Insta360 X4 SD Card Size & Speed Guide

The Insta360 X4 demands SD cards that can handle its impressive 8K video capabilities while maintaining high speed for smooth performance.

Selecting the right SD card size and speed helps to avoid dropped frames, corrupted files, or interruptions during your shoots.

This guide will help you pick the perfect SD card size and speed, along with my recommendations for the best SD cards to optimize your Insta360 X4 experience.

Insta360 X4 SD Card Sizes

The size of your SD card determines how much footage you can capture before swapping or transferring files. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide:

128GB SD Card – Great for Short Sessions

A 128GB SD card strikes a good balance between cost and capacity. It holds approximately:

• 1080p Video (30fps): About 16–18 hours
• 4K Video (30fps): Roughly 4–5 hours
• 8K Video (30fps): Around 2 hours and 45 minutes

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The Samsung EVO Select 128GB microSD Card is an excellent choice, offering 130 MB/s read speeds and 90 MB/s write speeds. Its robust design protects against water, temperature extremes, and x-rays, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. This card is perfect for casual use or shorter shoots.

256GB SD Card – Best for Long Adventures

A 256GB SD card provides enough space for extended filming sessions, storing:

• 1080p Video (30fps): About 33–36 hours
• 4K Video (30fps): Around 9–10 hours
• 8K Video (30fps): Up to 5 hours and 30 minutes

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The SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB microSD Card is a reliable option, offering 200 MB/s read speeds and 140 MB/s write speeds. It’s designed for harsh environments, resisting water, shocks, and extreme temperatures, ensuring uninterrupted performance for outdoor filming or action-packed adventures.

512GB SD Card – Perfect for Professionals

For professionals or long filming sessions, a 512GB SD card minimizes interruptions by providing:

• 1080p Video (30fps): Around 66–72 hours
• 4K Video (30fps): Approximately 18–20 hours
• 8K Video (30fps): Up to 11 hours

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The Lexar Professional 512GB card offers 160 MB/s read speeds and 120 MB/s write speeds. Its A2 rating ensures smooth playback and app performance, while its durability and large capacity make it a go-to option for high-resolution video recording on long shoots.

1TB SD Card – Too Much of a Good Thing?

While 1TB SD cards offer unmatched storage, they’re not always the best choice:

• Risk of Data Loss: A corrupted card could lead to losing all your footage.
• Long Transfer Times: Backing up a full 1TB card takes considerable time.
• High Cost: These cards are expensive, and most users won’t utilize their full capacity.

A better strategy is to use two 256GB or 512GB cards. This reduces the risk of losing everything and makes file management more convenient.

32GB and 64GB SD Cards – Not Recommended

Small capacities like 32GB and 64GB are impractical for high-resolution cameras like the Insta360 X4. For instance:

• 32GB SD Card:
  • 4K Video (30fps): 30–40 minutes
  • 8K Video (30fps): 10–15 minutes
• 64GB SD Card:
  • 4K Video (30fps): 60–80 minutes
  • 8K Video (30fps): 20–30 minutes

Frequent swapping disrupts filming and risks missing key moments. These sizes are best avoided for extended or high-quality video projects.

Insta360 X4 SD Card Speed Class

The speed class of your SD card is just as crucial as its size, especially when recording high-resolution 4K or 8K footage. Here’s a breakdown of speed classes:

Class 10

• Minimum write speed: 10 MB/s
• Use case: Basic photos or low-resolution video.
• Not recommended for Insta360 X4, as it’s too slow for 4K or 8K recording.

UHS Class 1 (U1)

• Minimum write speed: 10 MB/s
• Similar to Class 10, it’s only suitable for lower resolutions.

UHS Class 3 (U3)

• Minimum write speed: 30 MB/s
• Suitable for 4K recording, but may struggle with 8K.

Video Speed Class (V30, V60, V90)

• V30: Minimum 30 MB/s write speed, ideal for 4K and entry-level 8K recording.
• V60: Minimum 60 MB/s write speed, recommended for 8K video.
• V90: Minimum 90 MB/s write speed, perfect for high-frame-rate 8K video and professional-level filming.

FAQ

These are some frequent questions about Insta360 SD card size and speed:

What SD card size is best for casual users?

A 128GB card is perfect for casual use, offering enough space for 2–3 hours of 8K footage.

How do I check my SD card’s speed?

Use free tools like CrystalDiskMark (Windows) or Blackmagic Disk Speed Test (Mac) to verify your card’s read and write speeds. Find all the free tools here>>>

Is a V30 card good enough for the Insta360 X4?

Yes, a V30 card is sufficient for most 4K and some 8K recordings, but for smoother performance in high-bitrate 8K, consider V60 or V90.

How can I avoid data loss with SD cards?

Use multiple smaller cards (like 256GB) instead of one large card (1TB). Regularly back up footage to external drives or cloud storage.

Can I use a 1TB SD card with the Insta360 X4?

Yes, but it’s risky due to potential data loss and slower transfer speeds. Two 512GB cards are a safer, more practical choice.