The DJI Mavic 3 Classic records to a microSDXC card rated UHS-I Speed Grade 3 (U3), and DJI's recommended cards are all V30, from 64 GB to 512 GB, including the Lexar 1066x, Kingston Canvas Go! Plus, SanDisk High Endurance and Samsung PRO Plus. It also has 8 GB of internal storage (about 7.9 GB usable). At the top 200 Mbps bitrate that's about five minutes of video, so a 128 GB or 256 GB V30 card is the practical choice.
DJI's recommended microSD cards
From DJI's Mavic 3 Classic specs and manual:
| Card | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Lexar 1066x V30 A2 | 64, 128, 256, 512 GB |
| Kingston Canvas Go! Plus V30 A2 | 64, 128, 256, 512 GB |
| SanDisk High Endurance V30 | 64, 128, 256 GB |
| Samsung PRO Plus V30 A2 | 256, 512 GB |
| Samsung EVO Plus V30 A2 | 512 GB |
Other good U3/V30 cards usually work, but these are the ones DJI tested. Buy from trusted sellers to avoid counterfeits.
Card requirements explained
- Type: microSDXC, UHS-I, Speed Grade 3 (U3). The Classic uses the exFAT file system.
- Speed: V30 guarantees at least 30 MB/s sustained writing. The Classic's top bitrate is 200 Mbps, about 25 MB/s, so V30 is the minimum to trust.
- Capacity: up to 512 GB on DJI's list.
How much video fits?
At 200 Mbps the Classic writes roughly 1.5 GB per minute. Our estimates:
| Storage | Approx. recording time at 200 Mbps |
|---|---|
| 8 GB internal | about 5 minutes |
| 128 GB card | about 1 hour 20 minutes |
| 256 GB card | about 2 hours 40 minutes |
| 512 GB card | about 5 hours |
Lower bitrate settings stretch this further.
Internal storage
The 8 GB internal storage saves photos and video in the aircraft when you don't have a card or choose to record there. Format it and the card in DJI Fly's camera storage settings. DJI also measured its fastest QuickTransfer speed (up to 80 MB/s over Wi-Fi 6) with footage saved to internal storage.
What's the "storage cover"?
People searching for the Mavic 3 Classic storage cover usually mean the protective cover that wraps the gimbal and props for transport, not a card cover. DJI says to remove it before powering on and to fit it whenever the drone isn't in use. It's not related to the SD card slot.
Getting footage off the drone
- QuickTransfer to your phone over Wi-Fi 6, up to 80 MB/s in DJI's lab tests. See Mavic 3 Classic app.
- USB-C to a computer. DJI lists its 10Gbps Lightspeed Data Cable as a compatible accessory.
- Card reader for the fastest no-fuss copy.
Card tips
- Format new cards in DJI Fly before the first flight.
- Don't remove the card while the drone is recording.
- Use one card per shoot and back up the same day.
- Carry a spare card; it's cheap insurance.
Want to know which camera settings use the most space? See Mavic 3 Classic best settings. Order the DJI Mavic 3 Classic and pair it with a V30 card from DJI's list.
Related guides
- Best SD card for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Mavic 4 Pro (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Air 3S (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Avata 2 (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Flip (and internal storage)
- Best SD card for the DJI Mini 3 (it has no internal storage)
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
