Today it is increasingly common to have a device capable of recording videos in 4K quality . Whether it is a mobile phone, a drone or a sports camera, the truth is that there is a very important element to achieve this: the memory card . Regardless of whether your device is compatible with an SD or microSD memory card , you have to know which are the most suitable models to be able to record in this format.
More than anything, because not all memory cards are suitable for 4K recording . For this reason we are going to explain the essential requirements. And let’s start with the most obvious one: storage capacity.
What should a microSD or SD card have to record in 4K
Before continuing, comment that when choosing between a microSD card or an SD, we recommend betting on the former. Mainly because there are adapters that will allow you to use them on any device. Returning to the requirements that a memory card needs to record in 4K format, to say that one of the problems with videos in UHD format is that they take up a lot of space . In this way, if you want to record long-term videos, you should choose a model with 256 GB or more.
On the other hand, if you want a microSD card to record short 4K videos using your smartphone, with a 128 GB model you will have more than enough. Now, we will go into another very important element. We are talking about the speed of the card, and this element has a big problem: sometimes manufacturers take the liberty of indicating the maximum speed of reading and writing.
It must be borne in mind that this data is nothing more than a point speed peak. And recording 4K video requires the card to consistently reach high write speeds . So the best we can do is go by the SD Association, which has created a series of speed standards. Known as Speed Class or simply Class, through which we can easily recognize the real speeds they reach.
We have taken care of selecting models of SD and microSD cards ideal for recording in 4K, so you can rest assured, since all the solutions that you will see are perfectly compatible with your gadget. As a curiosity, it should be noted that the reading speed does not affect the performance of the card at all , so you can see the odd model that does not exceed 90 megabytes per second. Don’t worry about it.
Finally, it should be noted that one of the great advantages of microSD and SD cards is that they are a very resistant, durable and compact product. So, even if you have to invest a little more to buy a model with greater capacity, keep in mind that you can use it for many years. Let’s look at the different options available.
MicroSD cards for 4K recording
First, let’s see what are the best microSD cards you can buy if you want to record videos in 4K format using your mobile phone, action camera or any other compatible device.
256GB Magix 4K Series
The first model that we want to recommend you is this Magix 4K Series memory card . A model in its 256 GB version and that will more than meet expectations if you want to record videos in UHD format. We are talking about a Series Class10 V30 card that has been specifically designed to record 4K.
Toshiba M303
The Japanese manufacturer is a benchmark when it comes to buying a memory card. And the Toshiba M303 microSD is a model that has also been designed to record in 4K format. It comes with an adapter so you can use it with any type of device, in addition to a very resistant design.
128GB SanDisk Extreme Plus
Although, the great reference when buying a card of this type is undoubtedly SanDisk. The manufacturer has a range of high-end products, and the Extreme Plus card is one of the best-selling models. You just have to see the excellent ratings it has on Amazon to know that it is a high quality product.
Lexar Professional 1000x
The photography giant is another heavyweight, and its Lexar Professional 1000x will be your best ally to record 4K videos with any compatible mobile or camera. For this, it boasts a reading speed of 150 megabytes per second, being a perfect card to use in 3D recordings.
128GB SanDisk Extreme PRO
The last microSD card that we want to recommend is the most vitaminized model from SanDisk. The Extreme Pro card is a powerhouse, with write speeds that will more than meet your needs.
SD cards for 4K recording
We move on to the SD cards, whose main difference with the microSD models lies in their size. Although it is true that you can find some really vitamin models and that will allow you to record in the highest quality without the writing speed being a problem.
128GB Sony Tought
The Japanese manufacturer has a range of SD cards to record in 4K quality that boast of high performance. For this reason you will see several of its solutions. It’s not exactly cheap, but its incredible writing speed of 299 megabytes per second sets it apart from any other rival.
128GB UHS-II Prograde SD Card
Another excellent option to consider is this memory card from Prograde. It offers a write speed of 130 megabytes, making it perfect for recording at full resolution.
Carte Lexar Professional 1667x 256GB
If you are looking for an SD card with great value for money, this Carte Lexar Professional 1667X will enchant you. It offers 256GB of storage so you can record 4K videos regardless of the length.
Sony SF-E Series UHS-II U3 V60
The last Sony memory card that we want to recommend is the Sony SF-E Series. Another model that will more than meet your expectations when recording UHD videos.
128GB SanDisk Extreme PRO
We close this compilation with the 128 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro, a model designed by the acclaimed manufacturer to record content in 4K format.