We all know GoPros are amazing little action cameras. They’re rugged, small, take great video, and are easy to use. But one thing that can be a bit of a pain with GoPros is finding the right SD card. The quality of your video can suffer if you use the wrong card, and it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you.
There are two main factors to consider when buying an SD card for your GoPro: capacity and speed. When it comes to capacity, bigger is better. Regarding speed, SD cards rated UHS-1/U3–V30 are the best since they offer 160MB/s read speed and 90MB/s write speed.
Many brands are available on the market but always look for original and branded products to avoid fakes. Make sure to format your SD card regularly to keep it in good condition and to prevent any potential errors. And that’s it! With a high-quality SD card, you’ll be able to record all your adventures without any issues. Here are some of the best SD cards for GoPro cameras currently available.
Do GoPros Need SD Cards?
Most digital cameras rely on SD cards to store all the pictures and videos you take. The GoPro is no exception. One of the great things about the GoPro is that it has a slot for an SD card, so you can easily take it with you on the go.
However, not just any old SD card will do. The GoPro is a high-performance camera that takes high-quality video and photos. As such, it requires an SD card that can keep up with its demanding needs.
The older models of the GoPro, such as the HERO4, can use SD cards up to 64GB. Newer models, such as the HERO7, HERO 8, and Max 360, can use SD cards up to 256GB.
Best SD Cards For GoPros
There are a few things to remember when looking for the best SD card for your GoPro. The first is capacity. As mentioned above, the GoPro can take advantage of SD cards up to 64GB or even 256GB.
This is important because it allows you to record more videos without worrying about running out of space. The second thing to consider is speed.
The GoPro records video at high resolutions and framerates and needs an SD card that can keep up with its demands. Look for an SD card with a fast read and write speed. The third thing to consider is compatibility.
Make sure the SD card you choose is compatible with your specific model of GoPro. The three top SD card brands are Sandisk, Samsung, and Lexar. All three offer high-quality SD cards designed for use with GoPro cameras.
Best SD Card For A GoPro Max
The SanDisk Extreme cards are some of the best SD cards you can buy and come in various capacities. The GoPro Max can support up to 256GB, so the SanDisk Extreme V30 UHS-I is a great choice. It has a capacity of 256GB and offers up to 160MB/s read speeds and 90MB/s write speeds.
It’s fast enough for the 5.6K video of the MAX. SanDisk’s SD cards have a unique numbering system. For example, SDSQXA1-256G-AN6MA.
The first part, SDSQXA1, represents the model number, the middle section, 256G, identifies the card’s capacity, and AN6MA stands for a specific region of the world where the card is sold.
Best SD Card For A GoPro Hero 9
Samsung makes several models of high-performance SD cards, and most will work great with the GoPro Hero 9. The Samsung EVO Select is a great choice and comes in capacities of up to 256GB. It offers up to 100MB/s read speeds and 90MB/s write speeds.
It’s a great choice for recording 4K video at 60fps or lower. Another great option is the Samsung Pro Plus. It’s available in capacities of up to 256GB and offers up to 95MB/s read speeds and 90MB/s write speeds.
Just like SanDisk, Samsung recycles its cards. The new version of the EVO Select is blue/teal, but the older versions (gold, green and white) also work well with the GoPro Hero 9.
Best SD Card For A GoPro Hero10
The GoPro Hero10 is the flagship model of the GoPro lineup, and as such, it needs an SD card that can keep up with its demanding needs. The Lexar 1066x V30 UHS-I is an excellent choice, and it’s available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512MB versions.
It offers up to 160MB/s read speeds and 120MB/s write speeds. The 1066x is the sweet spot for capacity and speed, and it’s one of the fastest SD cards on the market.
Unfortunately, Lexar was sold off a few years ago, and there was a disruption in the product line. But things have settled, and you can confidently walk into any store and purchase a Lexar SD card.
Which SD Card Should You Buy?
The best SD card for your GoPro depends on several factors, including capacity, speed, compatibility, and budget.
Lexar Professional Silver Series
If price is not an issue, then Lexar Professional Silver Series microSDXC is the best choice. At 160MB/s read speed and 120MB/s write speed, it’s among of not the fastest SD card on the market. And it’s available in capacities up to 256GB.
That’s enough space for hours and hours of 5K video recording if you’re using Hero 9 or Hero 10. So even at a lower capacity of 64GB, it’s still an excellent choice for the older models of GoPro.
Samsung EVO Plus
The Samsung EVO Plus is a wonderful choice if you’re working on a budget. It’s available in capacities of up to 128GB and offers up to 100MB/s read speed and 90MB/.
This may not match the performance of the Lexar card, but it’s still a great choice for budget-conscious users. Additionally, it works great if you plan to shoot in 4k and lower resolutions.
Samsung PRO Endurance
If you are using GoPro for dash cams and security, then you need an SD card that can withstand constant writing. The Samsung PRO Endurance is the best choice in this case. It offers up to 100MB/s read speeds and 30MB/s write speeds.
That’s not as fast as the other cards on this list, but it’s designed for endurance. It can handle up to 25,000 hours of 4K video recording or 55,000 hours of 1080p video recording. In addition, the card is designed to overwrite 170 terabytes of data and can survive standard temperature, shock, and x-ray exposure.
How to Format SD Cards
It’s a good practice to format your SD card in the camera rather than on your computer. This ensures that the card is formatted correctly for the GoPro and that all of the files on the card are compatible with the camera.
You should also do this regularly to keep the card clean and free of any corrupt files. To format your SD card in the GoPro:
- Go to the Preferences menu and select Format.
- Choose the Format option and confirm that you want to format the card.
The process will take a few seconds, and all of the files on the card will be erased.
What to do if Your SD Card Stops Working
Your card may stop working for several reasons, including physical damage, corrupted files, or incompatible file format. If the SD card stops working after a physical shock, likely, the card is permanently damaged, and you will need to purchase a new one.
If the card stops working after formatting or because of corrupted files, it may be recovered by formating the card using the GoPro or a computer.