DJI Mini 3 Pro Memory Card Guide

Hola Amigos! Last week we chatted about the essentials of batteries, this week we will start off with the most important information regarding memory cards. Don’t fly with a full memory card, one that keeps giving you the error code, slow card, etc. Read the guide below and become a pro on all things memory cards! As always, thanks for reading and your continued support.

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Memory Card Guide for DJI Mini 3 Pro: Recommendations, Compatibility, and Best Practices

The DJI Mini 3 Pro’s advanced camera features require a reliable and high-speed memory card to capture smooth 4K videos and high-resolution photos. Choosing the right card not only affects performance but also protects your footage. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about selecting and using a memory card for your DJI Mini 3 Pro, including recommended brands, prices, compatibility, and tips for preventing issues.

1. Memory Card Requirements for the DJI Mini 3 Pro

The DJI Mini 3 Pro requires a microSD card with a high-speed rating to ensure smooth video recording and rapid photo capture. Here are the technical requirements:

• Capacity: Supports microSD cards up to 512GB.

• Speed Class: For 4K video, a UHS-I U3 or V30 speed class is recommended. U3 (Ultra High Speed Class 3) cards are capable of a minimum write speed of 30MB/s, ensuring smooth recording without buffering.

• Read/Write Speed: Look for read speeds of at least 90MB/s and write speeds of 30MB/s or higher to match the Mini 3 Pro’s recording capabilities.

These specifications guarantee that the card will keep up with the drone’s 4K video bitrate, preventing lag, freezing, or frame drops in your footage.

2. Top Recommended Memory Cards for DJI Mini 3 Pro

Here are some highly-rated memory cards that are compatible with the DJI Mini 3 Pro, each offering speed, reliability, and good value. My preferred card is the sandisk extreme, but i’ve included a few other options with pros and cons below.

1. SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I (V30, U3, A2)

• Capacity Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

• Price: Starting from around $11 for 64GB to $41 for 512GB

• Read/Write Speeds: Up to 160MB/s read and 90MB/s write

• Why Choose It: The SanDisk Extreme series offers fast performance, reliability, and ample storage for extended 4K recording sessions. It’s an affordable choice and widely used by drone pilots.

2. Samsung EVO Select microSDXC UHS-I (V30, U3)

• Capacity Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

• Price: Starting from around $14 for 64GB to $39 for 512GB

• Read/Write Speeds: Up to 100MB/s read and 90MB/s write

• Why Choose It: Samsung EVO Select is a budget-friendly yet high-performing card. It’s reliable for smooth 4K video, and the price-to-performance ratio makes it a great choice for hobbyists and beginners.

3. Lexar Professional 1066x microSDXC UHS-I (V30, U3)

• Capacity Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

• Price: Ranges from around $12 for 64GB to $54 for 512GB

• Read/Write Speeds: Up to 160MB/s read and 120MB/s write

• Why Choose It: Lexar’s Professional series is designed for high-resolution video and heavy-duty usage. It’s a bit more expensive but excellent for extended shooting sessions.

4. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus microSDXC UHS-I (V30, U3)

• Capacity Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

• Price: Starts at around $10 for 64GB to $54 for 512GB

• Read/Write Speeds: Up to 170MB/s read and 90MB/s write

• Why Choose It: The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus is a reliable choice for 4K video recording, with solid performance and durability. It’s a good option for outdoor enthusiasts due to its waterproof and temperature-proof qualities.

3. Common Issues with Memory Cards in DJI Mini 3 Pro

While the DJI Mini 3 Pro is compatible with a range of memory cards, some common issues can arise if a card doesn’t meet the required specifications. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:

Issue 1: “Slow Card” Warning

• Cause: The card may not meet the necessary write speed or could be an older, slower card.

• Solution: Switch to a UHS-I U3 or V30 card with at least 30MB/s write speed.

Issue 2: Recording Stops Unexpectedly

• Cause: Low-quality or counterfeit cards often lack the speed to handle 4K recording.

• Solution: Always buy cards from reputable brands and verify the card’s speed class.

Issue 3: Corrupted Files

• Cause: Abruptly removing the card or turning off the drone before stopping the recording can cause corruption.

• Solution: Always stop recording before turning off the drone, and avoid ejecting the card while it’s in use.

Issue 4: Card Not Recognized by the Drone

• Cause: This could be due to a formatting issue or an incompatible card type.

• Solution: Format the card using the DJI Fly app to ensure compatibility with the Mini 3 Pro.

4. How to Properly Format Your Memory Card

Formatting a memory card erases existing data and prepares it for optimal use with your DJI Mini 3 Pro. Here’s how to format the card:

1. Insert the Card: Make sure the memory card is correctly inserted into the DJI Mini 3 Pro.

2. Launch the DJI Fly App: Turn on the drone and connect it to the DJI Fly app on your mobile device.

3. Access Camera Settings: Go to the camera settings and locate the “Storage” tab.

4. Format the Card: Select “Format SD Card” to clear the data and prepare it for recording.

Tip: Format the card every few uses to maintain performance and reduce the risk of corruption.

5. When to Replace Your Memory Card

Memory cards do wear out over time, especially with frequent formatting and rewriting. Here are signs it may be time to replace your card:

• Reduced Write Speed: If you notice longer buffer times or slower performance, the card may be nearing the end of its life.

• Frequent Errors: Consistent issues with recognition or file corruption are strong indicators the card is failing.

• Physical Wear: Any visible damage to the card, such as cracks or worn contacts, means it’s time to replace it immediately.

On average, a memory card used regularly should be replaced every 2–3 years to maintain optimal performance.

6. Choosing the Right Capacity for Your Needs

Choosing the right memory card capacity depends on your recording habits and the duration of your flights.

• 64GB: Suitable for casual flyers capturing short 4K clips, providing around 1 hour of 4K recording.

• 128GB: Great for moderate users, offering up to 2 hours of 4K video footage.

• 256GB: Ideal for extended flights or multiple sessions in one day, providing roughly 4 hours of 4K recording.

• 512GB: Best for heavy users, allowing up to 8 hours of 4K footage, though it may be overkill for casual users.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right memory card for your DJI Mini 3 Pro is essential to ensure smooth and reliable recording. Opt for a card with a UHS-I U3 or V30 speed class from reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar, or Kingston for the best results. Regularly format the card, watch for signs of wear, and replace it every few years to maintain performance. With the right memory card, you’ll be equipped to capture incredible footage without interruptions, so you can make the most of every flight!

Recommended Memory Cards 🧠

SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I (V30, U3, A2)

Samsung EVO Select microSDXC UHS-I (V30, U3)

Lexar Professional 1066x microSDXC UHS-I (V30, U3)

Kingston Canvas Go! Plus microSDXC UHS-I (V30, U3)

My Current Drone 🛸

DJI Mini 3 Pro

DJI Mini 3 Pro w/ Video RC

Fly More Kit

Drone Gear Like a Pro 😎

Freewell All Day ND Filters

Drone Landing Pad

Controller Shade Cover

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