GoPro cameras use microSD cards for storage. MicroSD cards are a type of removable flash memory card that is very small in size. GoPros cannot use regular sized SD cards – they can only use the microSD format.
What is a MicroSD Card?
A microSD card, also known as a microSDHC or microSDXC card, is a small removable flash memory card that is used for storage in small, portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, and action cameras like GoPros.
Here are some key things to know about microSD cards:
- Physical size – microSD cards have a much smaller physical size compared to regular SD cards. They measure 15 x 11 x 1 mm in size.
- Storage capacity – microSD cards are available in storage capacities ranging from 4GB up to 1TB currently. Higher capacity cards allow you to store more photos/videos.
- Speed rating – microSD cards have speed classes rated by Minimum guaranteed write speeds. Faster cards allow you to record higher quality videos.
- Durability – microSD cards are remarkably durable and can withstand shock, water, magnets, extreme temperatures.
- Removable – microSD cards are removable and reusable. You can take them out of one device and use them in another.
MicroSD cards are very common and widely used in consumer electronics due to their tiny size and good storage capabilities. The microSD format was specifically designed for use in compact, portable devices where a regular sized SD card could not fit.
Why Does GoPro Use microSD Cards?
There are a few key reasons why GoPro action cameras use microSD cards for storage rather than regular SD cards:
- Small size – GoPros are designed to be compact and portable, so they need a storage solution that is similarly small in size. The microSD format fits this need perfectly.
- Capacity – microSD capacities range from 4GB to 1TB, giving lots of storage space for high-resolution photos and video. A 1TB microSD card can hold thousands of photos and hours of 4K video footage.
- Removable – microSD cards are removable and reusable. You can take them out of the GoPro to transfer footage to another device, then reuse the card in the camera.
- Durability – microSD cards are durable enough to withstand shock, water, extreme temperatures and other tough conditions that GoPro cameras are often exposed to.
- Ubiquity – microSD is a very common format supported across many devices like phones, tablets, etc. Easy to find and share.
The small form factor, good storage capabilities, removability, and durability make microSD cards the perfect storage solution for compact action cameras like GoPros. Regular sized SD cards would take up too much space within the small GoPro body to be feasible.
Types of microSD Cards Used in GoPros
While all GoPro models use microSD cards, there are specific types and speed ratings that are recommended for optimal performance with different GoPro camera models:
GoPro Hero11 Black & Hero10 Black
- Require microSD cards with V30 or UHS-3 rating
- Minimum write speed of 90MB/s recommended
- For max performance, use high performance cards with 160-200MB/s write speeds
Examples:
- SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 microSD
- Lexar 667x V30 A2 microSD
- Samsung EVO Select V30 microSD
GoPro Hero9 Black
- Require V30/U3 or high rated microSD cards
- Minimum 90MB/s write speed recommended
- For 5K video, need high speed 150MB/s card
Examples:
- SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 microSD
- Lexar 633x V30 A2 microSD
- Samsung EVO Select V30 microSD
GoPro Hero8 Black
- Require V30/U3 rated microSD cards
- Minimum 60MB/s write speed
- For 4K video, 90MB/s speed recommended
Examples:
- SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 microSD
- Samsung EVO Select V30 microSD
- Lexar 633x V30 microSD
GoPro Max
- Require V30/U3 rated microSD cards
- 90MB/s minimum write speed
Examples:
- SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 microSD
- Lexar 633x V30 A2 microSD
GoPro Hero7
- Require Class 10 or U3 rated microSD
- Minimum 60MB/s write speed
Examples:
- SanDisk Extreme V30 UHS-I
- Samsung EVO Select U3 microSD
- Lexar 633x U3 microSD
So in summary, for optimal performance GoPro cameras need microSD cards with fast write speeds and high video speed class ratings, like V30 or U3. The higher-end models like the Hero11/10 Black also require cards with very high minimum write speeds of 90MB/s or more for capture 5K/4K video smoothly.
SanDisk microSD Cards for GoPro
SanDisk is one of the most popular and trusted brands of microSD cards used in GoPros. Here are some of SanDisk’s top microSD card models recommended for different GoPro cameras:
SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 microSD
- Rated: V30, U3, A2
- Write Speeds: up to 160MB/s
- Ideal for: Hero11/10/9/8 Black, Hero Max
SanDisk Extreme PRO V30 A2 microSD
- Rated: V30, U3, A2
- Write Speeds: up to 170MB/s
- Ideal for: Hero11/10 Black for max performance
SanDisk Ultra V30 A1 microSD
- Rated: V30, U3, A1
- Write Speeds: up to 100MB/s
- Ideal for: Hero8 Black, Hero7 Black, Hero Max
SanDisk High Endurance microSD
- Rated: Class 10, U3
- Write Speeds: up to 100MB/s
- Ideal for: Hero7 Silver/White
SanDisk offers an impressive selection of high-performance, durable microSD cards that are tested extensively and optimized to work seamlessly with GoPro cameras. Their Extreme and Extreme PRO V30 A2 cards offer the best speeds and reliability for high-end Hero models, while the Ultra and High Endurance cards make great options for midrange and entry-level GoPros respectively.
How to Insert microSD Card into GoPro
Inserting a microSD card into your GoPro camera is quick and easy to do. Here are the steps:
- Locate the microSD card slot on your GoPro. It is usually located on the bottom or side of the camera.
- Open the slot’s cover door. Slide it open gently.
- Hold the microSD card with logo facing upwards and gold contacts facing the camera.
- Gently slide the microSD card into the slot until it clicks into place and is seated firmly.
- Close the cover door securely to protect the card and slot from water/debris.
Avoid forcing the card – it should slide in smoothly. If not, re-check the orientation.
Once inserted properly, the microSD card icon on your GoPro’s status display should show the card’s information when you power on the camera. The card is now ready to save your photos and videos!
How to Format a New microSD Card in GoPro
When using a brand new microSD card in your GoPro for the first time, it is highly recommended to format the card within the camera before using it.
Formatting the card clears it of any existing data/files and prepares it to save your GoPro content optimally.
Here are the steps to format a microSD card in a GoPro:
- Insert the new microSD card into your GoPro if not already inserted.
- Power on the GoPro and access settings menu.
- Go to “Delete” option and select “Format SD Card”
- Confirm by selecting “Format” on the prompt message.
The camera will now format the microSD card. This process can take several minutes depending on the card’s size and speed. The card’s icon on the status display may flash during formatting.
Once done, the card is ready for optimal use in the GoPro. Formatting regularly also helps improve performance by clearing fragmented files. But note – formatting erases all existing content, so backup anything important first!
How to Remove & Eject a microSD Card from GoPro
It is important to properly eject the microSD card before removing it from your GoPro camera to prevent file corruption or damage.
Here is the recommended way to remove a microSD card safely:
- First, always power OFF the GoPro camera.
- Open the card slot’s cover door gently and locate the card.
- Gently press on the edge of the microSD card to eject it from the slot.
- The card will partially come out. Pull it out fully without forcing.
- Close the cover door when removed to keep out debris.
Avoid yanking the card out forcefully without first ejecting it as this can risk corrupting files or damaging the card.
Once ejected properly, you can insert the microSD card into a computer or other device to access the files. Re-inserting the card into the GoPro is just as easy – open slot, orient correctly, gentle slide in until it clicks.
How to Choose the Right microSD Card Size for GoPro
Choosing the right size microSD card for your GoPro depends on a few factors:
- Hours of video you need to store – Buy a card with enough capacity to hold all footage without swapping.
- Video resolutions used – Higher video modes take up more space per minute/hour.
- Card cost – Larger cards cost more, find the right balance for your budget.
- Future use – Consider getting a larger card if you plan to upgrade GoPro later.
Some guidelines on microSD card sizes for different GoPro models and uses:
- 4K60 recording: 64GB+ card recommended
- 5K/4K recording: 128GB+ card recommended
- 1080p recording: Can use 32GB or 64GB card
- Multi-day recording: 200GB+ card recommended
- General use: 64GB card is a good balance
- Photography use: At least 128GB card
Larger capacity microSD cards allow you to capture high resolution, high bitrate videos for longer durations. But always balance cost – buying more storage than you realistically need is wasted expense.
Tips for Using & Maintaining microSD Cards in GoPro
Here are some useful tips for properly using and maintaining microSD cards in your GoPro camera:
- Use brand name cards from reputable makers like SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar. Avoid cheap knockoffs.
- Check your GoPro’s manual for recommended cards and minimum speeds.
- Format new cards in the camera before first use. Reformat occasionally after heavy use.
- Avoid removing the card when GoPro is still on or recording to prevent file damage.
- Be gentle when inserting and ejecting the card, don’t force it.
- Use high quality microSD cards with good 4K write speeds for best GoPro performance.
- Beware of scams – only buy microSD cards from authorized dealers.
- Avoid getting the cards wet or exposing them to high heat or cold temperatures.
- Do not touch gold contacts. Handle them only by the edges.
- Store unused cards in protective cases away from dust, liquids, etc.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of your microSD cards while protecting your precious photos/footage when using a GoPro action camera. High-quality cards paired with good camera maintenance go a long way!
Conclusion
To summarize, GoPro action cameras rely exclusively on microSD cards for storage instead of regular SD cards due to their compact size, large storage capacities, removability, and durability. Brands like SanDisk, Samsung and Lexar make high-performance microSD cards optimized for different GoPro models.
When choosing a microSD card, match it to your GoPro model’s recommended specifications for video modes and speeds. Formatting the card before first use and maintaining it properly ensures optimal performance and file integrity when recording your epic adventures!