If you’re curious to know what size SD card is best for a GoPro, I have an answer for you!
I have researched and tested various SD cards to help you make an informed decision.
In this article, you’ll learn about the process of selecting the right SD card size for your GoPro.
What Size SD Card is Best for GoPro
Before we dive into the different SD card sizes available, let’s first understand SD card capacity. SD card capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB) and represents the amount of storage space available on the card. The more GB an SD card has, the more data it can hold. It is important to note that the capacity of an SD card does not affect the quality of the footage captured on your GoPro. However, it does determine how much footage you can store.
There are several SD card sizes available for GoPro cameras. The most commonly used SD card sizes for GoPro cameras are 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. These sizes offer a good balance between storage space and cost-effectiveness. However, newer GoPro models like the GoPro Hero 12, Hero 11 and Hero 10 support larger capacities such as 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
32GB SD Card
A 32GB SD card is a good option for those who are just starting with their GoPro or those who only plan to use it for short periods. This size can hold approximately two hours of footage in 1080p at 60 frames per second (fps). If you plan to use your GoPro for longer periods or in higher resolutions, you may want to consider a larger SD card.
64GB SD Card
A 64GB SD card is a popular option for GoPro users who frequently capture footage in higher resolutions or for longer periods. This size can hold approximately four hours of footage in 1080p at 60fps or two hours of footage in 4K at 60fps. If you plan to use your GoPro for extended periods or in even higher resolutions, a larger SD card may be required.
128GB SD Card
A 128GB SD card is amongst the larger SD card size supported by GoPro cameras. This size is ideal for those who capture a lot of footage in high resolutions and for extended periods. A 128GB SD card can hold approximately eight hours of footage in 1080p at 60fps or four hours of footage in 4K at 60fps.
256GB SD Card
A 256GB SD card is an excellent option for those who capture footage in high resolutions or for extended periods. This size can hold approximately 16 hours of footage in 1080p at 60fps or eight hours of footage in 4K at 60fps. This size is ideal for professionals who require extended recording times or for those who plan on taking their GoPro on extended trips.
512GB SD Card
A 512GB SD card is the largest size that offers the perfect balance between storage capacity and affordability. This size can hold approximately 32 hours of footage in 1080p at 60fps or 16 hours of footage in 4K at 60fps. It’s ideal for professionals who frequently use their GoPro for long periods, such as videographers or action sports enthusiasts.
1TB SD Card
A 1TB SD card is the largest size available and provides maximum storage capacity for those who need it. This size can hold approximately 64 hours of footage in 1080p at 60fps or 32 hours of footage in 4K at 60fps. It’s ideal for professionals who require maximum storage capacity or for those who plan on being away from a computer for an extended period.
SD Card Type & Capacity for Different GoPros
Here’s a guide on compatible SD card types and capacities for different GoPro camera models:
GoPro HERO 13 Black:
- SD Card Type: UHS-I or UHS-II microSD cards
- Recommended Capacity: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
GoPro HERO:
- SD Card Type: at least V30 or higher UHS-3 rating
- Recommended Capacity: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB.
GoPro HERO 12 Black:
- SD Card Type: UHS-I or UHS-II microSD cards
- Recommended Capacity: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB.
Find a list of the best SD Cards for Hero 12 here:
Check out the best SD card size for your new GoPro Hero 12>>>
GoPro HERO 11 Black:
- SD Card Type: UHS-I or UHS-II microSD cards
- Recommended Capacity: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB.
Find a list of the best SD Cards for Hero 11 here:
GoPro HERO 10 Black:
- SD Card Type: UHS-I or UHS-II microSD cards
- Recommended Capacity: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB or 512GB.
Find a list of the best SD Cards for Hero 10 here:
GoPro HERO 9 Black:
- SD Card Type: UHS-I or UHS-II microSD cards
- Recommended Capacity: 64GB, 128GB or 256GB
Find a list of the best SD Cards for Hero 9 here:
GoPro HERO 8 Black:
- SD Card Type: UHS-I or UHS-II microSD cards
- Recommended Capacity: 64GB or 128GB
Find a list of the best SD Cards for Hero 8 here:
GoPro HERO 7 Black:
- SD Card Type: UHS-I microSD cards
- Recommended Capacity: 64GB
Find a list of the best SD Cards for Hero 7 here:
GoPro HERO 6 Black:
- SD Card Type: UHS-I microSD cards
- Recommended Capacity: 64GB
Find a list of the best SD Cards for Hero 6 here:
GoPro HERO 5 Black:
- SD Card Type: UHS-I microSD cards
- Recommended Capacity: 64GB
Find a list of the best SD Cards for Hero 5 here:
It’s worth noting that it’s always a good idea to choose a high-quality, reputable brand of SD card to ensure reliable performance and to help prevent data loss. Additionally, if you plan to record at higher resolutions or frame rates, you may need to choose a higher capacity card.
How To Choose GoPro SD Card Size
When selecting an SD card size for your GoPro, there are several factors to consider. These include:
- Length of recording time
- Resolution and frame rate
- Frequency of usage
- Budget
It is essential to consider all of these factors when selecting an SD card size. If you plan to use your GoPro frequently, capture footage in high resolutions and frame rates, and record for extended periods, a larger SD card size may be necessary. However, if you are on a tight budget, a smaller SD card may suffice for your needs.
FAQs
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding GoPro SD card size:
Can you use GoPro without SD card?
No, you cannot use a GoPro camera without an SD card. An SD card is required to store the video and photo files captured by the camera. Without an SD card, the camera will not be able to save any footage or images. It is recommended to use a high-quality SD card that is compatible with your specific GoPro model for optimal performance.
How much GoPro video can 256GB hold?
The amount of GoPro video that a 256GB SD card can hold depends on several factors, such as the resolution and frame rate of the video, as well as the compression settings used by the camera. Here are some approximate recording times for common video settings:
- 4K (60fps): about 3 hours and 30 minutes
- 4K (30fps): about 7 hours and 20 minutes
- 2.7K (120fps): about 5 hours and 20 minutes
- 2.7K (60fps): about 8 hours and 20 minutes
- 1080p (240fps): about 10 hours and 30 minutes
- 1080p (60fps): about 17 hours and 20 minutes
It’s important to note that these estimates are based on a fully charged battery and may vary depending on various factors such as camera settings, lighting conditions, and temperature. Additionally, the actual amount of footage that can be recorded may be slightly lower due to formatting and other factors that affect available storage capacity.
How many SD cards do I need for GoPro?
The number of SD cards you need for your GoPro depends on your intended use and how much footage you plan to capture. It’s recommended to have at least two SD cards so that you can swap them out and continue recording if one becomes full or is damaged.
If you plan to use your GoPro for a long period of time or record a lot of footage, you may want to have additional SD cards on hand. It’s important to make sure that the SD cards you use are compatible with your specific GoPro model and have sufficient storage capacity for your needs. Additionally, it’s recommended to use high-quality SD cards from reputable brands to ensure reliable performance and data storage.
What format should GoPro SD card be?
GoPro cameras typically support SD cards formatted with the exFAT or FAT32 file system.
For larger capacity SD cards (64GB and above), it’s recommended to format the card using the exFAT file system, as FAT32 may not be compatible with these larger cards. The exFAT file system also allows for individual file sizes larger than 4GB, which is the maximum file size supported by the FAT32 file system.
To format an SD card for use with a GoPro camera, you can follow these steps:
- Insert the SD card into your computer or card reader
- Backup any important data on the card to your computer
- Open your computer’s file explorer and locate the SD card
- Right-click on the SD card and select “Format”
- Choose the desired file system (exFAT or FAT32)
- Select “Start” to format the SD card
It’s important to note that formatting an SD card will erase all data on the card, so be sure to backup any important files before formatting. Additionally, it’s recommended to format the SD card using the camera’s formatting function before use to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
If you want to format your SD Card with a Mac check out this article where I explain all the steps you need to follow.
And if you prefer to use a program for formatting your SD card read: 5 Best SD Card Formatter Software.
Last Word Of Advice
I recommend the 64GB SD card as a good balance between storage space and cost-effectiveness. However, your specific needs may vary, so be sure to consider all factors before making a decision.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you understand what size SD card is best for GoPro 🙂
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