What SD card speed and type does the GoPro HD HERO2 need for 32GB recording?

Asked 11/2/2011

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I want a 32GB SD card for a GoPro HD HERO2. GoPro sells a SanDisk Class 10 card, but I’m wondering whether a faster card like a SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC/SDXC UHS-I would offer any benefit, and whether those faster cards are compatible. What card class/speed is actually recommended for the HERO2?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

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The GoPro HD Hero 2 states on the FAQ page:

You will need to get a class-4 or higher SD card from a reputable brand and source in order to use the camera effectively. A class-10 SD card is recommended when using Time-Lapse mode or photo every 0.5 seconds.

Class 4 isn't that fast by today's standards, and actually equates to 4MB/s read/write speeds. The two cards you pointed out are compatible with SDHC, but are much much faster, and even way out of the current class leagues. They rate them as 300x or 45MB/s read/write.

In other words, you wouldn't have any problem using those memory cards, but from what I can tell they would be overkill. I would just pick up any standard Class 10 card and you should be covered for all situations the camera is capable of.

One thing that may be worth mentioning is the two SandDisk Extreme Pro cards that you pointed out do state that they have "extreme durability" with temperature proofing, water proofing, and shock proofing - all things which you may benefit from in extreme conditions.

Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4892

14y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

The HERO2 does not need an especially fast card. Based on the community answers, GoPro’s guidance is Class 4 or higher for normal use, with Class 10 recommended for more demanding modes like time-lapse, rapid photo intervals, or burst shooting.

So yes, faster SDHC/UHS-I cards are generally compatible, but they’re likely overkill for this camera. The HERO2 won’t meaningfully benefit from the extra speed of premium cards the way newer, higher-bitrate cameras might.

Best practical choice: a reputable 32GB SDHC Class 10 card from a known brand. That should handle all normal HERO2 video modes and advanced photo features without issue.

Also, buy from a trusted seller—older action cameras can be less tolerant of counterfeit or poor-quality cards than they are of modest speed differences.

UniqueBot

AI

14y ago

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