The DJI Mic 3 has simply landed, promising to be the final word wearable wi-fi microphone for podcasters, journalists, filmmakers and different content material creators. To do this, it’ll must supplant our present favorite wireless mic, the DJI Mic 2.
The DJI Mic 2 itself hasn’t been out for very lengthy, so updating the vary with a brand-new mannequin solely 18 months after its launch is a daring transfer from DJI. So, how do the 2 DJI wi-fi mics evaluate? Should DJI Mic 2 homeowners swap or stick? And ought to potential patrons choose up the brand new mannequin or lower your expenses by choosing the outdated?
Having tested both the Mic 3 and Mic 2 extensively (do take a look at my full DJI Mic 3 review) I’m right here to share my ideas.
1. DJI Mic 3 vs DJI Mic 2: Audio high quality
- Both cameras assist 24-bit/48kHz and 32-bit float audio
- Mic 3 provides lossless recording, voice tone presets and two-level noise cancelling
When damaged all the way down to the uncooked specs, there’s little to no distinction between the DJI Mic 2 and Mic 3. Both document audio at 24-bit/48kHz high quality as commonplace, and each assist 32-bit float recording – an choice designed to make sure recordings will be made to sound nice in post-production, it doesn’t matter what your acquire setting is. Both additionally provide an optionally available low minimize filter and energetic noise cancelling.
In actuality, the Mic 3 options some new methods that make it barely higher on the audio entrance. There’s Adaptive Gain Control, which dynamically adjusts the Mic 3 acquire to deal with altering situations, and a set of three vocal presets to barely shade the tone of recorded voices.
Finally, noise cancelling has two ranges on the Mic 3, whereas on the Mic 2 it’s both on or off. I discovered the noise cancelling more practical on the Mic 3 too, as demonstrated within the video embedded under. Overall, whereas each microphones have glorious audio high quality, I believe the Mic 3’s additional options give it a transparent edge.
- Audio high quality winner: DJI Mic 3
2. DJI Mic 3 vs DJI Mic 2: Design and options
- Mic 3 transmitter weighs 16g; Mic 2’s weighs 28g
- Mic 3 transmitter provides 32GB of on-board storage to Mic 2’s 8GB
- Mic 3 helps timecode and 4 x TX / 8 x RX multi-cam assist
One instantly clear distinction between these microphones is the transmitter dimension. The Mic 2’s transmitters are on the massive facet and weigh 28g, whereas the Mic 3’s weigh simply 16g and are about half as huge. Both are simply wearable with out discomfort, however I’d a lot fairly be sporting the smaller one. And, regardless of being smaller, the Mic 3 has extra on-board storage: 32GB versus the 8GB of the Mic 2.
The Mic 2 transmitter’s dimension, nonetheless, means it has house for a USB-C port (which can be utilized for knowledge switch and recharging), an additional management button and a 3.5mm jack for a lavalier mic. The Mic 3’s extra minimalist setup means no lav mic choice and that charging and knowledge have to be dealt with wirelessly.
The Mic 3’s charging case can be smaller than the Mic 2’s, however manages to make use of its obtainable house extra effectively. The Mic 2 case can’t accommodate the furry windshields that connect to the mic to muffle outside noise, however the Mic 3’s can – and I believe that’s an even bigger deal than it would sound. Having to hold them unfastened in your pocket is a ache, I’ve discovered.
On the options entrance, the Mic 3’s assist for pro-level manufacturing options like timecode and multi-camera setups (it might probably assist a system of as much as 4 transmitters and eight receivers) makes it a transparent winner.
- Design and options winner: DJI Mic 3
3. DJI Mic 3 vs DJI Mic 2: Performance
- Mic 2 has as much as 18 hours battery life; Mic 3 has as much as 28 hours
- Mic 2 max transmission vary is 250m; Mic 3’s is 400m
You would possibly assume a smaller dimension means a smaller battery, however no: in keeping with DJI’s quantity, the DJI Mic 3 transmitter battery life is 8 hours, receiver battery life is 10 hours and the full working time with a charging case is 28 hours. The DJI Mic 2, alternatively, provides 6 hours, 6 hours and 18 hours respectively. So, with a full package in your pocket, the brand new Mic 3 offers you as much as 10 hours of additional recording time.
DJI has additionally boosted wi-fi transmission energy. The DJI Mic 2 makes use of single-channel transmission and provides a decent most working distance between transmitter and receiver of 250m in excellent situations; the DJI Mic 3’s dual-channel setup works as much as 400m in the identical situations.
- Performance winner: DJI Mic 3
4. DJI Mic 3 vs DJI Mic 2: Price
- DJI Mic 2 kits obtainable from £139; DJI Mic 3 from £169
- DJI Mic 3 not formally obtainable within the US at the moment
When the DJI Mic 2 launched again firstly of 2024, it was priced at $349 / £309 for a whole package (two transmitters, one receiver, charging case, USB-C and Lightning adapters) or $219 / £189 for a single transmitter and receiver package deal. That appeared like a very good value on the time, and over the previous 18 months or so it has dropped, within the UK no less than, to £219 for the entire package and £139 for the transmitter and receiver combo. (The Mic 2’s US value has remained the identical, most likely because of the tariff scenario and the truth that the Mic 3 isn’t launching there.)
The DJI Mic 3 arrives at a cheaper price level of £259 for the entire package (which now doesn’t embody a Lightning adapter – though it may be bought individually) and £169 for the one-transmitter, one-receiver combo. It’s onerous to argue that, given its clear benefits over the Mic 2, this isn’t an important deal.
DJI Mic 3 versus DJI Mic 2: Early verdict
In conclusion, there’s actually just one winner right here: the DJI Mic 3. It’s smaller and extra light-weight than the Mic 2, however provides much more audio options, higher battery life, longer wi-fi vary and extra storage, plus a greater charging case. In reality, the one factor the Mic 2 has the Mic 3 doesn’t is a 3.5mm enter for lav mics on its transmitter – and that’s one thing of a distinct segment benefit at greatest.
That’s to not say the DJI Mic 2 is dangerous in any respect. It was TechSwitch’s top-rated wi-fi mic for a very long time, and for a lot of a very good purpose. If you already personal one, there’s most likely not urgent purpose to instantly ditch it for the Mic 3 – until after all there’s one thing on the brand new mannequin you actually, actually need.
I actually personal a Mic 2. Do I want I’d waited a bit of longer and purchased the Mic 3 as a substitute? Yes. Am I going to promote my Mic 2 and change it with its smaller and shinier successor? Not proper now, however I can’t deny it’s tempting.