As Insta360 cameras don’t come with an SD card or built-in storage, many people wonder which SD card to choose, including the ideal size & speed.
It can be confusing, especially with the price range—some SD cards are very cheap, while others are much pricier.
Naturally, you might want to save a bit, but going for a cheaper option could be a big mistake.
In this article, you’ll learn about the recommended SD card size and speed for Insta360, which SD cards I recommend, and why it’s often better to avoid the budget options.
Insta360 SD Card Size Guide
In this section, you’ll find out which SD card sizes are the most popular and when they’re the best choice.
128 GB
A 128GB card is a solid choice if you’re capturing shorter clips or highlights. It provides about 3 hours of 4K video at 30fps or around 90 minutes at 120fps, making it great for casual users or those looking to capture key moments without long recording sessions.
- ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED: Store lots of media on your phone with this micro SD memory...
- FAST AND SMOOTH: Superfast U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to...
- EXPAND AND STORE BIG: The EVO Select card ranges from 64GB - 512GB, allowing you to...
The Samsung EVO Select 128GB microSD card is an ideal pick for Insta360 users needing reliable storage. With fast read and write speeds, it ensures smooth operation and quick data transfers. Plus, it’s designed to withstand water, extreme temperatures, and x-ray exposure—perfect for adventure-filled days.
Learn the amount of photos a 128GB SD card can hold
256 GB
For those who shoot more frequently or need longer recording times, a 256GB card is an excellent balance between storage capacity and cost. It provides about 5-6 hours of 4K video at 30fps or around 3 hours at 120fps, which is ideal for extended sessions.
- 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...
The SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB microSD card is a top choice for high-speed, high-capacity storage. It’s fast enough for smooth performance with Insta360, and it’s built to last with protection against water, shock, and extreme temperatures—making it perfect for all your outdoor adventures.
Learn how many photos a 256GB SD card can hold
512 GB
If you’re a pro user or need to film all day without swapping cards, a 512GB card is the way to go. With around 11 hours of 4K video at 30fps and 6 hours at 120fps, it’s perfect for extensive projects or long trips.
- Professional-level performance for action cameras, drones, Android smartphones,...
- Leverages UHS-I technology to deliver read speeds up to 160MB/s
- Quickly capture high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and 4K UHD with...
The Lexar Professional 512GB card offers rapid data transfers with read speeds up to 160MB/s and write speeds up to 120MB/s. It captures and plays back high-resolution media, from 1080p Full-HD to 4K UHD, with ease. It also boasts an A2 rating, making it perfect for app performance and smooth playback.
Why Do I Avoid Smaller SD Cards?
Opting for smaller SD cards, like 32GB or 64GB, can feel like trying to store a week’s worth of groceries in a lunchbox—it fills up fast, especially with high-quality footage.
For example, if you’re recording in 4K or 8K, a 32GB card might only hold 30 minutes to an hour of video, meaning you’ll constantly be juggling cards.
Imagine you’re out on a scenic hike, capturing every beautiful twist and turn, and suddenly your card’s full. You’d have to stop, dig around for a new card, swap them out, and make sure all your footage stays organized. It’s easy to lose track or even miss great shots while managing these swaps.
Why Not To Choose a 1TB SD Card?
While a 1TB SD card may seem like the ultimate solution for storing endless footage, it has a few drawbacks that can make it less ideal:
All Your Eggs in One Basket
With such a large card, you’re storing a massive amount of footage in a single place. If anything goes wrong—say, the card corrupts or gets damaged—you could lose everything in one go. Using two smaller cards, like 256GB or 512GB, reduces this risk, as you can swap them out and back up as you go.
Costly Investment
1TB SD cards tend to be pricey, especially if you’re looking for high-speed, reliable options. You might be able to buy two or three smaller, quality cards for the same price, giving you more flexibility and savings.
Longer Transfer Times
Transferring data from a fully loaded 1TB card to your computer or backup drive can take ages. This can be especially frustrating if you’re in a rush or working with multiple files. With smaller cards, you can offload in batches, speeding up the process.
Overkill for Most Needs
Unless you’re shooting continuously in ultra-high-resolution formats like 8K or planning to capture hours and hours of footage in one go, a 1TB card might simply be more space than you need. Most users find 128GB to 512GB offers plenty of room without the added risks and costs of a larger card.
Speed Class for Your Insta360 Camera
Speed class essentially tells you how quickly your card can write data, which is especially important when you’re pushing the camera’s capabilities with high resolutions or frame rates.
Here’s a guide to speed classes, along with examples to help you pick the right one:
V30 or U3
A V30 or U3-rated SD card (minimum write speed of 30MB/s) works well for standard 4K recording. This speed is ideal for capturing beautiful landscapes, everyday vlogs, or casual action shots in 4K resolution (3840×2160) at 30 frames per second (fps).
At this level, your footage will be sharp and detailed, and the card can easily keep up with the data demands without interruptions. If you’re doing routine filming or capturing moments without high-speed action, a V30 card is usually sufficient.
V60 and V90
Planning on recording high-frame-rate footage or extreme action scenes?
Then a V60 or V90 card is your best bet. A V60 card writes at a minimum speed of 60MB/s, while a V90 card reaches 90MB/s. These higher speeds are especially useful if you’re shooting in 4K at 120 fps or higher, where each second captures much more detail and requires a faster card to handle the increased data flow. High frame rates like 120 fps are often used for super-smooth slow-motion shots, letting you see every tiny movement, from extreme sports stunts to dramatic water splashes.
If your Insta360 supports resolutions like 5.3K or even 8K, a V60 or V90 card will ensure you don’t lose data or experience lag due to the higher bitrate required by these resolutions. At these levels, the card’s faster write speeds are crucial to avoid disruptions and to keep up with your camera’s processing.
Tips for Testing SD Card Speed
To be certain your SD card is up to the job, try out free speed test tools like CrystalDiskMark (for Windows) or Blackmagic Disk Speed Test (for Mac). Learn about how you can test your SD card’s speed class with a free tools>>>
FAQ
In this section, you’ll find the answered for the FAQ about Insta360 SD card size:
What Type Of MicroSD Card Should I Use With My Insta360 Camera?
To ensure smooth performance, choose a UHS-I microSD card with a V30 or higher speed class, formatted in exFAT. Using a card with a lower speed rating can lead to recording interruptions or corrupted footage.
Are UHS-II Or UHS-III MicroSD Cards Compatible With Insta360 Cameras?
No, Insta360 cameras do not support UHS-II or UHS-III microSD cards. Stick to UHS-I cards with a V30 or higher speed class for optimal results.
What Is The Maximum Storage Capacity Supported By Insta360 Cameras?
Insta360 cameras can support microSD cards up to 1TB. Cards larger than 1TB may not be compatible and can cause issues with recording. But even 1TB is too much, stick to 512GB SD card.
How Should I Format My MicroSD Card For Use With An Insta360 Camera?
It’s recommended to format your microSD card directly in the Insta360 camera. Regular formatting helps maintain performance and minimizes the risk of data issues.
Can I Use Any Brand Of MicroSD Card With My Insta360 Camera?
While multiple brands may be compatible, Insta360 advises using reputable brands like SanDisk and Lexar. It’s best to buy through official resellers to ensure authenticity and compatibility.
What Should I Do If My Insta360 Camera Doesn’t Recognize The MicroSD Card?
If your camera shows a “No SD Card” message or has a flashing blue light, double-check that the card is properly inserted and meets the UHS-I, V30, exFAT requirements. If problems persist, try reformatting the card in the camera or testing a different compatible card.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn about the Insta360 Card Size and Speed 🙂
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