings are short, you already know one battery suits your needs, or you want to buy the aircraft now and add equipment only after discovering a real limitation.
For example, a photographer planning one carefully selected viewpoint may prefer the lower initial cost to a bag full of accessories. You still get the Air 3S cameras and flight features. Choosing Standard does not mean accepting a lower-quality file, and choosing Fly More does not make a difficult location safer or easier to access.
The constraint is what happens after the first battery is used. If your afternoon includes several locations, you cannot assume a convenient charging opportunity will appear between them. A single battery also leaves less room for a second attempt when the light changes or your first composition is unconvincing. Those are practical reasons to buy more batteries, not reasons to dismiss Standard as “only for beginners.”
Before adding accessories later, compare the total cost of the exact items you intend to buy with the current combo price. Do not assume separate purchases will necessarily be cheaper, or that every accessory from another DJI aircraft fits. Standard works best when it reflects a deliberate short-session plan rather than an incomplete budget for a long shooting day.
Is Fly More RC-N3 the best-value Air 3S combo?
For someone who wants the full battery and accessory kit but is comfortable using a phone, Fly More RC-N3 is the easiest upgrade to justify. At the checked prices, it costs C$400 more than Standard. That difference buys two additional flight batteries, the charging hub, ND8/32/128 filters, a shoulder bag and two more spare propeller pairs.
This is not simply a price comparison between two batteries. The bag gives the kit a ready-to-pack home, the hub changes how you manage several batteries, and the filters have a concrete role in bright-light video. If those items were already on your shopping list, the package addresses several needs at once.
Its value is less convincing if most of the extras will stay in a cupboard. A casual still photographer with suitable existing storage and a single-flight routine may not use the ND set often. A compatible accessory you already own should not be counted as a new benefit just because it appears in the box. Judge the package against your own equipment, not the number of items in a product photo.
We would start here for a first Air 3S purchase that needs several separate flights per outing, provided the phone workflow is acceptable. Fly More RC 2 keeps these accessories and changes the controller. It is the convenience upgrade, not automatically the better-value choice for every buyer.
RC-N3 vs DJI RC 2: will you use your phone every flight?
RC-N3: keep the budget in the flight kit
With RC-N3, you mount a compatible phone, connect the controller cable and use DJI Fly on that phone. The screen you see is therefore part of your phone setup, not a display built into RC-N3. Check your phone’s current compatibility and the appropriate connector before assuming your existing device is suitable.
If you like your phone’s screen and do not mind preparing it, this is a sensible arrangement. The Fly More RC-N3 kit puts the extra spending into batteries and accessories without asking you to pay for another display. Prepare the app and phone before reaching the location, and manage calls and notifications so they do not distract from flying.
RC 2: a dedicated device for flying
RC 2 removes the phone-mounting and controller-to-phone cable steps from the flight-display setup. DJI lists a 5.5-inch, 1920×1080 screen with 700-nit brightness. The reason to buy it is the separation: your phone can remain available for messages, navigation or other tasks instead of becoming the controller’s display.
The difference can matter when you stop frequently during a trip or repeatedly set up for a shoot. At the checked SpeedyDrone prices, Fly More RC 2 costs C$220 more than Fly More RC-N3. That buys the controller change, not two more batteries or another accessory tier. Whether it is worthwhile depends on how much you value avoiding the phone setup each time.
A dedicated screen is not a promise of perfect visibility in all sunlight, nor proof that it will outperform every phone display. RC 2 also needs its own charging and software preparation. Initial activation and updates still require internet access; a phone hotspot can provide that access when appropriate. “No phone needed for the flight display” does not mean “no preparation needed.”
Does RC 2 improve Air 3S camera quality?
No. The controller choice does not change the Air 3S camera system or recording specifications. The aircraft still has its 1-inch main camera and dedicated 70mm-equivalent medium-tele camera. A built-in controller screen changes how you view and operate the aircraft, not the camera fitted to it.
DJI lists 32GB nominal storage on RC 2, with approximately 21GB available, plus microSD expansion. Do not confuse that controller storage with the aircraft’s original-video storage. A bigger controller storage specification is not a reason to expect better recorded footage. See DJI’s RC 2 information for the display and storage details.
Are three batteries worth it?
Three batteries are valuable when you need several separate flights without relying on charging at the location. A travel day with three viewpoints is different from one brief flight near home. So is a property shoot where you want a wide establishing pass, a tighter architectural composition and enough remaining capacity to repeat a shot.
That does not mean three uninterrupted flights are always appropriate. The route, weather, safe landing options and your operating permissions still set the limits. Spare energy is useful only when there is a suitable flight to make. Build the day around planned shots and return reserves, not a target of emptying every pack.
DJI’s published maximum for Air 3S is 45 minutes per battery. Its specification describes controlled conditions equivalent to windless flight at sea level, flying forward at 32.4km/h in Photo mode until battery depletion forces landing. Actual use varies, and a safe filming session must leave energy for the return and landing. DJI’s flight-time conditions matter more than multiplying the headline number.
For that reason, do not read the Fly More box as a guarantee of 135 usable minutes. The package provides three batteries, not a fixed day’s recording time. For occasional flying, one may be enough; for repeated compositions or a schedule with little time to charge, having three ready packs is much easier to plan around.
Before a paid shoot, check the entire preparation routine: charged aircraft batteries, controller power, phone power if using RC-N3, storage capacity and a workable return plan. Buying the screen controller does not replace battery planning. Conversely, buying three batteries does not help if the controller or phone is unprepared when you reach the site.
The charging hub does more than hold three batteries
The hub is part of both Fly More packages. Its useful distinction is not merely keeping the batteries together: DJI also supports power accumulation. With two or more batteries inserted, holding the function button transfers remaining energy from lower-charge batteries into the one with the highest remaining charge.
Think of the situation after several flights: usable energy may be spread across partially depleted packs. The function consolidates that remaining energy rather than supplying fresh power from nowhere. It can be useful away from a wall outlet, but it is not a substitute for beginning an important shoot with adequately charged batteries.
Follow DJI’s procedure. Do not connect a charger or external device, or insert or remove batteries, while accumulation is running. The operating steps and warnings are in the Air 3S FAQ. Do not assume the function guarantees another complete flight.
The hub is also not a wall power adapter. None of the three factory-box lists compared here includes that adapter. Check your power source as well as the presence of a USB-C cable. DJI recommends compatible PD chargers rated at least 60W for efficient charging; a small phone adapter is not automatically an equivalent setup.
Do you need the included ND filters?
The ND8, ND32 and ND128 set matters most when bright light makes it difficult to use the shutter speed you want for video. These filters reduce the light entering the camera. Their role is exposure control, not adding resolution or automatically improving every shot.
For a video-focused travel kit, that is a meaningful inclusion. You can select a filter for the available light instead of treating a very fast shutter as your only response to brightness. The appropriate choice still depends on the scene and recording settings; there is no single filter that belongs on the camera for every flight.
For ordinary still photography, the set may play a smaller role in the buying decision. ND can have photographic uses, but a photographer should not buy Fly More solely because filters sound like a general “quality upgrade.” If the batteries and bag solve your needs, they may justify the package even when the filters are used only occasionally.
Already own a DJI RC 2? Check this before buying Air 3S
If you already have a compatible DJI RC 2, paying for another one may not be necessary. SpeedyDrone’s Air 3S Fly More RC 2 listing currently offers an authorized controller-removal option with a C$200 refund plus applicable tax. This is a retailer adjustment to that package, not a different standard DJI factory combo.
The sequence matters. You select the authorization option and pay the full package price at checkout. SpeedyDrone opens the factory package before fulfilment, removes only the included RC 2 and retains the other bundle contents. The C$200 plus applicable tax is refunded after checkout; it is not an instant discount on the checkout total.
Your order then arrives without that controller. Confirm that the device you already own is actually DJI RC 2, that it supports Air 3S and that you are comfortable preparing and linking it for this aircraft. Similar controller names are not enough to establish compatibility. A first-time buyer without a suitable controller should not select removal simply to reduce the eventual cost.
There is also a return consideration: because the package is opened and adjusted at your request, it may not qualify for sealed or unopened return conditions. Review the current controller-removal terms and SpeedyDrone’s refund policy before authorizing the change. Reusing a controller can be sensible, but the altered package and refund process should be a deliberate choice.
Which Air 3S combo fits your use case?
Use these as starting points, not rankings. Frequent flying makes the dedicated screen easier to justify; it does not make it mandatory for good footage.
| Your situation | Start with | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional short flights; lowest initial cost | Standard RC-N3 | One battery and your phone suit the whole outing. |
| Several flights; happy using a phone | Fly More RC-N3 | The battery and accessory package is useful to you. |
| Frequent travel stops or repeated setup | Fly More RC 2 | The dedicated display is worth the additional cost. |
| Video-focused shooting in bright light | Either Fly More | Use the ND set appropriately; choose the controller separately. |
| Already own compatible RC 2 | Check controller-removal option | Full checkout price, later refund and opened-box terms. |
| Already own DJI batteries or accessories | Verify exact compatibility first | Do not count uncertain equipment as ready-to-use kit. |
Before ordering in Canada
Confirm supply timing if you have a trip or shoot booked. At the checked date, the public product pages displayed backorder wording. A price and an ordering button are not a promise of immediate dispatch. Check the exact package rather than assuming every Air 3S listing shares the same lead time.
Air 3S is specified at 724g, so choosing Standard or RC-N3 does not put it into the sub-250g microdrone category. Registration and the appropriate pilot certificate and operating conditions still need attention. Consult Transport Canada’s registration guidance and operation categories and pilot certificates. Paid filming alone does not determine the category, and a Fly More purchase does not grant operating permission.
If you are still deciding whether Air 3S is the right aircraft, resolve that before selecting a combo. Our Air 3S vs Mini 5 Pro guide focuses on the dedicated 70mm camera and carrying-size trade-off. The Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S comparison addresses the flagship camera upgrade. Neither decision is solved simply by buying the most expensive Air 3S box.
Air 3S combo FAQ
Which DJI Air 3S combo is best?
Choose Standard RC-N3 for the lowest initial cost and a single-battery routine, Fly More RC-N3 for three batteries and accessories while using your phone, or Fly More RC 2 for the same Fly More equipment with a dedicated-screen controller. There is no universal winner: the relevant differences are your battery needs, existing equipment and preferred controller setup, not a change in the aircraft’s cameras.
Is the Air 3S Fly More Combo worth it?
It is easier to justify when you want two extra batteries, the charging hub, ND8/32/128 set, shoulder bag and extra spare propeller pairs. Compare those items with your actual needs and the current price difference. If one battery suits your outings or you already own verified compatible accessories, Standard may be sufficient. Fly More adds practical equipment, not a higher-spec Air 3S aircraft.
Should I buy RC-N3 or DJI RC 2?
Choose RC-N3 if your compatible phone works well as a flight display and you are comfortable mounting and connecting it. Choose RC 2 if you value a separate flight device with a built-in screen and preinstalled DJI Fly. Both controllers support Air 3S. RC 2’s benefit is the dedicated setup; do not assume its screen is better than every phone or that its price implies better recorded footage.
Does DJI RC-N3 require a phone?
Yes, RC-N3 uses a compatible smartphone running DJI Fly for the live camera view and flight status. The Standard and Fly More RC-N3 factory boxes list USB-C and Lightning controller cables. Check your phone’s compatibility, connector, app setup and battery before the first outing. The controller does not contain its own flight-display screen.
Can DJI Air 3S use DJI RC 2?
Yes. DJI lists RC 2 as compatible with Air 3S, and the Fly More RC 2 package includes that controller. If reusing a controller you already own, confirm the exact RC 2 model and prepare its firmware and aircraft connection before relying on it for a shoot. RC 2 has preinstalled DJI Fly, but activation and software updates still require suitable internet access.
Does RC 2 improve Air 3S image quality?
No. Choosing RC 2 instead of RC-N3 does not change the Air 3S camera system or recording specifications. The recorded footage comes from the same aircraft cameras. RC 2 changes the display and operating workflow; its storage is controller storage, not a replacement for the aircraft’s original-video storage. Choose it for convenience rather than a promised camera upgrade.
How many batteries come with Air 3S Fly More?
Both Fly More RC-N3 and Fly More RC 2 include three flight batteries in total: two more than Standard. They support separate flights after battery changes, not one continuous flight. DJI’s 45-minute figure is a controlled-test maximum per battery, so three packs should not be presented as a guarantee of 135 usable filming minutes. Keep a return and landing reserve for every flight.
Does Air 3S Fly More include ND filters?
Yes. Both factory Fly More packages include an ND8, ND32 and ND128 filter set. Standard does not list it. The filters reduce incoming light and are particularly relevant when controlling video shutter speed in bright conditions. Select a filter for the actual light and settings rather than assuming one must stay fitted for every flight or that ND automatically improves all still photos.
Does an Air 3S combo include a charger?
Both Fly More boxes include a Battery Charging Hub, but none of the three factory packages in this comparison lists a wall power adapter. All three list a Type-C to Type-C PD cable. A hub and a cable do not replace the external power source. Check the exact listing and your compatible PD adapter before ordering; separate retailer or charging bundles can have different inclusions.
What if I already own a compatible DJI RC 2?
Check SpeedyDrone’s controller-removal option on the Air 3S Fly More RC 2 listing. Under the checked terms, you authorize opening the package, pay the full price at checkout and receive a C$200 plus applicable-tax refund afterwards. SpeedyDrone removes only the included controller and retains the other bundle contents. The adjusted kit may not meet sealed or unopened return conditions, so confirm compatibility and review the current terms before selecting it.
Compare Air 3S combos at SpeedyDrone Canada
Start with your battery plan, then choose phone-based or dedicated-screen control. Check the exact kit, current price and delivery timing before placing the order.
Compare Air 3S combosStandard, Fly More RC-N3 and Fly More RC 2 are linked beneath their matching images above.
