Which SD Card Should You Choose for the Insta360 X5? A Complete Guide to Speeds, Capacities, and Formats

Did you just get yourself an Insta360 X5 ? Great decision! But to take full advantage of its 8K capabilities and avoid recording glitches, choosing the right SD card is absolutely crucial . An unsuitable card can lead to slowdowns, lost files, or corrupted videos. In this detailed guide, we explain everything you need to know to choose the ideal SD card for your X5: recommended minimum speeds, supported formats, maximum capacities, reliable models, and mistakes to avoid.

carte SD pour la Insta360 X5

Recommended minimum speed for the X5

The X5 is capable of recording in 8K at 30 frames per second , or in 5.7K at 60 fps , which generates particularly large files. This requires an ultra-fast SD card to keep up without creating bottlenecks when writing.

Insta360 recommends:

• A UHS-I (Ultra High Speed, standard interface) card

• With a minimum V30 video class

Why is the V30 class crucial?

The V30 class guarantees a sustained write rate of 30MB/s , which is essential for continuous 8K recording. The V60 and V90 cards are even more powerful, but often more expensive. For use with the X5, a V30 is more than sufficient.

🚫 Absolutely avoid: U1, Basic Class 10 cards, or any cards not certified for high-resolution video recording. These models cause recording stops, corrupted files, or an inability to use the video.

Maximum capacity supported by the X5

The X5 accepts microSD cards up to 1TB . Your choice will depend on your shooting style and the length of your sessions.

• 128 GB : sufficient for short sessions, but limited for 8K

• 256 GB : excellent compromise for the majority of creators

• 512GB or 1TB : Ideal for creators on the go, long-term shoots, or professional use

Battery life estimates by capacity (5.7K/60fps HDR mode)

• 128 GB ≈ 1h10

• 256 GB ≈ 2h20

• 512 GB ≈ 4h40

• 1 TB ≈ 9h00

Please note that durations may vary depending on the mode used (HDR, PureVideo, Mode Me).

Formatting: FAT32 or exFAT?

The card format influences compatibility with the camera and operating systems.

• Up to 32 GB: FAT32 (often preformatted)

• Beyond 64 GB: exFAT recommended , as it can handle larger video files

💡 Always format your card in the X5 itself to avoid any compatibility errors. And above all, avoid NTFS , which is not supported.

SD Cards to Avoid: Mistakes to Avoid

Want to avoid losing a recording? Here's what to never use :

• Non-UHS or U1 cards

• Cards purchased without official certification (often counterfeit)

• Cards too old or used on other devices intensively

Typical symptoms:

• Corrupted or unplayable video

• Error message "card too slow"

• Abrupt recording stop

Best SD Cards Tested for the Insta360 X5

Here are three tested and validated cards that offer optimal performance for filming in 8K or 5.7K with the X5:

✅ SAMSUNG PRO Plus microSDXC 256 GB

• Up to 180 MB/s read

• U3, V30, A2 certified for smooth writing

• Supplied with SD adapter

• Reliable and affordable: a very good consumer choice

✅ Lexar 1066x MicroSD 256 GB V30

• Speed 160 MB/s read / 120 MB/s write

• UHS-I, V30, A2: perfect for 360°, HDR, 8K

• Excellent stability and durability, highly appreciated by nomadic creators

✅ SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB microSDXC UHS-I

• Up to 200 MB/s read

• Includes RescuePRO Deluxe for recovering accidentally deleted files

• Professionals' preferred choice (drone, sport, 360 production)

All three models are 100% compatible with the X5, allowing for smooth capture in all modes.

carte SD pour la Insta360 X5

Best practices for optimal use

Even the best card needs to be used well to last. Here are some simple tips:

• Format the card regularly from the camera , especially after transfers

• Do not hot-plug the card (always turn off the camera)

• Don't saturate the card : always keep at least 10% free space

• Store your cards in a case to protect them from moisture and shocks

• Avoid excessive write cycles : renew your cards after a few hundred hours of shooting

Insta360 X5

Conclusion

The SD card is the technical foundation of your Insta360 X5 ecosystem . Choosing a card that's too slow or unsuitable risks ruining a shoot or losing priceless footage. Conversely, a good card guarantees stable, fast, and bug-free recording.

For the X5, the winning combo is clear: UHS-I, V30 minimum , a capacity of 256 GB or more , and a brand known for its 8K performance. With the models we have listed, you can film serenely in all conditions: travel, sports, vlogging, underwater immersion, or professional shooting.

🎬 Your creativity deserves the best support. Don't let a cheap card hold back your X5.