DJI Mic 3 hands-on: smaller transmitters, timecode & multi-subject recording — but no 3.5mm port

DJI’s new Mic 3 brings a major redesign and a number of useful upgrades for content creators, vloggers and small production crews. I’ve been testing a kit for a week — here are the highlights, specs and first impressions.

Key highlights

• Much smaller and lighter transmitters: 16 g (vs 28 g for Mic 2)
• Charging case holds 2 transmitters + receiver; charges all three ~2.4× for ~28 hours total
• Transmitter runtime: ~8 hours; receiver: ~10 hours
• Supports up to 4 transmitters and 8 receivers simultaneously
• Built-in high-precision timecode for easier sync in post
• Quad-channel output option for compatible Sony cameras/software
• Dual adaptive gain modes (Automatic & Dynamic), three tone presets (Regular, Rich, Bright)
• Two-level ANC and lossless 48 kHz/24-bit transmission; internal dual-file 24-bit & 32-bit float recording
• Removed 3.5mm mic port on the transmitter (no wired lav input)

What I liked

• Very discreet mounting with new rotating clip + magnetic option; five windscreen colors help match subjects‘ clothing.
• Timecode embedding was a real timesaver when aligning footage in DaVinci Resolve.
• Adaptive gain and tone presets handled both quiet studio and noisy outdoor testing well, with minimal colorization.
• Charging case capacity and long runtime make it suitable for long shoots.

What to watch out for

• No 3.5mm input on the transmitter — if you depend on wired lavs or external mics, this could be a dealbreaker.
• While audio is very good for on-camera wireless mics, it’s not a replacement for high-end studio microphones.
• Large DJI logo on the transmitter (cosmetic, but visible).

Specs & availability

• Range: up to ~400 m (dual-band 2.4 / 5 GHz with automatic frequency hopping)
• Price: kits announced around €309 (~$359) for the 2-transmitter kit; single-transmitter kit around €199 (~$231) (availability varies by region)
• US availability: as of article/testing, DJI said Mic 3 was not yet available in the US due to „evolving market conditions“ — check DJI’s official site for updates.
• Official product page: https://www.dji.com/mic

Bottom line

The DJI Mic 3 is a strong evolution for creators who need discreet, multi-subject wireless audio with long battery life and modern features like timecode. The lack of a wired lav port will rule it out for some pros, but for many shooters the improvements in form factor, timecode, multi-transmitter support and onboard recording make it a compelling option.

Note: This post summarizes hands-on impressions and reported specs. Prices and regional availability may change; check DJI’s official site for the latest information.