In this guide, I’ll share the best SD cards for the Insta360 X4 and simple tips to help you pick the perfect one.
At the end, I’ll also answer the most common questions to make your choice even easier.
TOP Recommended SD Cards for Insta360 X4
Each option balances performance with features tailored for adventurous or professional creators.
SanDisk Extreme Pro – Best for Professionals
- Read Speed: SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSD UHS-I Card features SanDisk QuickFlow...
- Write Speeds of up to 140MB/s: Capture fast-action photos or shoot 4K UHD video with...
- Load Apps Faster with A2: Get faster app performance for an outstanding smartphone...
The SanDisk Extreme Pro is a premium option for serious videographers and creators. With its V30 speed class and UHS-I rating, this card ensures flawless 8K video capture and fast read/write speeds for efficient file transfers. Capacities up to 1TB make it perfect for extended shoots or professional projects.
Built to withstand tough conditions, the Extreme Pro is water, shock, and temperature-resistant, making it a reliable partner for high-stakes shooting in any environment.
SanDisk Extreme Plus – Versatile and Durable
- Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- Maximum Read Speed: 170 MB/s
- Maximum Write Speed: 90 MB/s
The SanDisk Extreme Plus offers excellent versatility, with a range of storage sizes to fit different needs. Its V30 speed class and UHS-I interface ensure smooth 8K recording, while its durable build can handle water, shocks, and extreme temperatures.
This card is ideal for creators who need a balance between storage, reliability, and affordability. It’s a solid choice for capturing adventures and delivering high-quality footage.
Find the comparison between Sandisk Extreme vs Sandisk Extreme Pro>>>
Lexar Professional 1066x Silver Series
- Professional-level performance for action cameras, drones, or Android smartphones
- Leverages UHS-I technology to deliver read speeds up to 160MB/s (1066x)
- Quickly capture high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and 4K UHD
The Lexar Professional 1066x is built for demanding creators. It features a V30 speed class and UHS-I rating, with read speeds up to 160MB/s and write speeds of 120MB/s. This card handles 8K and high-frame-rate 4K video effortlessly, making it a favorite for Insta360 X4 users.
Its compatibility with a USB 3.0 card reader ensures fast file transfers, saving time when managing large media files. Lexar also backs this card with a lifetime warranty, a bonus for professionals seeking reliable storage.
Samsung EVO Select – My Top Choice
- ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED: Store tons of media on your phone, load games or download...
- FAST AND SMOOTH: With superfast U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to...
- EXPAND AND STORE BIG: Find your perfect fit from 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB; Select...
The Samsung EVO Select is an outstanding choice for the Insta360 X4, combining speed, durability, and affordability. Its V30 speed class ensures smooth 8K video recording, while the UHS-I interface offers stable performance for high-bitrate footage. With capacities up to 512GB, it’s perfect for both short and extended shoots.
Durability is another strong point: this card is waterproof, magnet-proof, X-ray-proof, and temperature-resistant, making it reliable even in extreme conditions. Whether you’re hiking, diving, or filming action-packed moments, the Samsung EVO Select delivers.
Find the comparison between Samsung Evo Select vs Samsung Evo Plus>>>
Samsung EVO Plus – Budget-Friendly Pick
- 4-Proof protection: Waterproof, Temperature proof,X-ray proof, Magnet proof
- Read:up to 100MB/s with UHS-1 interface Write:up to 90MB/s with UHS-1 interface
- UHS-I, compatible to HS interface, Grade 3, Class 10, 4K
If you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable option, the Samsung EVO Plus fits the bill. It features a V30 speed class and UHS-I rating, making it capable of recording 8K video smoothly. Available in capacities up to 512GB, it provides ample space for casual creators or those on a budget.
Its rugged design includes waterproofing, shock resistance, and temperature tolerance, making it suitable for adventurous shooting scenarios. The Samsung EVO Plus is a versatile option for those seeking great value without compromising performance.
Gigastone 4K Camera Pro – Affordable and Reliable
![[5-Yrs Free Data Recovery]...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AmZ8KnjRL.jpg){kind=small}
- [Speed] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s, V30 speed grade, Ultra HD (UHD) 4K video...
- [App] A2 grade provides faster App loading performance for Smartphone & Tablet.
- [Storage] Expand smartphone internal storage space. Run App on Micro SD card.
The Gigastone 4K Camera Pro delivers great performance at an affordable price. With V30 and A2 ratings, this card is optimized for 4K and 8K video recording, as well as app performance. Its read/write speeds of 100MB/s and 60MB/s make it reliable for everyday filming needs.
The card comes with a 5-year warranty and free data recovery service, adding value and peace of mind for users worried about data security.
PNY Elite-X – Budget Option with Solid Features
- Up to 100MB/s read speed
- Class 10, U3, V30 performance for recording of 4k ultra HD videos at 4096x3072 pix as...
- A1 (app 1) performance allows for apps to run faster from MicroSD card, saving...
The PNY Elite-X is another cost-effective choice for Insta360 X4 users. Its V30 speed class and UHS-I interface make it suitable for 4K and 8K video recording. With capacities up to 512GB, it provides plenty of storage for extended shoots.
Built to endure shocks, water, magnets, and extreme temperatures, this card is ideal for creators who need reliability without overspending.
Tips for Choosing the Best SD Card for Insta360 X4
Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you make the best decision:
Brand Reliability and Durability
Trusted brands like Samsung, SanDisk, Lexar, and Kingston are known for their superior performance and compatibility with Insta360 cameras. These brands undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet high standards for speed and reliability.
- Durability Matters: Look for cards labeled waterproof, shockproof, and temperature-resistant. This ensures your SD card can withstand harsh conditions like rain, extreme heat or cold, and accidental drops during outdoor filming. For example, the SanDisk Extreme PRO and Samsung EVO Select cards are built to endure rugged environments, making them perfect for action-packed shoots.
- Warranty Benefits: Many reputable brands offer extended warranties or lifetime guarantees, providing added peace of mind for your investment. For instance, Lexar Professional cards often come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Storage Needs
The right storage size depends on how you use your camera and the resolution you prefer.
- 128GB for Casual Use: A 128GB card is perfect for casual users, offering approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes of 8K video at 30fps. It’s ideal for shorter adventures or capturing highlights without investing in higher capacities.
- 256GB for Versatility: For extended trips or projects, a 256GB card strikes the perfect balance, holding about 5-6 hours of 8K footage. This size works well for content creators who film regularly and need flexibility.
- 512GB for Professionals: If you’re filming continuously or working on professional projects, 512GB cards are the way to go. They provide up to 11 hours of 8K video at 30fps, allowing you to focus on shooting without worrying about running out of space.
- Why Avoid 1TB Cards: While 1TB cards offer immense storage, they come with risks. If the card becomes corrupted, you could lose all your footage. Transferring such large files can also take a long time. Instead, using two smaller cards, like 256GB or 512GB, is safer and more efficient for managing data.
Speed Class
SD Card Class
Speed is a critical factor, especially when capturing high-resolution videos or fast-moving scenes. Slow cards can lead to dropped frames, stuttering, or recording failures.
- V30 for Basic Needs: A V30 speed class card, with a minimum write speed of 30MB/s, is sufficient for 4K video recording. It’s a reliable choice for users who primarily shoot in 4K at standard frame rates (30fps or 60fps).
- V60 for 8K and High Frame Rates: If you’re filming 8K video or using high-frame-rate modes (e.g., 120fps), opt for a V60 card. With a write speed of 60MB/s, it ensures smooth performance, even with larger data files.
- V90 for Professionals: V90 cards provide the highest performance, with a minimum write speed of 90MB/s. They are ideal for professional filmmakers who need to record continuous 8K footage or high-bitrate scenes with complex motion.
UHS-I vs. UHS-II
- UHS-I: Most SD cards for Insta360 X4 fall into this category, providing adequate speed for recording and playback. UHS-I cards are affordable and meet the requirements for 4K and standard 8K video.
- UHS-II: If you want faster transfer speeds to your computer or frequently deal with large files, consider UHS-II cards. These cards significantly reduce file transfer times, making them a great option for professionals who need efficiency in post-production.
FAQ
What Size SD Card Do I Need for the Insta360 X4?
The SD card size you need depends on your filming habits and project requirements. A 128GB card is suitable for casual users, providing around 2 hours and 45 minutes of 8K footage at 30fps, perfect for capturing shorter highlights. For extended adventures or trips, a 256GB card offers approximately 5-6 hours of 8K video, ensuring you don’t need to swap cards frequently. Professionals or those capturing long sessions may prefer a 512GB card, offering up to 11 hours of 8K recording. Using multiple cards instead of a single 1TB option is recommended to reduce the risk of data loss and make file management easier.
What Speed SD Card Should I Use for 8K Video on the Insta360 X4?
For 8K video, speed is critical to prevent stuttering and dropped frames. Choose a card with at least a V30 (30MB/s write speed) for basic 8K recording. However, for smoother performance, especially at higher frame rates like 60fps, a V60 (60MB/s) or V90 (90MB/s) card is ideal. Speed class also impacts how quickly your files transfer to your computer—UHS-II cards, while pricier, significantly reduce transfer times compared to UHS-I cards.
Can I Use a 1TB SD Card with the Insta360 X4?
Yes, the Insta360 X4 supports SD cards up to 1TB. However, using such a large card comes with drawbacks. Data loss risk increases since all your footage is stored on a single card, and transferring 1TB of data can take a lot of time. Instead, consider using multiple smaller cards like 256GB or 512GB, which offer better flexibility and reduced risk. For instance, if one card fails, you’ll still have your other footage intact.
Is a V30 SD Card Good Enough for 8K Video Recording?
A V30-rated card can handle 8K video recording at 30fps but might struggle with higher frame rates like 60fps due to increased data demands. For more reliable and uninterrupted performance, especially for professional projects, consider upgrading to a V60 or V90 card, which offers higher sustained write speeds and ensures smoother footage, even in demanding scenarios.
How Many Hours of 8K Video Can a 256GB SD Card Hold?
A 256GB SD card can store approximately 5-6 hours of 8K video at 30fps. For 8K at higher frame rates like 60fps, the recording time may decrease to about 2.5-3 hours, depending on the bitrate and compression settings. This capacity is ideal for extended shoots or full-day adventures without the hassle of swapping cards frequently.
What Happens If I Use a Slow SD Card in the Insta360 X4?
Using a slow SD card can result in dropped frames, stuttering footage, or the camera stopping recording unexpectedly. For instance, a Class 10 card with a write speed of only 10MB/s won’t keep up with the high data demands of 8K video. To avoid such issues, always choose cards with a minimum rating of V30 for basic needs or V60/V90 for optimal performance.
How Do I Test the Speed of My SD Card?
You can test your SD card’s speed using free tools like CrystalDiskMark (Windows) or Blackmagic Disk Speed Test (Mac). These programs measure read and write speeds, ensuring your card meets the required performance for 8K video. If your card’s write speed falls below the recommended level (e.g., 30MB/s for V30), consider upgrading to avoid issues like stuttering or dropped frames during recording.
Thank you for reading this guide!
I hope that it was helpful in discovering the Insta360 X4 SD card 🙂
Don’t forget to share this article on social media with your family and friends!
EN 
IT 
DE 
ES 
PT 
NL 
FR 