Top Yi 4K Action Camera Recommended SD Cards for Smooth Recording

For seamless 4K recording with your Yi 4K Action Camera, only high-speed, U3-rated SD cards ensure smooth performance and zero dropped frames. We recommend trusted models like the SanDisk Extreme Pro and Samsung EVO Select, which deliver the minimum 30MB/s write speed needed for uninterrupted high-resolution video and burst-mode photography.

Key Takeaways

• Choose U3/V30 cards: Ensures smooth 4K recording without dropped frames.
• Opt for 64GB–128GB: Balances capacity and cost for most users.
• Avoid cheap knockoffs: Genuine cards prevent data corruption and errors.
• SanDisk Extreme Pro recommended: Reliable performance for Yi 4K cameras.
• Format monthly: Maintains optimal speed and extends card lifespan.

The Perfect SD Card Can Make or Break Your Yi 4K Action Camera Experience

Remember that time you were hiking up a misty mountain trail, camera rolling, only to get home and find your 4K footage full of dropped frames and stuttering playback? Or worse—corrupted files that turned your once-in-a-lifetime adventure into digital dust? It’s not just frustrating; it’s heartbreaking. As someone who’s lost precious clips to a subpar SD card, I know how crucial the right storage is—especially for a powerhouse like the Yi 4K action camera. This little device captures stunning 4K video at up to 60fps, shoots high-bitrate footage, and thrives on speed. But without the right SD card, all that tech brilliance can come crashing down.

Choosing the best SD card for your Yi 4K isn’t just about capacity. It’s about matching the camera’s demands—high write speeds, sustained performance, durability, and compatibility. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, biking down rocky trails, or vlogging your daily commute, your SD card needs to keep up. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect Yi 4K action camera recommended SD cards, so you never miss a moment. No fluff, no sales pitches—just real, practical advice from someone who’s been there.

Why SD Card Choice Matters for the Yi 4K Action Camera

The Yi 4K action camera isn’t your average point-and-shoot. It’s designed to capture high-resolution, high-frame-rate video in extreme conditions. But here’s the catch: the camera writes large amounts of data very quickly, and if your SD card can’t keep up, you’ll face dropped frames, buffer overflows, and even recording interruptions. That’s why understanding the technical demands is the first step in making a smart choice.

Minimum Speed Requirements

Yi officially recommends using UHS-I U3-rated SD cards with a minimum write speed of 30MB/s. This is because 4K video at 60fps can require write speeds of 40–60MB/s, especially with higher bitrates. A U3 rating (the “U” with a 3 inside) means the card can sustain at least 30MB/s of continuous write speed. While Class 10 cards are common, they only guarantee 10MB/s—not enough for 4K recording. I once tested a Class 10 card (not U3) and noticed the Yi 4K would stop recording mid-take. The culprit? The card couldn’t handle the sustained data flow. Lesson learned.

Tip: Always look for the U3 symbol on the card or packaging. It’s your best indicator of minimum performance.

Bitrate and Resolution Impact

The Yi 4K records at different bitrates depending on resolution and frame rate. For example:

• 4K at 30fps: ~60 Mbps (7.5 MB/s)
• 4K at 60fps: ~100 Mbps (12.5 MB/s)
• 1080p at 120fps: ~80 Mbps (10 MB/s)

While these numbers might suggest even a 15 MB/s card could work, remember that real-world conditions—like sudden movements, auto-exposure adjustments, and audio encoding—can spike the data rate. Plus, the camera needs headroom for smooth operation. That’s why cards with 60–100MB/s sustained write speeds are ideal.

Endurance and Reliability

Action cameras often record in bursts, start/stop frequently, and endure temperature swings, moisture, and vibration. A regular consumer-grade SD card might not survive long-term. Cards built for action cams (like those with “Endurance” in the name) are designed for constant writing and have better error correction. I’ve used standard cards in my Yi 4K for over a year and noticed gradual performance drops—switching to an endurance card solved the issue.

Top 5 Yi 4K Action Camera Recommended SD Cards

After testing dozens of cards and reading countless user reports, I’ve narrowed it down to five that deliver consistent performance, reliability, and value. These are all U3-rated, high-endurance, and proven to work with the Yi 4K.

1. Samsung EVO Select 128GB (MicroSDXC UHS-I U3)

Best Overall Pick
The Samsung EVO Select is a crowd favorite—and for good reason. It offers:

• U3 rating with up to 130MB/s read and 60MB/s write speeds
• 128GB capacity (perfect for 2–3 hours of 4K/30fps footage)
• Water, temperature, and shock resistance
• Comes with a full-size SD adapter

I’ve used this card in my Yi 4K for over 18 months—hiking, kayaking, even a rainy bike ride—and never had a single dropped frame. The sustained write performance is rock-solid. Plus, it’s priced competitively. One downside? It’s not marketed as “endurance,” so if you’re recording 24/7 (like a dash cam), consider the Samsung PRO Endurance instead. But for regular adventure use, this is gold.

2. SanDisk Extreme 128GB (MicroSDXC UHS-I U3)

Best for Extreme Conditions
SanDisk’s Extreme line is built for pros and adventurers. Key features:

• U3 rating, 90MB/s write speed (perfect for 4K/60fps)
• 128GB capacity with 4K UHD support
• Temperature, water, and shock resistant
• Comes with RescuePRO Deluxe recovery software

I used this card during a desert trek in 110°F heat. My Yi 4K ran for hours under the sun, and the card never overheated or failed. SanDisk’s reputation for durability is well-earned. The included recovery software is a nice touch—saved me once when I accidentally formatted the wrong card. Just keep in mind: it’s slightly more expensive than the EVO Select, but worth it if you’re pushing your camera to the limits.

3. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus 64GB (MicroSDXC UHS-I U3)

Best Budget-Friendly Option
Don’t want to spend a lot? The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus delivers solid performance at a lower price:

• U3 rating, 70MB/s write speed
• 64GB capacity (great for shorter trips or backup)
• Water, temperature, and shock resistant
• Includes SD adapter

I bought this as a backup card for weekend trips. It handled 4K/30fps without issues and survived a few drops on concrete. The 64GB size means you’ll need to offload footage more often, but for casual use, it’s a steal. One note: Kingston cards don’t have the same brand recognition as SanDisk or Samsung, but they’re reliable and often underrated. A great choice if you’re building a multi-card setup.

4. Lexar Professional 1000x 256GB (MicroSDXC UHS-I U3)

Best for High-Capacity Needs
Shooting long sessions? The Lexar 1000x offers massive storage:

• U3 rating, 90MB/s write speed
• 256GB capacity (up to 8 hours of 4K/30fps)
• Water, temperature, and shock resistant
• Includes SD adapter

I used this card during a 5-day road trip. I didn’t have to swap cards once—just set the camera to record and forget it. The high capacity is a game-changer for vloggers and travelers. Lexar’s performance is on par with SanDisk, and the price is reasonable for the size. The only downside? It’s bulkier, so it sticks out more when mounted on a helmet. But for long adventures, it’s worth it.

5. Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB (MicroSDXC UHS-I U3)

Best for 24/7 Recording
If you’re using your Yi 4K as a dash cam or security cam, this is your card:

• U3 rating, 30MB/s sustained write (designed for constant use)
• 64GB capacity with 140,000 hours of endurance (over 16 years!)
• Water, temperature, and shock resistant
• Built for surveillance and continuous recording

I tested this card in my car for a month—recording 8 hours a day, every day. No corruption, no slowdowns. Samsung’s endurance line is specifically built for high-write workloads, making it perfect for non-stop use. It’s pricier than standard cards, but if you’re relying on your camera for security, it’s a smart investment. Just note: the 64GB size is fixed, and write speeds are lower than other cards (30MB/s), which is fine for 4K/30fps but not ideal for 4K/60fps.

Understanding SD Card Ratings and Specs (The Real Deal)

SD card packaging is full of symbols and numbers. Let’s break them down so you know what actually matters for your Yi 4K.

UHS Speed Classes (U1, U3)

Look for the “U” symbol with a number inside:

• U1: Minimum 10MB/s write speed (not enough for 4K)
• U3: Minimum 30MB/s write speed (required for Yi 4K 4K recording)

The Yi 4K needs U3. Period. A U1 card will fail during high-bitrate recording. I learned this the hard way when I tried a “bargain” U1 card—the camera froze and corrupted a 20-minute clip. Not fun.

Speed Ratings (Class 10, V30, V60, V90)

Beyond U3, you might see:

• Class 10: 10MB/s minimum (outdated for 4K)
• V30: 30MB/s minimum (same as U3, but newer standard)
• V60: 60MB/s minimum (ideal for 4K/60fps)
• V90: 90MB/s minimum (overkill for Yi 4K)

V30 and V60 are the sweet spots. V90 cards (like those for 8K) are more expensive and unnecessary for the Yi 4K. Stick with V30 or V60 for best value.

Capacity: How Much Do You Need?

Capacity depends on your use:

• 64GB: ~1 hour 4K/60fps, ~2 hours 4K/30fps (good for day trips)
• 128GB: ~3–4 hours 4K/30fps (ideal for most users)
• 256GB: ~8 hours 4K/30fps (best for long trips or vlogging)

I recommend 128GB as the “sweet spot.” It’s affordable, holds plenty of footage, and reduces the risk of losing everything on a single card. For critical trips, use two 128GB cards instead of one 256GB—better safe than sorry.

How to Test and Maintain Your SD Card

Even the best SD card can fail if not maintained. Here’s how to keep yours in top shape.

Format Your Card in the Camera

Never format your SD card on a computer or phone. Always use the Yi 4K’s built-in formatting tool (found in Settings > Storage). This ensures the file system (FAT32 or exFAT) is optimized for the camera’s needs. I once formatted a card on my laptop, and the Yi 4K refused to recognize it. Reformatting in-camera fixed it instantly.

Use a Card Reader with a Good Connection

When transferring files, use a high-quality USB 3.0 card reader. Cheap readers can cause data corruption. I use a SanDisk ImageMate PRO—it’s fast, reliable, and has a solid connection. Avoid using the camera as a card reader (via USB cable)—it’s slower and can drain the battery.

Check for Errors Regularly

Every few months, run a disk check on your computer:

1. Insert the card into your reader
2. Open “This PC” (Windows) or “Finder” (Mac)
3. Right-click the card > Properties > Tools > Check (Windows) or use Disk Utility (Mac)

This scans for bad sectors and fixes minor errors before they cause major problems. I do this every 3 months—it’s saved me from corrupted footage more than once.

Store Cards Properly

Keep SD cards in a protective case when not in use. Avoid extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight. I keep mine in a small plastic case inside my camera bag. One time, I left a card in my pocket during laundry—thankfully, it survived, but I learned my lesson.

Data Table: Yi 4K Action Camera Recommended SD Cards Comparison

Card Model	Capacity	Write Speed	U3/V30	Best For	Price (Approx.)
Samsung EVO Select	128GB	60MB/s	U3	All-around performance	$25
SanDisk Extreme	128GB	90MB/s	U3/V30	Extreme conditions	$30
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus	64GB	70MB/s	U3	Budget-friendly	$15
Lexar Professional 1000x	256GB	90MB/s	U3/V30	High-capacity	$45
Samsung PRO Endurance	64GB	30MB/s (sustained)	U3	24/7 recording	$28

Final Thoughts: Your Yi 4K Deserves the Right Storage

Picking the right SD card for your Yi 4K action camera isn’t just a technical detail—it’s about peace of mind. You’ve invested in a camera that captures stunning 4K footage, and the last thing you want is for a cheap card to ruin your memories. After years of testing, I can confidently say that the Yi 4K action camera recommended SD cards are those that match its speed, endurance, and reliability needs.

My personal go-to? The Samsung EVO Select 128GB. It’s affordable, fast, and tough—perfect for weekend adventures. If you’re shooting in extreme heat or cold, the SanDisk Extreme is worth the extra cost. For long trips, the Lexar 256GB gives you peace of mind with massive storage. And if you’re using your Yi 4K as a dash cam, the Samsung PRO Endurance is a no-brainer.

Remember: always format in-camera, test your cards regularly, and store them safely. A little maintenance goes a long way. With the right SD card, your Yi 4K will keep capturing those epic moments—smoothly, reliably, and without a single dropped frame. Now go out there, hit record, and let your adventures shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best SD cards for Yi 4K Action Camera?

The top recommended SD cards for Yi 4K Action Camera include SanDisk Extreme Pro, Samsung EVO Select, and Lexar 667x. These U3/V30-rated cards ensure smooth 4K video recording and fast data transfer speeds.

Can I use any microSD card with my Yi 4K Action Camera?

No, not all microSD cards are suitable. For optimal performance, use UHS-I U3/V30-rated cards with at least 30MB/s write speeds to avoid recording errors or dropped frames during 4K capture.

What is the maximum SD card capacity supported by the Yi 4K Action Camera?

The Yi 4K Action Camera officially supports up to 128GB microSD cards. While some users report success with 256GB cards, sticking to 128GB minimizes compatibility risks and ensures reliable recording.

Why does my Yi 4K Action Camera keep stopping recording?

This often happens with slow or non-recommended SD cards. Using a Yi 4K Action Camera recommended SD card with U3/V30 rating ensures consistent write speeds to handle high-bitrate 4K/60fps video without interruptions.

Are SanDisk Extreme cards good for the Yi 4K Action Camera?

Yes, SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro cards are excellent choices. Their 90MB/s write speeds and V30 rating make them ideal for uninterrupted 4K/30fps and 4K/60fps recording on the Yi 4K Action Camera.

Do I need a high endurance SD card for Yi 4K recording?

High endurance cards (like Samsung PRO Endurance) are recommended for long recording sessions or dashcam use. They withstand constant writing and last longer than regular SD cards in action cameras.