GoPro cameras are popular action cameras known for shooting high-quality, high-resolution video. With capabilities like 4K resolution at 60 fps, GoPros can produce very large video files. For example, according to Videoproc.com, 1 minute of 4K 60fps video from a GoPro takes up around 7.5 GB of storage space.
With such massive files generated, having enough storage capacity on your memory card is critical. When shooting frequently with a GoPro, storage can fill up quickly. A 256 GB SD card may seem like a lot of capacity, but when recording high bitrate 4K or 5K video, the available recording time is reduced substantially compared to lower resolutions like 1080p.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at GoPro video sizes and bitrates to estimate recording capacities on a 256 GB SD card. We’ll also cover tips for maximizing available storage and determining when it may be time to upgrade to a larger capacity card.
GoPro Video Resolutions and Sizes
GoPro cameras can record video at a variety of resolutions, with higher resolutions producing larger file sizes. Some common GoPro video resolutions include:
- 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) – 4K offers very high resolution and clarity but results in very large files. 1 minute of 4K video can be 500MB or more.
- 2.7K (2704 x 1520 pixels) – 2.7K is a high resolution commonly used for widescreen cinematic videos. Files are smaller than 4K but still large, around 350MB per minute.
- 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) – 1080p is a standard high definition resolution good for sharable videos. File sizes are more manageable, around 170MB per minute.
- 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) – 720p is a lower resolution that produces smaller, more space-efficient files around 60-100MB per minute.
Higher GoPro resolutions like 4K and 2.7K produce excellent quality but quickly eat up storage space. Lower resolutions like 1080p and 720p are more storage-friendly but have less detail.
GoPro Video Bitrates
Video bitrate refers to the amount of data used per second to store and playback video files. It is measured in megabits per second (Mb/s). Higher bitrates allow for more visual information to be captured, resulting in higher quality and larger video files. Lower bitrates reduce file sizes but can result in lower image quality and more compression artifacts.
GoPro cameras allow you to choose between high and standard bitrate recording options. At 4K resolution, GoPro cameras typically record at bitrates between 40-100 Mb/s on the high setting and 20-45 Mb/s on the standard setting [1]. At 1080p resolution, high bitrate recording is around 45-78 Mb/s while standard is in the 35-45 Mb/s range. For optimal image quality, high bitrate recording is recommended. However, the larger files require more storage space and can be more difficult to edit and share.
Estimated Recording Time for 256GB Card
A 256GB SD card has a total storage capacity of around 240GB for actual video files (the rest is used for file indexing). According to GoPro community forums, average video bitrates at common resolutions are:
- 4K60: 120Mbps
- 4K30: 78Mbps
- 2.7K120: 135Mbps
- 2.7K60: 78Mbps
- 2.7K30: 47Mbps
- 1440p120: 78Mbps
- 1440p60: 47Mbps
- 1080p240: 94Mbps
- 1080p120: 55Mbps
- 1080p60: 47Mbps
- 1080p30: 31Mbps
So at 4K60, the highest GoPro setting, you can record around 3 hours of footage on a 256GB card before filling it up. For more typical settings like 4K30 or 1080p60, you can expect over 6 hours of runtime. At lower resolutions, you can record over 10 hours before needing to offload. This highlights how a 256GB card offers ample storage for most users’ needs.
Filming Considerations
There are a few factors that can quickly increase file sizes when filming with a GoPro. Using higher frame rates like 60fps or 120fps will produce much larger files compared to standard 30fps footage. According to GoPro’s community forums, high frame rates can fill up a 256GB card in under an hour. Enabling Protune and other advanced video settings will also increase file sizes. Using accessories like external mics or lights can add more data to files as well.
Certain shooting styles are also storage intensive. Capturing timelapses, especially at high resolutions, can rapidly eat up space. The same goes for high frame rate bursts. Filming in lower resolutions like 720p or 1080p when possible can help maximize storage. Planning shots and minimizing wasted footage is also good practice to conserve space on the memory card.
Offloading and Managing Footage
Once you’ve filled up your 256GB SD card with GoPro footage, you’ll need to offload the files to free up space on the card for additional recording. There are a few options for offloading footage:
You can connect the GoPro directly to your laptop using the included USB-C cable and copy the files over. This allows you to directly access and edit the files on your computer using video editing software. Just make sure your laptop has enough hard drive space for all the high resolution GoPro videos. One downside is transfer speeds may be slower over USB compared to using an external SSD.
Another option is to offload footage to an external SSD drive. Portable SSD drives provide much faster transfer speeds versus laptop USB ports. Look for SSD drives with USB-C connectivity and UASP support for the fastest transfer rates when offloading GoPro videos (see this Reddit thread). External SSDs also give you expanded storage capacity for all your GoPro footage.
Once offloaded, you can free up space on your SD card by deleting clips or utilizing video editing software to trim clips and consolidate footage. Proper file management ensures you maximize the 256GB capacity over many shooting sessions before needing to upgrade cards.
Alternative Storage Options
While a 256GB SD card may be sufficient for many users, some may need additional storage capabilities for extended filming trips or capturing footage at high resolutions and frame rates. There are a few alternative options to supplement the storage of a 256GB card:
Using multiple smaller SD cards: Some choose to bring several smaller SD cards, like five 64GB cards, instead of one massive card. This provides more convenience if a card becomes full or corrupted. However, it requires more time and diligence to offload footage across multiple cards 1.
External SSD drives: Portable external SSD drives can supplement a GoPro’s SD card by providing a high-capacity and high-speed external storage option. For example, a 1TB SSD drive could hold the contents of several SD cards. The downside is that footage must be offloaded from the SD card before continuing to film 2.
Wireless external drives: Some wireless external drives allow you to directly transfer files from the GoPro to the drive wirelessly. This prevents having to manually offload footage. However, transfer speeds tend to be slower compared to a direct wired connection.
Cloud backups: Services like GoPro Plus allow you to auto-upload footage to the cloud while connected to WiFi. This provides a real-time backup, but requires an active WiFi connection.
Maximizing 256GB Card
To get the most out of a 256GB card with your GoPro, it helps to use some best practices for conserving space:
- Shoot in lower resolutions like 1080p or 2.7K instead of 4K or 5.7K when you don’t need the highest quality. 1080p will take up 4x less space than 4K according to GoPro [1].
- Use lower frame rates like 30fps instead of 60fps to save space.
- Disable Protune unless you need advanced settings like manual exposure and flat color. Protune increases file sizes [2].
- Record in short, 4-5 minute clips instead of letting the camera run continuously.
- Offload footage regularly to free up the card again.
Shooting in intervals can also help maximize a 256GB card. Consider time lapse photo, timewarp video, or scheduled capture modes to record short bursts over long periods. Breaking up footage into shorter segments uses storage efficiently.
When to Upgrade Card
If you find yourself frequently hitting the 256GB storage limit or needing to offload footage mid-shoot, it may be time to upgrade to a higher capacity SD card. Some signs you may need more than 256GB include:
- Filming in high resolutions like 4K/60fps or 5.3K/30fps which produce large file sizes
- Using Protune settings like high bitrate which maximizes quality but increases file size
- Shooting high framerate video like 240fps or 960fps slow motion
- Recording long durations of video throughout the day
- Limited ability to offload footage during multi-day trips or shoots
In these cases, it’s recommended to upgrade to at least a 512GB or even 1TB SD card. According to GoPro, their latest cards offer the following recording durations:
- 256GB in 4K60 gives you up to 55 minutes of recording
- 512GB in 4K60 gives you up to 110 minutes of recording
- 1TB in 4K60 gives you up to 220 minutes of recording
Doubling the storage with a 512GB or 1TB SD card can significantly extend shooting time before needing to offload footage. It also provides peace of mind and reduces the risk of missing a shot while changing cards or managing storage. Consider your particular shooting needs and if you consistently require more than 256GB, it may be worthwhile upgrading to maximize recording time.
Source: https://gopro.com/help/articles/block/microSD-Card-Considerations?sf96806377=1
Conclusion
To summarize, the key factors in determining if a 256GB SD card is enough storage for your GoPro are the video resolution and frame rate you plan to shoot in, as higher quality settings will require more storage space per video clip. The actual recording time for 256GB can range from under 2 hours for high-end 5.3K/60fps video, up to over 20 hours at 1080p/30fps.
However, the total amount of footage that can be captured also depends on your shooting style and frequency. If you only occasionally film short clips at a time, 256GB should be sufficient. But if you record long, continuous shots or shoot a high volume of footage, you may need higher capacity cards.
Overall, for most users looking to capture high-quality 4K or 2.7K video with their GoPro, a 256GB SD card will provide ample storage space for several hours of footage. But those wanting extended recording times or planning to shoot a large project spanning multiple sessions should consider 512GB or 1TB cards. With proper file management and selective deletion of unwanted clips, 256GB remains a practical option for GoPro users filming at 4K resolutions or below.