Compare SD and microSD cards
Two cards labelled Extreme PRO can share a name without fitting the same camera. Two 128 GB cards can hold exactly the same recording time even though only one suits your chosen video mode. Here is how to choose among eight cards by slot, recording requirement and what happens to the files after the shoot.
Comparison based on published specifications. Peak speeds depend on the reader. SD Finder may earn a commission from purchases.
Action cameras: four 256 GB V30 microSD cards compared
SanDisk Extreme PRO microSD · 256 GB
microSDXC · UHS-I · V30
This version advertises reads up to 200 MB/s. That matters most when offloading several cards with a compatible reader after a shoot. Inside a camera that calls for V30, the relevant figure is the class minimum of 30 MB/s sustained writing.
Samsung PRO Plus · 256 GB
microSDXC · UHS-I · V30
This PRO Plus is rated for reads up to 180 MB/s. If you offload while charging batteries, I would take whichever costs less between this and the SanDisk at the same capacity. The advertised 20 MB/s read gap changes neither recording time nor image quality.
Lexar Professional 1066x SILVER · 256 GB
microSDXC · UHS-I · V30
The 1066x branding can look like a recording guarantee. V30 is the useful recording mark on this SILVER. Check capacity separately: DJI’s Action 5 Pro specifications list 64 and 512 GB 1066x cards. That listing alone does not establish approval for the 256 GB version.
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus · 256 GB
microSDXC · UHS-I · V30
For an Osmo Action 5 Pro this is my pick among these four 256 GB microSD cards. DJI explicitly lists the Canvas Go! Plus at this capacity. For this camera that exact match matters more than a slightly higher advertised read speed.
Dashcams: which card for daily overwrites?
Samsung PRO Endurance MB-MJ128KA · 128 GB
microSDXC · UHS-I · V30
A dashcam fills the card, then overwrites older journeys. PRO Endurance is designed for that cycle. The 128 GB version here also carries V30, giving it a higher sustained-write rating than the Kingston U1 when the manual calls for V30.
Kingston High Endurance · 128 GB
microSDXC · UHS-I · U1 / C10
The SDCE/128GB suits a loop recorder that accepts U1 or Class 10. Those markings specify a 10 MB/s minimum. Even with a higher advertised peak write speed, I would leave it out of a camera that explicitly requires V30.
Hybrid cameras: is V90 worth the premium?
SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC V60 · 128 GB
SDXC · UHS-II · V60
Check the slot first: this Extreme PRO is full-size SD, unlike the similarly named microSD above. In a UHS-II camera mode that calls for V60, it provides a 60 MB/s minimum sequential write rating. I would start here when none of the modes I use needs more.
Lexar Professional 2000x GOLD · 128 GB
SDXC · UHS-II · V90
At 128 GB the GOLD holds as much footage as the SanDisk V60 at identical settings. What changes is the minimum sequential write rating, from 60 to 90 MB/s. I would pay extra for a mode that requires V90. To record longer at the same bitrate, buy more capacity.
One final calculation before buying
At 200 Mb/s an hour takes about 90 GB. Two hours therefore require about 180 GB before spare capacity: a 128 GB V90 will fill up early, while 256 GB provides enough space. Then check the class your camera accepts for that mode.
Calculate storage for my shoot →