How to Choose the Best microSD Card for GoPro's Loop Recording

Best microSD Cards for "Loop Recording"

When using "loop recording" as the main function on your GoPro, consider the following points when selecting a microSD card:

Choosing "High Endurance" Models of microSD Cards

When it comes to microSD cards, there are "High Endurance" models designed for devices like dash cams that require continuous file storage.

Compared to standard microSD cards, these may undergo vibration and temperature resistance tests, and in some cases, continuous usage and continuous write endurance tests as well.

For "loop recording" on GoPro, where file creation and deletion occur continuously, using a microSD card with high continuous write endurance can ensure data storage without worrying about data corruption.

Optimal Choice: MLC Type microSD Cards

Consumer-grade microSD cards come in two types based on the memory used for storage:

1. TLC (Triple-Level Cell)
2. MLC (Multi-Level Cell)

The difference lies in how many bits of data each flash memory cell can store: MLC stores 2 bits per cell, while TLC stores 3 bits per cell.

When performing loop recording, opt for the more durable and resilient "MLC" type microSD cards, known for their high data retention and write endurance.

While MLC type cards may be pricier compared to TLC, considering that loop recording often involves smaller file sizes, adjusting the capacity down by one step could help balance the cost if MLC chips drive up the price.

Purchase from Trusted Manufacturers or Retailers

MicroSD cards come in various price ranges, but for loop recording, durability is paramount. Hence, choosing products from reputable manufacturers is crucial.

In Japan, popular choices for microSD cards include:

1. SunDisk
2. Samsung
3. Transcend
4. KIOXIA

Opting for these brands minimizes the risk of ending up with subpar products.

Recently, there's been an influx of microSD cards from Chinese manufacturers and extremely cheap microSD cards from unknown brands on platforms like eBay. However, excessively cheap microSD cards might compromise durability, so exercise caution.

Even with well-known brands, be wary of counterfeit products or those misrepresenting their capacity (with significantly lower actual storage). Thus, buying from trustworthy retailers is equally vital as choosing a reputable manufacturer.

Points to Note When Operating "Loop Recording" with GoPro

Consider Replacing Periodically

Not limited to loop recording, microSD cards for GoPro undergo frequent file operations rather than simply storing data, which can accelerate deterioration more than expected.

While the usage may vary, microSD card usage time is primarily added for "saving" and "reading" operations for data storage purposes. However, in loop recording, the card is continuously in a state of "reading and writing" while recording, leading to a faster accumulation of usage time than perceived.

Although the durability of microSD cards is generally stated to be in the tens of thousands of hours, continuous recording might lead to deterioration or failure sooner than anticipated. Hence, it's advisable to replace them periodically.

Regular Backups are Crucial

Frequent loop recording may accelerate microSD card deterioration, yet assessing "how much deterioration has occurred" often requires specialized applications or tools.

Therefore, there's a considerable risk of discovering that the microSD card has failed, potentially resulting in loss of crucial recordings.

To mitigate such scenarios, it's essential to avoid leaving recorded files untouched and instead perform regular backups.