Everything microSD Card — for Drones, Action Cameras, GoPro, Surveillance Systems, and Nintendo Switch
In recent years, the demand for high-quality video content has skyrocketed, with drones and action cameras becoming increasingly popular among enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, with the advent of AI-powered video generation tools like OpenAI’s Sora, some have questioned the future of traditional video capture methods. Despite the impressive capabilities of these AI models, they still fall short in terms of flexibility, customization, and meeting specific requirements. As such, the need for reliable storage solutions, particularly microSD cards, remains as critical as ever.
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Choosing the Right microSD Card for Your Device
- Drones and Aerial Photography
- GoPro Action Cameras
- Surveillance Systems
- Nintendo Switch
Understanding microSD Card Formats
- Differences in Formats
- Why and How to Format Your microSD Card?
Now that You Have Owned a Memory CardChoosing the Right microSD Card for Your Device:
Drones and Aerial Photography
When it comes to aerial photography, drones are limited by battery life, typically allowing for only 30 minutes of flight time. Unlike surveillance systems that require continuous recording, drones don’t necessarily need memory cards with exceptional endurance. However, since most drones capture 4K video, it’s crucial to choose a microSD card with sufficient capacity and write speed to handle high-resolution footage without the risk of data loss. For example, a 1TB Superior microSDXC (A1) card can store up to 24 hours of 4K Ultra HD video, which is more than enough for most aerial photography needs. When operating drones outdoors, consider using microSD cards with built-in protection against X-rays, water, and dust to minimize the risk of data loss due to environmental factors.
Common types of memory cards include SD, microSD, and CF cards. The main difference lies in their sizes and dimensions, which correspond to different photography equipment. When choosing, there are also many labels to decipher. For detailed information, you can refer to the photography memory card selection guide in “Your Ultimate & Easy Photography Backup Guide”, which covers common specifications including capacity standards, APP performance levels, and bus speed ratings.
GoPro Action Cameras
GoPro action cameras are renowned for their versatility, durability, and ability to capture stunning footage in extreme conditions. However, GoPro cameras do not have built-in memory, requiring users to rely on microSD cards for storage. When choosing a microSD card for your GoPro, consider the length and format of your typical recording sessions. You may come across SDHC and SDXC labels, which indicate not only the card’s capacity but also its file system format, which can impact how video files are stored.
Surveillance Systems
When it comes to surveillance systems and dash cams, most brands offer a “High Endurance” series of memory cards designed specifically for continuous recording in extreme conditions. These cards can operate in temperatures ranging from -25°C to 85°C, making them suitable for outdoor use. When selecting a High Endurance microSD card, pay attention to the brand, capacity, format, and speed, and be cautious of counterfeit products. If you encounter issues such as the inability to overwrite recordings or format the card, it may be a sign of a fake product.
Due to the high specification requirements for memory cards used in surveillance equipment, when purchasing high-priced products, it is also necessary to pay attention to whether they are genuine company products. If issues such as the camera being unable to overwrite video records or format arise, it is possible that a counterfeit card has been purchased, and pretending to have a larger capacity is also one of the common tactics of counterfeit cards. However, what many consumers may misunderstand is that when a device cannot recognize the full capacity of a memory card, for example, a 4GB memory card showing as 3.72GB on a computer, this is due to the difference produced by the binary calculation of the computer, and not because the capacity label is false or a counterfeit was purchased. If it is not one of the above situations, it could also be that the card reader or the host slot does not support it, therefore automatically formatting it to the supported maximum capacity when reading. In such cases, it is necessary to reformat it with a different card reader to restore the original capacity.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, which can quickly fill up with games and saves. Fortunately, the console supports microSD card expansion up to 2TB. When choosing a microSD card for your Switch, focus on performance and read/write speeds rather than relying solely on “Gaming” or “Switch-specific” labels. For example, the Superior microSDXC (A2) card, while not marketed as a gaming-specific product, offers up to 1.5TB of storage and boasts specifications similar to those of gaming cards.
Understanding microSD Card Formats
Differences in Formats
microSD cards are categorized based on their capacity: SD, SDHC (SD High Capacity), SDXC (SD eXtended Capacity), and SDUC (Secure Digital Ultra Capacity). The most widely used formats today are SDHC and SDXC, which support the FAT32 and exFAT file systems, respectively. The main difference between these formats is that FAT32 limits individual file sizes to 4GB, while exFAT allows for uninterrupted recording until the card reaches its total capacity.
At this point, you might be wondering — if you need to record larger files but the memory card is in FAT32 format, can converting it to exFAT solve the issue of not supporting individual file sizes over 4GB?
Why and How to Format Your microSD Card?
As mentioned in the previous chapter, if the card reader supports a lower capacity than the memory card itself, the card might be formatted to the lower capacity when accessed; also, if the format of the memory card does not meet the requirements, it might be possible to restore the card capacity or change it to the desired format through formatting. Furthermore, it is recommended to regularly format the memory card used in dash cams, as the long periods of intensive data writing could lead to disorganized file arrangement and poor card performance. Formatting to erase all files can ensure the correct use.
Formatting your microSD card can help you:
- Change the file system format (e.g., from FAT32 to exFAT)
- Restore the card to its original capacity
- Eliminate factors that may impact card performance
- Fix issues that arise from long-term use
Before formatting your card, be sure to back up any important files, as the process will erase all data. To format a microSD card using your computer, simply connect the card, right-click on it, and select “Format.” If you encounter difficulties formatting the card, it may be due to a counterfeit product, virus infection, system damage, bad sectors, or write protection. In the case of write protection, you can disable it by adjusting the physical lock switch on the card.
Now that You Have Owned a Memory Card
Storage and FAQ
To ensure the longevity and reliability of your microSD card, store it in a protective case and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, humidity, and static electricity. If you encounter issues such as prompts to format the card when it still contains important data, you can use file recovery and backup software like Recuva to save your files before formatting. To check if your microSD card is compatible with your device, refer to the card’s specifications and consult the manufacturer’s compatibility site for details.
Find more FAQs by checking out our FAQ page
Despite the rapid advancements in AI-generated video content, the art of capturing and storing high-quality footage using drones, action cameras, and other devices remains irreplaceable. As creators continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with these tools, the importance of reliable storage solutions like microSD cards cannot be overstated. By understanding the unique requirements of your device and choosing the right microSD card, you can ensure that your vision is preserved and shared with the world.
At SP, we believe that our memory cards are more than just storage devices — they are the guardians of your creative perspective, capturing the world as you see it. Let SP help keep your special ideas safe, as you keep discovering, making, and inspiring.
