Introduce the GoPro 9
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is the latest flagship action camera from GoPro released in 2020. It builds upon previous models with enhanced features and capabilities.
Key features of the GoPro Hero 9 Black include:
- 20MP camera capable of 5K video recording
- Removable lens cover and front display
- Larger battery with 30% more capacity than previous models
- Improved HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization
- Built-in horizon leveling
- 1080p live streaming and webcam mode
- SuperPhoto HDR photo mode
- Waterproof up to 33ft without housing
- Compatible with a wide range of accessories
Overall, the GoPro Hero 9 Black provides significant upgrades for video quality and battery life in a rugged, versatile action camera. It’s a top option for athletes, action videographers, travelers and content creators looking for advanced capabilities and improved performance.
SD Card Basics
SD cards are small, removable storage devices used in digital cameras, camcorders, and other portable devices to store photos, videos, music, and other files. The name “SD” stands for Secure Digital. They are designed with flash memory and come in different sizes and speeds.
SD card capacity ranges from 1GB to 1TB for SDXC cards. Higher capacity cards allow you to store more data. Speeds are rated in MB/s (megabytes per second) – common speed classes are 2, 4, 6, 10, U1 and U3, with U3 being the fastest option. Faster read/write speeds allow you to quickly transfer files to and from the card.
Other key specs include form factor (standard or micro), bus interface (SDSC, SDHC, SDXC) and durability ratings for shock, water, temperature, and X-rays. SD cards use FAT32 or exFAT file systems. Most devices require you to format a new SD card before first use.
Overall, choosing an SD card requires balancing size, speed, and budget. The B&H Buying Guide provides a helpful overview of SD card basics.
GoPro 9 SD Card Requirements
According to GoPro’s official specifications, the GoPro Hero 9 requires a microSD card with a minimum capacity of 32GB and a minimum write speed rating of Class 10 or UHS-I.
GoPro specifically recommends using brand name memory cards from reputable manufacturers like SanDisk, Lexar or Samsung. The company cautions against using counterfeit or knockoff memory cards, as they may not work properly.
For maximum performance when recording video at the GoPro Hero 9’s highest settings like 5K/30fps, GoPro suggests using a microSD card with a write speed rating of UHS-III or V30. These ultra high-speed cards allow you to capture high bitrate video without dropping frames.
According to GoPro’s website: “For the best experience, use a brand name microSD card that meets these requirements: https://gopro.com/help/articles/Block/microSD-Card-Considerations“
Choosing the Right Capacity
When choosing an SD card for your GoPro 9, it’s important to consider the capacity or size of the card. The capacity determines how much video footage and photos you can store on the card before filling it up.
Higher capacity cards allow you to shoot longer before needing to offload your footage. For example, here are estimated recording times for the GoPro 9 at 4K resolution 60fps with different SD card sizes according to GoPro’s guides [1]:
- 32GB card – 55 minutes of video
- 64GB card – 1 hour 55 minutes
- 128GB card – 3 hours 55 minutes
- 256GB card – 8 hours
As you can see, higher capacity cards dramatically increase the recording time available. This allows you to shoot longer before needing to swap cards. It also provides flexibility if you want to shoot in higher resolutions or frame rates that consume more storage per minute.
When estimating how much capacity you need, think about your typical shooting scenarios and how long you want to shoot before offloading footage. For most users, 128GB or 256GB cards offer a good balance of capacity versus price.
Get a Fast Enough SD Card
When recording high resolution, data-intensive video like 5K or 4K on the GoPro 9, having an SD card with fast enough write speeds is critical. The GoPro 9 can record up to 5K video at 60fps, which requires write speeds of at least 34MB/s according to community forums like this one. Slower cards may stop recording prematurely or result in choppy, corrupted video. GoPro themselves recommend a minimum of a Class 10 card, which equates to 10MB/s write speeds. However, for the high resolution capabilities of the GoPro 9, you’ll want to look for read/write speeds of at least 30MB/s and preferably 90MB/s or higher according to recommendations from Kingston.
The SD card write speed determines how quickly data like video can be written to the card. Faster write speeds allow the GoPro to record high bitrate, high resolution video smoothly and continuously without issues. So make sure to get a card rated for enough write speed to handle the video settings you plan to use.
Consider Pro-Grade SD Cards
While regular consumer SD cards often work well for basic use cases, for more demanding applications like the GoPro 9, it’s worth considering investing in pro-grade SD cards. Here are some of the main benefits of pro-grade SD cards:
Increased durability – Pro-grade SD cards are built for intensive, continuous use and optimized to handle harsh conditions. This makes them ideal for action cameras like the GoPro that capture a lot of high-resolution video.
Higher sustained write speeds – Pro-grade cards maintain fast write speeds over time, ensuring smooth 4K/5K video recording with the GoPro 9 without dropping frames. Consumer cards can slow down during long recordings.
Greater capacity options – You can find pro-grade SD cards up to 1TB now. High capacities give you more recording time before needing to offload footage.
Better warranty and support – Pro-grade SD cards often come with a lifetime limited warranty compared to shorter warranties on consumer cards. The manufacturers provide excellent customer support if issues arise.
Higher video recording ratings – Look for cards rated for V30/U3/UHS-I for seamless GoPro video recording. Pro-grade cards guarantee these speeds consistently.
Premium build quality – Pro-grade cards use higher-quality components, like 1-bit error correction, heat and water resistance, and rugged physical construction.
Leading pro-grade SD card brands to look at for the GoPro 9 include ProGrade Digital, SanDisk Extreme Pro, Lexar Professional, and Sony Tough.
Top SD Card Recommendations for GoPro Hero 9
When choosing an SD card for the GoPro Hero 9, you’ll want one that has a high storage capacity, fast write speeds, and reliability. Here are some of the top-rated SD cards to consider:
The SanDisk Extreme Pro is one of the best SD cards for the Hero 9. It comes in capacities up to 1TB and has write speeds up to 190MB/s to handle 5K video recording. The Extreme Pro line is durable, temperature-proof, waterproof, and shockproof.
Another excellent choice is the SanDisk Extreme, which has write speeds up to 160MB/s and capacities up to 1TB. The Extreme cards are a bit more affordable but still reliable and fast enough for the Hero 9’s high resolution modes.
The Lexar Professional 1800x is also a great option, with 180MB/s write speeds and capacities up to 256GB. Lexar SD cards are known for smooth performance when shooting high bitrate video.
For a budget-friendly choice, the SanDisk Ultra offers decent performance at lower prices, with write speeds up to 100MB/s and capacities up to 512GB.
These SD cards will provide fast, reliable performance for capturing 5K and 4K video, time-lapse photo bursts, and other memory-intensive use with the GoPro Hero 9.
Avoid Counterfeit Cards
With the popularity of SD cards, counterfeit and fake cards have flooded the market. According to experts, buying SD cards from unauthorized dealers increases the risk of getting fake cards (source). These counterfeit cards often use inferior components that fail prematurely or do not provide the advertised storage capacity (source).
To avoid counterfeit SD cards, it’s best to buy directly from reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Sony, etc. Purchase from authorized brick-and-mortar retailers or directly from the manufacturer’s website when possible. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true on marketplaces like eBay or Amazon.
There are a few ways to test if an SD card is fake. Use tools like H2testw or SD Insight to scan the card and verify capacity. Check that the card can maintain consistent read/write speeds, instead of drastically dropping off. Examine the card physically for poor quality labeling, materials, or other telltale signs of a counterfeit product.
Format the SD Card
It is highly recommended to format your SD card specifically for your GoPro 9 inside the camera itself, rather than in your computer. The GoPro camera will format the card properly and optimize it for capturing high-quality videos and photos.
Formatting through the GoPro provides the ideal file system and allocation size for the camera’s performance. It also allows you to check that the card works properly within the GoPro before your main shoot. Formatting deletes any existing content on the card and prepares it to work flawlessly with your GoPro 9.
To format the SD card in your GoPro Hero 9, go to Preferences > Format SD Card. This will completely wipe and optimize the card for your camera.
According to GoPro’s help documentation1, it’s best to format cards in the camera every time you put in a new SD card. Formatting through the GoPro menus ensures maximum performance and compatibility with your camera.
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about using SD cards with GoPro cameras:
What size SD card does the GoPro 9 take?
The GoPro Hero 9 Black works with SD cards up to 1TB. GoPro recommends using name brand SD cards that are V30 rated and have read/write speeds of 90MB/s or higher for optimal performance [1].
Does the GoPro 9 need a special SD card?
No, you can use standard SD cards, including microSD cards with an adapter. However, GoPro does recommend getting a card designed for high performance like 4K video recording and burst photo shooting. Look for cards marketed as high-speed, ultra, extreme, or pro [2].
What happens if I use a slow SD card?
A slow card that can’t keep up with the high data rates of 4K or high frame rate video may cause recording to stop unexpectedly. You may also see choppy footage and longest times when transferring files to your computer.
How much video can a 64GB SD card hold?
At the GoPro Hero 9’s top 4K video setting, a 64GB card can record about 135 minutes of footage. For 1080p video, you can record up to about 470 minutes.
Can I use the same SD card in different GoPro models?
Yes, SD cards are interchangeable between GoPro models. However, older cameras may not support the largest capacities, and higher-end cameras require faster write speeds for optimal performance.