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How to Download from DJI Air 3 (Step-By-Step Guide with Photos, Screenshots & Video)
Table of Contents
The Air 3, with its dual stacked 1/1.3″ sensors, takes excellent photos, whether in optimal conditions or even in low light, in wide angle 24mm or medium tele 70mm.
On the video front, likewise, the 24mm and 70mm cameras capture impressive 4k 100fps, 10-bit footage, that rivals much of the footage seen on the more expensive Mavic 3 series.
How can all of this content be downloaded?
This comprehensive guide, with screenshots, and YouTube video will walk through downloading photos and videos if using:
- A Windows PC
- A Mac
- A cell phone or smart device
- The DJI Quick Transfer feature
Downloading Photos & Videos #
There are various ways to access the content on the DJI Air 3.
One method is the direct connect method, which can be done by directly connecting the Air 3 to a PC or Mac using the included USB-C cable.
The second method is using an SD card reader. To do so, simply:
- Remove the SD card from the Air 3
- Insert the card into the reader
- Plug the reader into a computer
Afterward, you can then view and edit the information directly from within a directory on your PC or Mac.
This is a convenient way to transfer/download files, as the Air 3 does not need to be physically present or connected to a computer to do so.
If you decide to go this route, the steps below can be followed after the PC or Mac has recognized the SD card.
Our Pick
» MORE: Best SD Cards for DJI Air 3
Downloading/Transferring files to Windows PC #
Direct Connect Method #
**STEP 1: **Connect the Air 3 USB to USB-C cable to your PC, plugging the USB side into an empty USB slot on your PC.
**STEP 2: **While the Air 3 is off, plug the USB-C end into the Air 3.
**STEP 3: **Your PC should automatically recognize the Air 3 storage.
Note: Unlike previous DJI drones, there is no need to power on the Air 3, as when it connects to the PC via USB-C, the internal storage and SD card are accessible.
Skip to STEP 4 in the SD Card Reader section below.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3/Pro – How to Transfer Videos/Photos to a Windows PC (Video)
SD Card Reader Method #
**STEP 1: **Eject the SD card from the Air 3.
**STEP 2: **Insert the Micro SD card into the corresponding SD card slot on the reader.
**STEP 3: **Insert the SD card reader into your PC.
**STEP 4: **Windows/File Explorer may automatically launch. If it does not, open your Windows/File Explorer by right-clicking on the Windows icon on the bottom of your PC and choosing File Explorer.
**STEP 5: **After opening your File Explorer, you should see your Air 3’s SD card. I previously named mine Air 3 to easily distinguish it from the dozens of other cards I insert and use on my PC regularly.
**STEP 6: **After clicking on your Air 3‘s SD card, you will see the contents of the SD card.
**STEP 7: **Selecting the DCIM folder will bring you to the directory where your media is ultimately stored. Mine is the DJI_001 directory. yours may be different.
**STEP 8: **To copy all of the files into the directory of your choice on your PC, you can right-click the DJI_001 directory and choose COPY.
Alternatively, you can click and choose what files you’d like to copy and then move to STEP 9.
**STEP 9: **To paste the files or directory into your folder/directory of choice, navigate through the Explorer Window, locate the directory you’d like to copy to, open the directory, and then right-click and PASTE into said location.
» MORE: How to Format SD Cards in DJI Drones (Quick Steps with Photos)
Mac #
Direct Connect Method #
**STEP 1: **Connect the Air 3 USB to USB-C cable to your Mac, plugging the USB side into an empty USB slot on your Mac.
**STEP 2: **While the Air 3 is off, plug the USB-C end into the Air 3.
**STEP 3: **Your Mac will automatically recognize the Air 3 storage (Internal memory and SD card).
Note: Unlike previous DJI drones, there is no need to power on the Air 3, as when it connects to the Mac via USB-C, the internal storage and SD card are accessible.
Skip to STEP 4 in the SD Card Reader section below.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Air 2S vs. Mini 3 Pro: Which One is Right for You?
SD Card Reader Method #
**STEP 1: **Eject the SD card from the Air 3.
**STEP 2: **Insert the Micro SD card into the corresponding SD card slot on the reader.
**STEP 3: **Insert the SD card reader into your Mac.
**STEP 4: **After the SD card reader connects to the Mac environment, you should see the SD card name appear on the desktop.
In this instance, mine is named Air 3.
**STEP 5: **After you double-click the SD card icon (shown above) a Mac Finder window will open, showing you the contents of the card.
**STEP 6: **To access your Air 3’s pictures or videos, double-click the **DCIM **folder.
**STEP 7: **Under the DJI_001 directory (yours may be different) you will find your DNG (RAW), JPEG, and MP4 files.
**STEP 8: **To copy all of the files into the directory of your choice on your Mac, you can right-click the DJI_001 directory and choose COPY.
You can also pick and choose what files you’d like to copy and then move to STEP 9.
**STEP 9: **To paste the files or directory into your folder/directory of choice, navigate through the Finder Window, locate the directory you’d like to copy to, open the directory, and then right-click and PASTE into said location.
» MORE: SD Cards for DJI Drones (What You Need to Know)
Phone/Device #
When flying with a DJI RC-N2, you can download images and videos from the Air 3 SD card directly to your smartphone, while connected to the DJI Fly app.
Downloading individual files is fairly slow, but will work for those who only need to access and edit a few files.
Those wanting to download multiple files will want to use the QuickTransfer feature at the end of this article.
We mentioned the DJI RC-N2 as being the controller you can copy Air 3 files with, as photos and videos cannot be copied to the DJI RC2 remote controller at this time.
The files from the Air 3 are copied directly to your Android or iOS smartphone or device through the DJI Fly app.
To download files directly to your Android or iOS smartphone or device while in the DJI Fly app:
STEP 1: While connected to the powered-on Air 3, back out to the main DJI Fly screen.
STEP 2: Select Album
You can then choose to view Photos, Videos, or all content.
STEP 3: Press the checkmark in the upper right-hand corner to enter batch select mode, where you can either individually select files to download or batch select multiple files.
STEP 4: Select the files needed, then press the download button on the bottom right-hand corner.
You’ll see a progress bar and indicator letting you know the file(s) are downloading.
You can then access these files from within your phone or tablet editor or photo-browsing app of your choice.
» MORE: DJI App Not Working? (Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide)
QuickTransfer Feature #
The quick transfer feature allows you to wirelessly export content from your Air 3’s SD card to an Android or iOS (Apple) smartphone or device, all without having to power on the remote controller.
This is ideal for those who would like to quickly edit their photos or videos and immediately share them with family, friends, or on social media.
The items needed for the QuickTransfer feature:
- Air 3 (remote controller not required)
- Your smart device/phone
- DJI Fly loaded on the smart device
Note: If using a DJI RC2, you cannot use the QuickTransfer feature to export photos and videos to the remote controller. As the RC doesn’t have editing functions, transferring content is not supported. Editing needs to be done on an Android or iOS smart device
To use the QuickTransfer feature:
Step 1: Remove the gimbal guard and power on the Air 3.
Step 2: Open the DJI Fly app
There will be a message stating Switch to QuickTransfer Mode. Select Switch.
Step 3: You will be asked to Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds on the Air 3, to connect DJI Fly to the Air 3.
Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds.
Step 4: After pressing and holding the power button for 2 seconds, you will be asked to join the DJI Air 3 network. Press Join.
Step 5: Press View Album to see the content on the Air 3 SD card.
You can then choose to view Photos, Videos, or all content.
Step 6: Press the checkmark in the upper right-hand corner to enter batch select mode, where you can either individually select files to download or batch select multiple files.
Select the files needed, then press the download button on the bottom right-hand corner.
You’ll see a progress bar and indicator letting you know the file(s) are downloading.
You can then access these files from within your phone or tablet and use the video/photo editor or photo gallery of your choice.
» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Mavic 3 (Here’s my Choice)