DJI Osmo Action 3 supports SD card size up to 256GB, but do you really need that much space?
The answer is, it depends.
In this article, you’ll find the recommended SD card size for the DJI Osmo Action 3, why I recommend it, and the best SD cards for your camera.
SD Card Size for DJI Osmo Action 3
When deciding on the right SD card size for your DJI Osmo Action 3, it’s important to think about how you plan to use your camera and how much footage you typically shoot.
The DJI Osmo Action 3 can handle SD cards up to 256GB, and while it might be tempting to go all out and get the biggest card possible, sometimes a more balanced approach works best.
256GB SD Card – The All-Day Adventurer’s Choice
A 256GB SD card is ideal if you’re planning to shoot long sessions or spend the entire day filming without worrying about running out of space. For example, on a 256GB card, you can store about:
- 1080p video (30fps): Around 33-36 hours
- 4K video (30fps): Roughly 9-10 hours
- 4K video (60fps): Approximately 5-6 hours
This size is great for capturing hours of footage during activities like skiing trips, diving adventures, or day-long hikes. It’s also perfect for vacations when you don’t want to swap cards constantly or risk missing moments because your card is full.
Learn more about how much videos and photos 256GB SD card can hold>>>
128GB SD Card – Perfect for Shorter Trips and Everyday Use
A 128GB SD card offers a good balance between capacity and cost. It’s perfect for casual users or those who shoot shorter clips or half-day adventures. On a 128GB card, you can typically fit:
- 1080p video (30fps): About 16-18 hours
- 4K video (30fps): Around 4-5 hours
- 4K video (60fps): About 2.5-3 hours
This card size is great if you’re going out for an afternoon of biking or a short hike. You’ll have plenty of space for most activities without the need to carry a backup.
Learn more about how much videos and photos 128GB SD card can hold>>>
Why 32GB and 64GB SD Cards Are Less Ideal
While 32GB and 64GB SD cards might still be around, they don’t quite cut it for today’s high-resolution shooting needs. With a 32GB card, you can only store about:
- 4K video (30fps): Roughly 30-40 minutes
- 1080p video (30fps): About 4-5 hours
A 64GB card fares slightly better, holding:
- 4K video (30fps): About 1-2 hours
- 1080p video (30fps): Around 8-10 hours
These smaller cards fill up quickly, especially if you’re shooting 4K footage or higher. If you’re filming an active day of diving, for instance, the last thing you want is to surface and swap out cards halfway through your experience. Constantly changing cards can disrupt your shooting flow and lead to footage being scattered across multiple cards, making organization a headache.
When to Choose Each Size
- 128GB SD Card: Great for weekend trips, half-day shoots, or if you plan to capture highlights without needing to record continuously.
- 256GB SD Card: Perfect for longer adventures, full-day excursions, or when you want to film extensively without interruptions.
- Smaller Cards (32GB/64GB): Best avoided for video-heavy shoots due to their limited space. These sizes might work for short clips or as a backup card but are less practical for serious use.
Recommended Speed Class for DJI Osmo Action 3
For the DJI Osmo Action 3, you should go with an SD card that has at least a UHS-I U3 (Ultra High-Speed Class 3) or V30 (Video Speed Class 30) rating. Here’s why:
- UHS-I U3 and V30 cards provide a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s, which is perfect for 4K video recording at high frame rates. This means your camera can write data to the card smoothly without any hiccups, ensuring your videos look seamless and your photos save quickly.
- If you’re planning to record high-bitrate 4K footage or engage in fast-paced shooting (think action sports, skiing, or biking), a U3 or V30 card is the safe bet to keep up with these demands.
Speed Classes to Avoid
While it might be tempting to grab a budget SD card labeled as Class 10 or U1, it’s best to skip these if you’re serious about capturing high-quality footage. Here’s why:
- Class 10 and U1 cards have a minimum write speed of only 10MB/s, which just isn’t enough for stable 4K video. Using these can lead to dropped frames or recording stops when the card struggles to keep up with the data load.
- These slower cards might be okay for basic 1080p videos or taking photos, but once you move to higher resolutions or faster frame rates, they’re not reliable.
Why Speed Matters
Picture this: You’re filming an epic downhill biking session or capturing your snorkeling adventure, and suddenly your camera stutters or stops because your SD card isn’t fast enough. This can be frustrating and might cost you the best shots of the day. Using an SD card with a U3 or V30 rating makes sure your camera runs smoothly and your videos look flawless, even in demanding situations.
For anyone serious about making the most of their DJI Osmo Action 3, investing in a good-quality, high-speed SD card is a must. Stick with UHS-I U3 or V30, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your footage is safe and looking its best.
Top MicroSD Cards for Your DJI Osmo Action 3
To get the best performance from your DJI Osmo Action 3 camera, check out these top-rated microSD card options:
SanDisk Extreme Pro – The Best Pick
- Read Speed: SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSD UHS-I Card features SanDisk QuickFlow...
- Write Speeds of up to 140MB/s: Capture fast-action photos or shoot 4K UHD video with...
- Load Apps Faster with A2: Get faster app performance for an outstanding smartphone...
For those looking for high-level performance, the SanDisk Extreme Pro is an excellent choice. It offers a V30 video speed class and UHS-I rating, making it suitable for recording high-bitrate 4K and 8K footage. With options up to 1TB, this card is perfect for extended recording sessions where swapping cards isn’t feasible. Designed for rugged use, it’s water-resistant, shockproof, and temperature-proof, ensuring your data is safe even in harsh conditions.
Explore detailed comparisons of SanDisk SD cards here:
SanDisk Extreme Plus – Convinient Choice
- Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- Maximum Read Speed: 170 MB/s
- Maximum Write Speed: 90 MB/s
The SanDisk Extreme Plus is another solid option for DJI Osmo Action 3 users. With a V30 video speed class and UHS-I rating, this card handles 4K video recording with ease. Its robust construction makes it water-resistant, shockproof, and temperature-proof, ensuring it stands up to challenging environments. Available in a variety of capacities, this card suits a range of filming needs, from quick clips to longer projects.
Samsung EVO Select
- ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED: Store tons of media on your phone, load games or download...
- FAST AND SMOOTH: With superfast U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to...
- EXPAND AND STORE BIG: Find your perfect fit from 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB; Select...
The Samsung EVO Select is a dependable choice for DJI Osmo Action 3 It boasts a V30 video speed class and UHS-I rating, ensuring smooth 4K and even 8K video capture without any hiccups. With storage sizes up to 512GB, this card provides ample room for extended shoots. Built for durability, it’s water-resistant, shockproof, and temperature-proof, making it perfect for various filming conditions.
Samsung EVO Plus – Cost-Effective and Trustworthy
- 4-Proof protection: Waterproof, Temperature proof,X-ray proof, Magnet proof
- Read:up to 100MB/s with UHS-1 interface Write:up to 90MB/s with UHS-1 interface
- UHS-I, compatible to HS interface, Grade 3, Class 10, 4K
The Samsung EVO Plus offers a great balance of affordability and solid performance. This card features a V30 speed class and UHS-I rating, which is ideal for high-quality 4K video recording. Available in sizes up to 512GB, it provides plenty of space for your video projects. It’s built to endure tough outdoor conditions, with protection against water, shock, and extreme temperatures, making it a reliable companion for adventurous shoots.
FAQ
Here are some common questions answered about DJI Osmo Action 3 SD card size:
What is the maximum SD card capacity supported by the DJI Osmo Action 3?
The DJI Osmo Action 3 supports microSD cards up to 256GB. Using cards larger than this capacity may lead to compatibility issues or reduced performance.
Which SD card speed class is recommended for the DJI Osmo Action 3?
For optimal performance, especially when recording 4K video, it’s recommended to use microSD cards with a UHS-I U3 or V30 speed class. These ratings ensure the card can handle the high data rates required for smooth video recording.
Are 32GB or 64GB SD cards sufficient for 4K video recording on the DJI Osmo Action 3?
While 32GB and 64GB cards can be used, they may fill up quickly when recording in 4K resolution. A 32GB card can store approximately 30-40 minutes of 4K footage, and a 64GB card can hold about 60-80 minutes. For extended recording sessions, it’s advisable to use cards with larger capacities, such as 128GB or 256GB.
Can I use a microSD card with a UHS-II rating in my DJI Osmo Action 3?
Yes, you can use a UHS-II microSD card in your DJI Osmo Action 3; however, the camera is designed for UHS-I cards. While UHS-II cards are backward compatible, you won’t experience the speed benefits they offer, and they are typically more expensive. Therefore, a UHS-I U3 or V30 card is sufficient and more cost-effective.
How do I format an SD card for use with the DJI Osmo Action 3?
To format an SD card for your DJI Osmo Action 3, insert the card into the camera, power it on, and navigate to the settings menu. Select the ‘Format’ option to prepare the card for use. Formatting ensures the card is optimized for recording and helps prevent potential issues. Find more information on SD card formatting here>>>
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I hope this guide helped you learn about some of the best DJI Osmo Action 3 SD card size🙂
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