GoPro HERO 13 SD Card Size Recommendations & Speed

When you unbox your new GoPro Hero 13, you won’t be able to use it without a micro SD card. These cards come in different sizes, capacities, and price ranges.

I understand the confusion because I was once a beginner myself, facing the same questions 8 years ago.

Now, after years of working in video production, I can offer some helpful insights on picking the right SD card size for your needs.

In this guide, you’ll learn which SD card speed is best suited for your Hero 13 and which type will fit your shooting style.

Begin by watching this video:

Main Factors

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When picking an SD card for your GoPro Hero 13, here are two main things to focus on:

Speed  Class or Rating

You’ll want an SD card with a V30 or UHS-3 rating. This ensures the card can handle 4K video and high-quality photos without lag or errors. More on SD card speed classes>>>

Maximum Storage Capacity

The storage size you need depends on how long you’re filming and how often you transfer your footage. Larger cards, like 128GB or 256GB, mean fewer card swaps during your shoot.

The Hero 13 can handle up to 1TB, so go big if you don’t want to worry about running out of space. Read more: How long an SD card can record for your GoPro (32GB-1TB)?

• How much footage you’ll shoot – If you’re filming long videos or on extended trips, go for bigger storage (like 128GB or 256GB). For shorter shoots, a smaller card (32GB or 64GB) will work.
• How often you transfer files – If you don’t want to keep offloading footage, choose a larger SD card (up to 1TB for GoPro Hero 13). This way, you can keep filming without interruptions.

Keep it simple: If you’re shooting long videos, go for bigger, faster cards!

 

Best GoPro Hero 13 SD Cards

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In this section, you’ll find my favorite SD cards for the GoPro Hero 13. All the cards mentions below are in Work with GoPro Program.

SanDisk

• Series: Extreme Series, Extreme PLUS Series, Extreme PRO Series
• Recommended Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

The SanDisk Extreme PRO is a top-tier choice with up to 200MB/s read speeds and 140MB/s write speeds, making it perfect for high-demand tasks like 4K video and raw photo capture. It’s also designed for durability, being waterproof, shockproof, and resistant to extreme temperatures.

The card is particularly great for users who shoot in challenging environments, ensuring that data is protected. It also comes with RescuePRO Deluxe software for recovering accidentally deleted files, making it a reliable option for professionals and adventurers alike​. I personally use Sandisk Extreme 512GB SD card .

PNY PRO Elite 256GB

• Series: PRO Elite Series, Elite-X Series, Premier-X Series
• Recommended Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

PNY’s PRO Elite 256GB provides solid performance at a more affordable price. With read speeds of 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s, it handles 4K video recording with ease. It’s also built to withstand water, shock, and extreme temperatures, making it a durable choice for users who want dependable storage without breaking the bank​.

Lexar

• Series: FLY Series, Professional 1066x Silver Series, Professional Gold Series
• Recommended Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

The Lexar Professional 1066x offers up to 160MB/s read speeds and is built for capturing extended 4K or 5K video footage.

Its large capacity makes it ideal for users who prefer not to offload footage frequently during long shoots. The card is designed to handle tough environments and is highly reliable for anyone who needs high performance over extended periods.

Kingston

• Series: Canvas Go! Plus Series
• Recommended Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB

The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus is a smaller capacity option with impressive performance, offering up to 170MB/s read speeds. It’s designed for fast 4K video recording and sequential burst photography, making it ideal for action-packed adventures.

Like the others, it is built to resist water, shock, and temperature extremes, making it a durable choice for users who regularly shoot in tough environments​.

Samsung

• Series: EVO Plus Series, EVO Select Series, PRO Plus Series, PRO Ultimate Series
• Recommended Capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

The Samsung EVO Plus 256GB is known for its reliability and durability, with read speeds up to 100MB/s. It’s perfect for everyday use with 4K video and high-resolution photos. The card is also designed to withstand harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures and exposure to water and shocks, making it a strong choice for outdoor enthusiasts​.

Here are all the best SD cards for the GoPro Hero 13>>>

Tips for Choosing a GoPro HERO 13 SD Card

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In this section, you’ll find useful tips on how to choose the right SD card for your GoPro Hero 13.

Buy from Trusted Sources

Always buy your SD card from reputable retailers like Amazon, electronics stores, or camera shops. This helps ensure you’re getting a genuine product that won’t fail you in the middle of recording. Trusted sources reduce the risk of counterfeit cards, which can be unreliable and even corrupt your footage.

Avoid Deals That Seem Too Cheap

If an SD card’s price looks suspiciously low, it might be too good to be true. Cheap SD cards can be counterfeit or lack the required performance for 4K or 5K video capture. Stick to cards with standard pricing to ensure they have the speed and storage capacity needed for your Hero 13.

Check Compatibility

Ensure the SD card is compatible with the GoPro Hero 13. The card should have a V30 or UHS-3 speed rating to handle high-quality video and rapid data transfer. Using the wrong card may result in performance issues, like stuttering videos or recording errors.

Check the Warranty

Look for SD cards that come with a manufacturer’s warranty, like those from SanDisk or Lexar. Having a warranty is crucial in case the card fails or becomes defective, allowing you to replace it without extra costs. A warranty gives you peace of mind, especially during long shoots or important projects.

Update Your GoPro Firmware

Check for firmware updates for your GoPro Hero 13 regularly. GoPro often releases updates that improve compatibility with specific SD cards and optimize the camera’s performance. Keeping your firmware up to date ensures that your camera operates smoothly with your chosen SD card.

Learn How To Update your GoPro’s Firmware>>>

Format the SD Card Regularly

For optimal performance, format your SD card in the GoPro before use. This erases any leftover data and prepares the card for new recordings. Regular formatting can prevent data corruption and ensure smooth performance while filming.

Find out How To Format SD Card>>>

Read Reviews and Seek Advice

Before purchasing, read reviews from GoPro users who have tested the SD card. Reviews often provide valuable insights into how the card performs under different conditions, such as extreme temperatures or prolonged use. Online forums and review sections are great places to get feedback on real-world experiences.

Prioritize Speed

For smooth video capture, especially in high resolution (4K or 5K), choose an SD card with a V30 or UHS-3 speed class. These cards offer faster read/write speeds, ensuring you won’t experience delays or dropped frames while recording action-packed footage.

Choose the Right Size

Think about your shooting habits when selecting storage size. If you film long sessions or can’t offload your footage frequently, go for larger cards like 256GB or 512GB. If you regularly offload your content, smaller capacities like 64GB or 128GB will work fine for shorter sessions.

Backup Your Data

Make it a habit to back up your footage regularly to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This will protect your files in case your SD card gets damaged or corrupted, especially on long trips or big projects where you can’t afford to lose your data.

Keep Cards Clean and Safe

Store your SD cards in protective cases to shield them from dust, moisture, and physical damage. Also, regularly clean the contact points of your card with a soft, lint-free cloth to ensure good connectivity with your camera, which will help avoid recording issues.

 

Thanks for reading! 🙏

I hope this guide helped you learn about the GoPro Hero 13 SD card size 🙂

 

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