Introduction: Why it’s important?
If you’re a GoPro user, you know that capturing high-quality footage is crucial for creating compelling videos. But did you know that choosing the right SD card is just as important as selecting the right camera? A high-quality SD card ensures that your footage is stored safely and efficiently, and that your camera performs at its best.
As of January 12th, 2023 GoPro’s website states that “To consistently achieve the best results with your GoPro it is important to select microSD cards that are known to work well with your camera. We recommend only purchasing name-brand SD cards through official resellers.” Clearly it’s very important if you want to capture the best footage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide tips for choosing the best SD card for GoPro, share GoPro’s recommendations for specific models, our top picks for 2023, and offer advice on how to get the most out of your SD card with your GoPro.
Tips for Choosing the Best SD card for GoPro
When it comes to choosing the right SD card for your GoPro camera, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
1. Look for Fast Read and Write Speeds
GoPro cameras require SD cards with fast read and write speeds in order to capture high-quality video footage. Look for cards with read speeds of at least 95 MB/s and write speeds of at least 30 MB/s. This will ensure that your camera can record footage smoothly without any hiccups.
2. Choose a Reputable Brand
Stick to well-known and reputable brands like SanDisk, Lexar, ADATA, Gigastone, Amazon Basics, PNY, and Samsung. These brands offer high-quality cards that are reliable and compatible with GoPro cameras. Cheaper or unknown brands may be unreliable and can lead to lost footage or corrupt files. This is based on a recommendation from the GoPro website on the best SD card for GoPro.
3. Consider the Card’s Capacity
One of the biggest things to consider for GoPro cameras are capable of recording high-definition video footage, which can take up a lot of storage space. Consider the SD card’s capacity when choosing a card, and make sure to choose one with enough storage for your needs. For example, a 128GB card can record up to 4 hours of 4K footage, while a 256GB card can record up to 8 hours of footage.
4. What are you using the GoPro for?
Most GoPro models now have batteries and upgrades you can use in certain weather conditions but most of the time in cold weather GoPro’s will work differently. You should use a card that can handle extreme temperatures if you plan on using it in a wide variety of conditions. Check out our article on using your GoPro in the cold.
GoPro’s Recommendations for Specific Models
We found that GoPro has specific recommendations for microSD cards for each of their camera models. Here are their recommendations for each model in 2023. Based on this article from GoPro written on Jan 12, 2023.
GoPro HERO 11 Black/HERO 10 Black SD Requirements:
GoPro recommends using microSD cards that are rated UHS-I, V30 or better, and have a minimum write speed of 60 MB/s. GoPro suggests using 64GB or larger capacity cards for longer recording times.
GoPro HERO 9 Black/HERO 8 Black/MAX/HERO 7 Black SD Requirements:
GoPro recommends using microSD cards, with at least Class 10 or UHS-1 rating, and have a minimum write speed of 30 MB/s. GoPro suggests using 64GB or larger capacity cards for longer recording times.
Older GoPro model SD card requirements:
- HERO4 and HERO Session: Support up to a 128GB microSD card.
- HERO3 Black, HERO3+, HERO+, and HERO+ LCD: Support up to a 64GB microSD card.
- HERO (2014): Supports up to a 32GB microSD card.
- HD HERO2: Requires a Class 10 SD card up to 32 GB.
- HD HERO Original & HD HERO 960: Require a Class 4 SD card up to 32 GB.
- Standard Definition HERO: Support up to a 2GB standard SD memory card.
Drones N’ Cameras Picks for the Best SD card for GoPro in 2023:
1. Sandisk Extreme, Extreme Plus, Extreme Pro: 32/64/128/256/512GB
The Sandisk Extreme series of SD cards is a reliable choice for GoPro users. With read and write speeds of up to 160MB/s and 90MB/s respectively, these cards can handle high-resolution video and burst photography. The Extreme Pro line offers even faster speeds of up to 170MB/s read and 90MB/s write, making it ideal for professional videographers.
SanDisk Extreme line of SD cards includes a free RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software download, which enables users to recover accidentally deleted photos and videos.
2. Lexar Professional 1066x Silver Series, Fly: 64/128/256/512GB
The Lexar Professional 1066x Silver Series and Fly SD cards offer high-speed performance, with read speeds of up to 160MB/s and write speeds of up to 120MB/s. They also feature Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-65) technology, which ensures smooth video capture, making them ideal for GoPro cameras.
Fly series can reach read speeds of up to 250MB/s. These cards are also backwards compatible with UHS-I devices and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
3. Samsung EVO Plus, EVO Select, EVO PRO Plus: 128/256/512GB
The Samsung EVO Plus, EVO Select, and EVO PRO Plus SD cards offer fast read and write speeds of up to 170MB/s and 100MB/s respectively, making them a great choice for high-resolution video and burst photography. They are also waterproof, shockproof, and temperature-proof, making them durable enough to handle extreme conditions.
They can operate at temperatures ranging from -25°C to 85°C. The EVO Select is compatible with most GoPro models, while the EVO PRO Plus boasts read and write speeds of up to 170MB/s and 120MB/s, respectively, making it one of the fastest SD cards on the market.
4. ADATA Premiere Pro: 512GB
The ADATA Premiere Pro SD card offers fast read and write speeds of up to 170MB/s and 120MB/s respectively, making it ideal for high-resolution video and burst photography. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, giving users peace of mind.
ADATA SD cards come with a lifetime warranty and is compatible with ADATA’s proprietary SD Card Reader, which enables users to transfer data at high speeds.
5. Gigastone A1 and A2: 128/256GB
The Gigastone A1 and A2 SD cards offer fast read and write speeds of up to 100MB/s and 80MB/s respectively, making them a reliable choice for GoPro cameras. They are also shockproof, waterproof, and X-ray proof, making them durable enough to handle extreme conditions.
Gigastone SD cards can operate at temperatures ranging from -25°C to 85°C. The A1 model has read and write speeds of up to 100MB/s and 70MB/s, respectively, while the A2 model can reach read and write speeds of up to 170MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively.
6. Amazon Basics: 64/128GB
The Amazon Basics SD card is an affordable option for GoPro users. It offers read speeds of up to 100MB/s and write speeds of up to 60MB/s, making it suitable for HD video and burst photography. It is also waterproof, shockproof, and X-ray proof, making it durable enough to handle most environments.
7. PNY Elite-X, Premier-X, Pro Elite: 64/128/256/512GB and 1TB
The PNY Elite-X, Premier-X, and Pro Elite SD cards offer fast read and write speeds of up to 100MB/s and 90MB/s respectively, making them ideal for high-resolution video and burst photography. They also come with a lifetime warranty, making them a reliable choice for GoPro users.
Tips for Maximizing the Best SD Card for GoPro Performance
Once you’ve selected the right SD card for your GoPro camera, here are some tips to help you get the most out of it:
Format Your SD Card Before Use
Before using your SD card for the first time, format it in your GoPro camera to ensure optimal performance. This will also remove any unnecessary files that may be on the card.
Avoid Overheating
GoPro cameras can get hot during prolonged use, which can affect the performance of your SD card. Try to avoid using your camera in direct sunlight or in hot environments to prevent overheating.
Use the Right Settings
Using the right camera settings can also help improve your SD card’s performance. For example, setting your camera to a lower resolution can reduce the strain on your card, and using shorter recording times can prevent your camera from overheating.
Conclusion: Best SD Card for GoPro
In conclusion, selecting the right SD card for your GoPro camera is crucial to ensuring that your footage is stored safely and efficiently, and that your camera performs at its best. By considering factors like read and write speeds, capacity, and brand reputation, you can make the best choice for your needs. Additionally, by following these tips for maximizing your card’s performance, you can ensure that your GoPro camera captures the best possible footage.
Common FAQ’s about Best SD card for GoPro
Choosing the best SD card for your GoPro camera can be a bit overwhelming with all the different options available. However, a few top-performing SD cards stand out from the rest. These include the SanDisk Extreme Pro, Samsung Evo Plus, and Lexar Professional 1000x.
Each of these cards offers fast write speeds, high capacities, and reliable performance, making them excellent choices for GoPro cameras.
While it’s important to use a fast microSD card in your GoPro camera, using the fastest card available won’t necessarily improve performance beyond what’s necessary for the camera’s highest video bitrate. Instead, you should focus on finding a memory card that’s fast enough, reliable, cost-effective, and readily available at major retailers.
No, a faster and better memory card won’t improve the image or video quality of your GoPro footage. However, it will allow you to take full advantage of all the camera’s features, including shooting at high resolutions and bitrates.
When shopping for a microSD card for your GoPro, you should prioritize fast write speeds, high capacity, and reliability. Look for cards with speed class ratings of V30 or higher, and consider brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar.
The best size for your microSD card largely depends on your shooting needs and preferences. However, for most users, a 256GB to 512GB card is a good sweet spot for balancing convenience, availability, and price. If you’re shooting a lot of high-bitrate 4K, 5K, or 5.3K video, you might want to consider a larger capacity card.
The process for formatting a memory card in your GoPro may vary slightly depending on the camera model. Check your camera’s manual for specific instructions, or refer to a detailed guide on the process
For the most part, yes. However, some older GoPro models may only be compatible with microSDHC cards, while newer models can accept microSDXC cards. Be sure to check your camera’s manual for specific compatibility information.
While there are some microSD cards that are better suited for GoPro cameras than others, all of the cards listed here are high-quality options that will work well with your camera. The best card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
While you can use any SD card in your GoPro camera, it’s recommended that you choose a specific card that meets the camera’s requirements. When it comes to finding the best SD card for GoPro cameras, look for cards with fast write speeds, high capacities, and reliable performance.
This will ensure that you can record high-quality footage without any issues or dropouts.
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing the best SD card for your GoPro camera. Firstly, make sure the card meets the camera’s requirements in terms of capacity and speed class.
Next, consider the card’s write speed, as this will affect how quickly you can record footage without any buffering or dropouts. Finally, look for a card from a reputable brand with a good track record of reliability and customer support, such as SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar.
Originally posted 2023-02-25 11:26:47.
