If you’re an action camera enthusiast, then you know that a high-quality SD card is essential for capturing and storing your videos and photos. However, with so many options available on the market, finding the best SD card for your action camera can be overwhelming. That’s why we have created this comprehensive guide to help you choose the best SD card for action camera that will meet your requirements and fit your budget. In this article, we’ll review the top 10 best SD cards for action cameras, and provide you with a detailed buying guide to make the selection process easier.
Editor’s Choice
Last update on 2023-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sd Card For Action Camera: A Quick Overview
SD cards for action cameras are designed to provide speedy and reliable storage solutions for sports and outdoor enthusiasts. These memory cards are capable of handling high-resolution images, large video files, and other data types that are commonly captured by action cameras. They come in different sizes and specifications, ranging from 16GB to 512GB in capacity and varying speeds ranging from Class 4 to Class 10.
Many of these SD cards are built to be durable and resistant to harsh conditions, making them ideal for use in extreme environments such as underwater or in extreme temperatures. They also come equipped with features such as waterproof, shockproof, and X-ray proof, which help to safeguard data from damage caused by accidental mishaps. Overall, SD cards for action cameras provide a reliable and efficient means of storing and transferring data for adventurers who want to capture their experiences on and off the road.
Best Sd Card For Action Camera Compared
- Special memory card designed especially for action cameras and GoPro. Supports 4K High-quality shooting
- Outstanding preserve & transfer performance, the read & write speed is up to 100MB/s and 50MB/s
- Built for use and last in extreme environments. It offers 4 trustworthy protections: waterproof, dustproof, x-ray proof and cold resistant
- Adopting new printing technology to fulfill the goal of being an eco-friendly product
- Lifetime warranty. Free Technical Support and Customer Service: Click "Sold by TEAMGROUP Inc." >> "Ask a question" button
- Save time with card offload speeds of up to 190MB/s powered by SanDisk QuickFlow Technology (Up to 190MB/s read speeds, engineered with proprietary technology...
- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD to achieve maximum speeds (sold separately), Compatible with microSDHC, microSDXC, microSDHC UHS-I,...
- Up to 130MB/s write speeds for fast shooting (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and...
- 4K and 5K UHD-ready with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) (Compatible device required. Full HD (1920x1080), 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), and 5K...
- Rated A2 for faster loading and in-app performance (A2 performance is 4000 read IOPS, 2000 write IOPS. Results may vary based on host device, app type and other...
- Up to 160MB/s read speeds to save time transferring high res images and 4K UHD videos (2); Requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds
- Up to 90MB/s write speeds for fast shooting; Requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds
- 4K UHD and Full HD Ready with UHS speed class 3 (U3) and video speed class 30 (V30)
- Rated A2 for faster loading and in app performance
- Built for and tested in harsh conditions: Temperature Proof, Water Proof, shock Proof and x ray Proof
- [Speed] Read/Write up to 130/85 MB/s, V30 speed grade, Ultra HD (UHD) 4K video recording, UHD 4K gaming.
- [App] A2 grade provides faster App loading performance for Smartphone & Tablet.
- [Storage] Expand smartphone internal storage space. Run App on Micro SD card.
- [Compatibility] Storage expansion for GoPro Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, DSLR, Dash Cam, Camcorder, Surveillance, e-Reader, Drone, Gaming. Files,...
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty including free data recovery. Free data recovery starting date of each series as following: 4K Camera Pro
- 2-Pack microSDHC Card. 32GB micro sd card includes an SD adapter that is suitable for both microSDHC and SDHC enabled host devices including smartphones,...
- Fast Read Write Speed Flash Memory Card. Read speed: up to 80MB/s, Write speed: up to 15MB/s. These speeds allow quick music, photo, video, document and file...
- Rated UHS-I Speed Class 1(U1) and Speed Class 10 (C10). A UHS memory card ensures even and sustained video recording performance for full HD videos, compatible...
- 3-Year Limited Warranty. This high durability Micro Card is waterproof, shockproof, temperature proof and X-ray proof. Rugged construction helps resist damage...
- microSDHC Supported Devices Required. This microSDHC is not backwards compatible and legacy devices may not be supported. Consult your device specifications or...
- [Full HD] Read/Write up to 90/30 MB/s. Full HD video displaying/recording, Share your beautiful memories in high resolution images.
- [Memory Secured] Come with a SD adapter and mini case. Capture, cherish and well-store all the best moments.
- [Compatibility] Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, e-Reader, Security Cam, Dash Cam, Action Camera, Surveillance.
- [Environment] Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof.
- [Support] 5-year limited warranty.
- [Speed] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s, V30 speed grade, Ultra HD (UHD) 4K video recording, UHD 4K gaming.
- [App] A2 grade provides faster App loading performance for Smartphone & Tablet.
- [Storage] Expand smartphone internal storage space. Run App on Micro SD card.
- [Compatibility] Storage expansion for GoPro Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, DSLR, Dash Cam, Camcorder, Surveillance, e-Reader, Drone, Gaming. Files,...
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty including free data recovery. Free data recovery starting date of each series as following: 4K Camera Pro - June...
- [Speed] Read/Write up to 95/35 MB/s, V30 speed grade, Ultra HD (UHD) 4K video recording, UHD 4K gaming.
- [App] A1 grade provides faster App loading performance for Smartphone & Tablet.
- [Storage] Expand smartphone internal storage space. Run App on Micro SD card.
- [Compatibility] Storage expansion for Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, DSLR, Dash Cam, Camcorder, Surveillance, e-Reader, Drone, Gaming. Files, Videos,...
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty including free data recovery. Free data recovery starting date of each series as following: 4K Camera Pro - June...
- [4K Ultra HD] Read/Write up to 95/40 MB/s. 4K Ultra HD video displaying/recording
- [Compatibility] Storage for Camera, Security Camera, Action Camera, Sports Camera, Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones.
- [Environment] Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty
- [Versatile microSD] This micro SD card frees up more storage space on your device to shoot more and faster, ideal for Android smartphones, tablets, action...
- [Ultra-fast speed] This Class 10 U3 micro SD card utilizes UHS-I technology to boost up to 90MB/S read speed and 30MB/S write speed, offering fast transfer of...
- [4K Video Recording] This 128GB V30 microSD card provides high speed and large capacity to capture continuous full HD videos, 4K UHD videos, and high-resolution...
- [Excellent App Performance] Equipped with an A1 app classification (Random read: 1500 IOPS, Random write: 500 IOPS), this microSDXC memory card provides quick...
- [Reliable & Durable] This TF card is manufactured with global TOP 3 flash and the highest standards, waterproof, shockproof, temperature proof, and X-ray proof...
Last update on 2023-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why Do You Need to Buy Sd Card For Action Camera?
For those who love adventure and capturing their experiences with an action camera, having a reliable and efficient SD card is essential. Here are some compelling reasons why investing in a high-quality SD card for your action camera is a smart decision.
Storage capacity
Action cameras are popular for filming sports, outdoor activities or adventures, and other high-intensity events that require a device that can keep up with the action. One of the most important factors to consider when using an action camera is storage capacity. Memory cards enable you to store your videos and photos directly on your camera in high-quality resolutions.
Using an SD card with your action camera will give you the ability to capture more photos and videos without having to constantly transfer them to a computer or other storage device. SD cards come in different sizes and storage capacities, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. A larger storage capacity will give you more space to store footage, which is especially useful for longer adventures where you may not have access to a computer or other storage device. Having a larger storage capacity also means you can capture more footage without having to worry about running out of space, giving you peace of mind while you’re out exploring.
Compatibility with action cameras
Action cameras require high-quality SD cards that can handle the demands of recording and storing high-resolution footage. Not all SD cards are created equal, and using a low-quality card can cause various issues such as interrupted recording, corrupted footage, and slow transfer speeds.
When purchasing an SD card for an action camera, it is crucial to ensure compatibility. Some models may require specific types of cards, such as those with high write speeds or capacity limits. Choosing the wrong SD card can lead to poor performance, which can ruin the entire experience of recording adventure activities. Therefore, it is essential to select a high-quality SD card that meets the camera’s requirements to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted recording experience.
Easy transfer of footage
When using an action camera, the footage captured is usually quite large in size and therefore, cannot be directly transferred to a computer or other device without some form of memory storage. This is where the SD card comes in. By simply removing the SD card from the camera and putting it into a card reader, the user can then easily transfer the footage to their computer or other device.
This not only saves time but also ensures that the footage is easily accessible and organized. In addition, having a spare SD card ready for use means that the user can continue capturing moments without worrying about running out of storage space. Overall, investing in an SD card for an action camera makes the transfer of footage much easier and more efficient.
Reliable storage for footage
An action camera is often used to capture footage of adventures and activities that cannot be easily recorded using a regular camera. These activities may include hiking, skiing, surfing, or skydiving, among others. Therefore, it is essential to have a reliable storage solution for the footage captured by the action camera.
An SD card is an ideal storage solution for an action camera, as it is small, portable, and has a large capacity to store high-definition footage. A high-quality SD card can withstand the harsh conditions associated with adventure activities, such as extreme temperatures, water, and impact. Furthermore, SD cards are compatible with most devices, which means that the footage can be easily transferred and shared with others.
Overall, a reliable storage solution is crucial for an action camera, and an SD card is an excellent option for ensuring that the footage captured is safe and easily accessible.
Guide to Choose the Best Sd Card For Action Camera
Before purchasing an SD card for your action camera, it’s important to take a few things into consideration. These factors can greatly impact the performance and usability of your device, so it’s worth doing some research to ensure you make the right choice.
Storage capacity
When it comes to buying an SD card for your action camera, considering storage capacity is essential. As action cameras tend to capture high-definition footage and images, the file sizes are typically large. This means that a higher storage capacity SD card will allow you to record more content without worrying about running out of space.
Furthermore, action cameras are often used for outdoor activities where it may not be possible to transfer the footage immediately. This makes having a sufficient amount of storage space crucial, especially if you plan to record for extended periods. Ultimately, when buying an SD card for your action camera, it is important to select one with ample storage capacity to ensure that you can capture your adventures without interruption.
Read/write speeds
Read/write speeds are an important consideration when purchasing an SD card for an action camera because these cameras typically record high-resolution and high-frame-rate video, which requires fast and consistent data transfer speeds. Slow write speeds can cause dropped frames, stutters, and other issues that may ruin your footage. Additionally, if the card is too slow, it may not even be able to handle the video format or resolution that your camera is capable of, rendering the camera unusable.
Fast read and write speeds are also crucial when transferring files from the SD card to a computer or other device. Slow transfer speeds can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you have large files to transfer or are working under time pressure. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the read/write speeds of an SD card before making a purchase for your action camera.
Compatibility with the action camera
When buying an SD card for an action camera, it is important to consider compatibility with the specific camera model. Different cameras often have different requirements and specifications for SD cards, such as minimum write speeds and file formats. Using an incompatible SD card can result in decreased performance or even data corruption, which can be costly and frustrating for the user. Therefore, taking the time to ensure compatibility can help prevent these issues and ensure optimal performance from the camera and SD card combination.
Furthermore, compatibility with the action camera can also affect the potential storage capacity of the SD card. Some cameras may only be able to support certain sizes of SD card or may require a specific type of card to enable maximum storage capacity. Ensuring compatibility with the camera model can help users make informed decisions about the appropriate SD card size and type to suit their needs, allowing for maximum storage capacity without risk of compatibility issues.
Durability and reliability
When purchasing an SD card for an action camera, durability and reliability are crucial factors to consider. Action cameras are typically used in rugged environments such as skiing, snorkeling, and hiking, which means the SD card needs to be able to withstand tough conditions. Durability is important because the card will be exposed to water, sand, and extreme temperatures. A durable SD card will ensure that files are safe and secure, and it prevents the card from getting damaged when accidentally dropped or exposed to harsh conditions.
Reliability is also vital because action cameras record high-quality video that demands a high-performance SD card. A reliable SD card ensures that the video won’t be corrupted or lost. If the SD card is not reliable, videos may become distorted or deleted, which would be a frustrating experience for the user. Therefore, it is essential to choose an SD card that has been tested for its reliability and is well-suited to the particular action camera’s requirements. Overall, considering durability and reliability before buying an SD card for your action camera could save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Brand reputation
Brand reputation is important when considering purchasing an SD card for an action camera for a variety of reasons. First, a reputable brand is more likely to use higher quality materials and manufacturing processes, resulting in a more reliable and durable product. This is crucial when using an SD card in an action camera, where the card will endure rugged conditions due to physical activity and exposure to the elements.
Second, a reputable brand is more likely to have a solid track record of providing good customer service and support. Should any issues arise with the SD card, such as data loss or corruption, a reputable brand will likely have a customer service team in place to assist with troubleshooting and resolving the issue.
Overall, purchasing an SD card from a reputable brand is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of the card, and a positive customer experience should any issues arise.
Price/Value for money
When buying an SD card for your action camera, it’s important to consider price/value for money. The cost of the card should match its performance and storage capacity, as well as your budget. You don’t want to overspend on a card with features you don’t need, but you also don’t want to buy a cheap card that can’t keep up with your camera’s speed or storage demands. A balance between price and value for money will ensure that you get the most out of your camera and your budget.
Moreover, action cameras capture high-resolution videos and images that take up a lot of space on the SD card. It’s essential to make sure that the card you purchase is compatible with your camera’s capacities and can keep up with the high-speed data transfer rates required. Investing in an overpriced card that only offers nominal benefits in terms of read and write speeds or purchasing an SD card without considering its storage capacity can be frustrating. Therefore, considering price/value for money when buying an SD card for an action camera is crucial as it can help you to save cost without compromising on quality and performance.
FAQs
What size SD card do I need for my action camera?
The size of SD card you need for your action camera depends on the capacity and resolution of the camera. If your action camera records high-quality videos at 4K/30fps, you will need an SD card with a minimum capacity of 64GB or higher. If your action camera records lower quality videos at 1080p/30fps, a 32GB SD card should suffice.
It is always recommended to purchase an SD card with a larger capacity than you think you need to avoid running out of storage space during a shoot. Additionally, look for SD cards with high read and write speeds to ensure smooth recording and transfer of footage.
Can I use a micro SD card in my action camera with an adapter?
Yes, you can use a micro SD card in your action camera with an adapter. Most action cameras typically require a standard SD card as their primary storage medium, but many also have micro SD card slots. Using an adapter allows you to insert a micro SD card and use it in a standard SD card slot. This is especially useful for those who already have a micro SD card and would rather not purchase a new SD card specifically for their action camera. It’s important to note that not all adapters may be compatible with your specific camera, so it’s important to double-check before purchasing.
Is it necessary to buy a high-speed SD card for my action camera?
Yes, it is necessary to buy a high-speed SD card for your action camera if you want to capture high-quality footage without interruption. The faster the SD card, the faster the camera can write data to it. This means that you can shoot longer videos at higher resolutions and frame rates without worrying about the footage being choppy or corrupted. Also, slower SD cards may cause your camera to overheat or drain its battery faster.
It is generally recommended to use a Class 10 or UHS-I (Ultra High Speed) SD card with a minimum speed of 90 MB/s for action cameras. This ensures that the camera can write high-quality footage at a consistent speed, even when capturing fast-moving objects or performing other intensive tasks. So while high-speed SD cards may be slightly more expensive, they are definitely worth the investment if you want to capture smooth and clear footage with your action camera.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, selecting the best SD card for your action camera is crucial for capturing those perfect shots. The ten SD cards reviewed in this article cater to different features and capacities, ensuring that you can choose the one that suits your needs best. However, it is essential to consider factors like speed, size, and read/write speed before making a purchase.
In conclusion, investing in a high-quality SD card is an excellent decision if you own an action camera. With the right combination of storage and speed, you can capture every detail of your adventures and relive them for years to come. We hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision and find the best SD card for your action camera.