MicroSD Cards for GoPro

What MicroSD Card to get for GoPro

Investing in a quality microSD card is one of the most important accessories you can buy for your GoPro Hero 12 Black or Hero 11 Black action camera. With their ultra high resolution 5.3K, 4K, and slo-mo video capabilities, having a card that can reliably keep up with their intense data rates is crucial for capturing stunning, stutter-free footage. Along with the list on GoPro’s Website, we compiled a list of our most popular MicroSD Cards for GoPro.

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Understanding Video Bitrates

When buying a MicroSD Cards for GoPro, the most important specification to understand is the video bitrate – the amount of image and audio data recorded per second to the SD card, measured in Mbps (megabits per second). Higher resolution and frame rates require massively higher bitrates. The Hero 12 can record 5.3K video at up to 120Mbps, while the Hero 11 maxes out at around 100Mbps. Cards need sufficient write speeds to smoothly sustain these bitrates without slowing down and introducing choppiness.

Decode the Speed Ratings

MicroSD manufacturers indicate minimum sustained write speeds via standardized video speed classes – V30, V60, V90, and UHS I, II, III (U1, U2, U3). For both the Hero 12 and Hero 11 you’ll want a card rated V30/U3 or higher. The V30/UHS-3 ratings guarantee minimum write speeds of at least 30MB/s (megabytes per second), with support for 4K recording. Higher V60/V90/UHS-II/UHS-III cards permit speeds over 90MB/s for the most intense video modes. These dramatically outpace Class 10 cards at only 10MB/s.

Evaluate Storage Capacity Needs

Depending on the model, GoPro allows microSD cards up to 1TB to provide ample footage storage. Determine your needs based on average clip length times shoots per month. At the Hero 12’s top 5.3K60 resolution, a 512GB card can capture over 6 hours of footage. Higher capacity cards are recommended for extended recording, but 512GB offers a good balance of size and value. Having a backup card make it easy to continuously capture to one while offloading the other.

Maximize Real-World Performance

To achieve the fastest speeds, always format cards in the GoPro interface rather than on your computer first. Test cards by recording high bitrate 5-10 minute clips, which stresses sustained writes. Keep your camera and card firmware updated and bring spare cards as backups. Avoid removing cards or batteries during recording as sudden power loss can corrupt footage. Store cards properly in protective cases away from moisture, dust, fluids, and excessive heat or cold when not in use.

Top microSD Card Recommendations

Here are top-rated, officially GoPro verified cards to consider across budget levels:

SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 – 128GB to 1TB An affordable high performance option rated UHS-3, V30, and A2 for excellent GoPro compatibility. Sustains minimum speeds over 30MB/s with Class 10 UHD 4K video support. Faster than Standard SD cards.

SanDisk Extreme PRO V30 A2 – 128GB to 1TB A step up pick offering higher performance thanks to UHS-I, U3, V30, and A2 ratings plus 170MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds. Designed for recording in 4K and Full HD, this card offers plenty of zip for the Hero 12/11 at all resolutions.

What about microSDXC vs microSDHC cards?

These indicate maximum storage capacities over 32GB (microSDHC) and over 64GB (microSDXC), required for 256GB+ cards. But, HC vs. XC doesn’t affect speeds.

Avoid Counterfeit Cards

With microSD cards becoming extremely inexpensive, counterfeits from shady sellers run rampant, advertising fake capacities while using cheap, failed silicon locked at lower capacities behind hacked firmware to trick your device. Always buy from authorized retailers and carefully research sources when shopping online or locally. All of our products are genuine branded product that come in retail packaging.

Choosing Wisely Saves You Time and Money

In conclusion, not all microSD cards are created equal. Understanding GoPro bitrates, decoding speed ratings, evaluating capacity needs, and maximizing real-world performance are the keys to finding the right MicroSD card for your GoPro Hero 12 black or 11 black.