If you are wondering what SD card size to pick for the GoPro Hero 5, then you have landed at the right place.

A good memory card should be fast, spacious and not heavy on your pocket.

In this article, you will learn about the best-fit memory cards for your GoPro HERO 5.

 

SD Card Specifications for GoPro HERO 5

Every card that you use with your camera comes with certain specifications. Let’s read and understand the basic specifications of the memory cards compatible with HERO 5 Black and Session. GoPro HERO 5 Black has the memory card slot on the camera’s underside next to the battery. In the case of GoPro HERO 5 Session,  the card is inserted into a compartment on the left side of the camera body next to the USB port.

Next, talking about the specifications, HERO 5 uses the UHS-I host specification. If you plan to use a card with UHS-II specs, it would work fine with HERO 5 as it is designed in a way to roll back to UHS-I. However, the additional advantages that come with UHS-II cards would be absent.

Speed Class is the official unit of speed measurement for all SD cards. There are five different speed classes – 2,4,6,8,10 (10 being the fattest and 2 being the slowest). It gives you the minimum transfer rate of data that the card is capable of.

Class 2 – 2MB/s
Class 4 – 4MB/s
Class 6 – 6MB/s
Class 8 – 8MB/s
Class 10 or U1 – 10MB/s

Ultra-high-speed cards U1 and U3 have higher transfer rates.

U1 – 10MB/s (same as class 10)
U3 – 30MB/s (class 30)

In the case of HERO 5, for good speed results, stick to the cards rated with V30 or U3. U1 cards also work well with HERO 5.

SD Card for GoPro Hero 5

GoPro HERO 5 SD Card Max Size

Card size is a very important parameter when comes to the selection of the card. GoPro HERO 5 can accept memory cards up to 128 GB in capacity. But, they work fine with higher capacity memory cards as well.

So, you can use the following storage size variants with your GoPro hero 5 camera:

  • 16GB
  • 32GB
  • 64GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB or 400GB

It is recommended to use 32GB-64GB cards for best results.

For more on compatible SD card sizes for different GoPro models, visit this article:

 

How Long Can an SD Card Record

Here are the estimated number of photos/footage duration you can fit on various sizes of memory cards

How Long Can a 32GB SD Card Record

  • Number of Pictures: 12,157
  • 5K (30fps) Video: 48 Mins
  • 4K (60fps) Video: 48 Mins.
  • 2.7K (120fps) Video: 48 Mins.
  • 2.7K (60fps) Video: 1:00 Hr.
  • 1080p (120fps) Video: 1:00 Hr.
  • 1080p (60fps) Video: 1:19 Hrs.
  • 720p (60fps) Video: 1:19 Hrs.
  • 720p (50fps) Video: 1:55 Hrs.

How Long Can a 64GB SD Card Record

  • Number of Pictures: 24,337
  • 5K (30fps) Video: 1:37 Hrs.
  • 4K (60fps) Video: 1:37 Hrs.
  • 2.7K (120fps) Video: 1:37 Hrs.
  • 2.7K (60fps) Video: 2:06 Hrs.
  • 1080p (120fps) Video: 2:06 Hrs.
  • 1080p (60fps) Video: 2:38 Hrs.
  • 720p (60fps) Video: 2:38 Hrs.
  • 720p (50fps) Video: 3:50 Hrs.

How Long Can a 128GB SD Card Record

  • Number of Pictures: 48,960
  • 5K (30fps) Video: 3:15 Hrs.
  • 4K (60fps) Video: 3:15 Hrs.
  • 2.7K (120fps) Video: 3:15 Hrs.
  • 2.7K (60fps) Video: 4:02 Hrs.
  • 1080p (120fps) Video: 4:02 Hrs.
  • 1080p (60fps) Video: 5:18 Hrs.
  • 720p (60fps) Video: 5:18 Hrs.
  • 720p (50fps) Video: 7:43 Hrs.

How Long Can a 256GB SD Card Record

  • Number of Pictures: 97920
  • 5K (30fps) Video: 6:30 Hrs.
  • 4K (60fps) Video: 6:30 Hrs.
  • 2.7K (120fps) Video: 6:30 Hrs.
  • 2.7K (60fps) Video: 8:00 Hrs.
  • 1080p (120fps) Video: 8:00 Hrs.
  • 1080p (60fps) Video: 10:36 Hrs.
  • 720p (60fps) Video: 10:36 Hrs.
  • 720p (50fps) Video: 15:26 Hrs.

Note: These are just the estimates that can be useful as guides to let you have an idea of what to expect from each size variant.

 

GoPro Recommended SD Cards for HERO 5

Below mentioned are two SD cards that are recommended for the GoPro HERO 5:

SanDisk Extreme UHS-I Memory Card

  • Brand: SanDisk
  • Speed Class: UHS-I (U3), Class 10, V30
  • Maximum Read Speed: 160MB/s
  • Maximum Write Speed: 90MB/s
  • Storage Capacity: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, 1TB
SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to 160MB/s, C10, U3, V30, 4K, A2, Micro SD - SDSQXA1-256G-GN6MA
SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to 160MB/s, C10, U3, V30, 4K, A2, Micro SD - SDSQXA1-256G-GN6MA
  • Up to 160MB/s read speeds to save time transferring high res images and 4K UHD...
  • Up to 90MB/s write speeds for fast shooting; Requires compatible devices capable of...
  • 4K UHD and Full HD Ready with UHS speed class 3 (U3) and video speed class 30 (V30)
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SanDisk cards are known for their quality and performance. They provide amazing write speeds (up to 90 MB/s) and read speeds (up to 160 MB/s). It is known for high-speed rates of 30MB/s and helps to record good quality uninterrupted videos. These cards work well in harsh conditions as well as they are tested to be temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof. GoPro officially recommends this card in their “Works with GoPro” certification program.

Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II Memory Card

  • Brand: Lexar
  • Speed Class: UHS-II (U3), Class 10
  • Maximum Read Speed: 150MB/s
  • Maximum Write Speed: 90MB/s
  • Storage Capacity: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB microSDXC UHS-II Card w/ Adapter, Up To 150MB/s Read (LSDMI128CBNA1000A)
Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB microSDXC UHS-II Card w/ Adapter, Up To 150MB/s Read (LSDMI128CBNA1000A)
  • High-speed performance—leverages UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed...
  • Premium memory solution for sports camcorders, tablets, and smartphones
  • Designed for high-speed capture of high-quality images and extended lengths of 1080p...
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Another amazing option for your GoPro Hero 5 is Lexar Professional SD cards with high read and write speeds of up to 90 MB/s and 150 MB/s respectively. It helps you record high-quality 4K videos. With backward compatibility with the UHS-I device, you can use it with GoPro Hero 5 without any hesitation. These cards are made with a strong and durable exterior to withstand harsh weather conditions. Lexar Professional cards are available with a storage capacity of 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB to store extended footage. Overall a great pick!

If you want more choices check out the Top 7 GoPro Hero 5 SD Cards (Black & Session).

 

What SD Card Do You Prefer?

Choosing an SD card compatible with your GoPro is like finding the perfect companion for your camera. With the right choice, you can be sure of saving countless memories in your little action cam. A Class 10 card with USH-I host specifications would serve the purpose well. On average, a 32-64 GB card is recommended but you can go for higher storage capacity in case you require higher quality or extended footage.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you learn about the GoPro HERO 5 Card size  🙂

 

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