DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: What Memory Card do I need?

Summary

This video explores the best memory card options for the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and whether an external card is even necessary. It explains key specifications like video speed (V30 recommended), read/write speeds, and memory capacity, while highlighting the benefits of using reputable brands. Testing shows that all V30 cards handled the camera’s most demanding 4K 120fps mode flawlessly, though internal storage offers faster transfer speeds. The video also covers compatibility issues with higher-speed cards and provides practical recommendations, emphasizing that internal memory may suffice for many users, while V30 cards are ideal for extended recording.

Takeaways

• 😀 The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has built-in memory (48 GB), so a memory card is not strictly necessary for recording.
• 😀 V-number (V6, V10, V30, V60, V90) indicates the minimum sequential write speed of a memory card, measured in MB/s.
• 😀 For the Action 5 Pro, a V30 card is recommended because the maximum camera bit rate is 120 Mbps (15 MB/s), and V10 is insufficient.
• 😀 V60 and V90 cards may cause compatibility issues due to the camera's UHS-1 bus, despite being backward compatible.
• 😀 Read speed affects file transfer times; using a high-speed card reader is essential to reach the card's full potential.
• 😀 The camera uses a variable bit rate, adjusting the data rate depending on the complexity of the scene.
• 😀 4K at 120 fps is the most demanding recording mode, consuming approximately 0.9 GB per minute of footage.
• 😀 Internal memory offers faster file transfer speeds (~200 MB/s) than even the best tested V30 memory cards (~170 MB/s).
• 😀 Trusted brands like SanDisk and Lexar are recommended to avoid data loss and counterfeit memory cards.
• 😀 All tested V30 memory cards performed flawlessly in all recording modes, with minor file size differences due to variable bit rate.
• 😀 Using internal memory is advantageous for fast transfers, but external cards allow for extended recording time beyond 48 GB.
• 😀 Future firmware updates may introduce features like internal-to-card file transfers, which were present in previous Action camera models.

Q & A

What are the two main questions addressed in the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro video?

The video focuses on 1) which memory card is best to use with the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, and 2) whether a memory card is even necessary given the camera's built-in storage.

What is the significance of the V-number on a memory card?

The V-number indicates the minimum sequential write speed a memory card can maintain, measured in megabytes per second. It helps ensure the card can handle the camera’s video recording demands.

Why is a V10 card insufficient for the Action 5 Pro?

The Action 5 Pro's maximum bit rate is 120 megabits per second, which converts to 15 megabytes per second. A V10 card only guarantees 10 MB/s, so it cannot reliably handle the highest recording modes.

What is the recommended minimum V-number for memory cards used with the Action 5 Pro?

A V30 card is recommended, as it provides a minimum write speed of 30 MB/s, sufficient for the camera's highest bit rate of 120 Mbps.

Do higher-rated cards like V60 or V90 provide better performance for the Action 5 Pro?

Not necessarily. The Action 5 Pro uses a UHS-I bus, while V60/V90 cards use UHS-II/III. While backward compatible, higher-rated cards offer no speed advantage and may cause compatibility issues.

How does the Action 5 Pro’s variable bit rate affect recording?

The camera adjusts its bit rate depending on the scene complexity, meaning the actual data rate can be lower than the maximum specified. This affects file size and recording duration on memory cards.

How much recording time can be achieved on the Action 5 Pro’s 48 GB internal storage?

The internal 48 GB memory allows nearly 1 hour of recording at 4K 120fps, and at least 70 minutes at 4K 30fps, with actual times often higher due to the variable bit rate.

Why is using a high-speed card reader recommended?

A high-speed card reader ensures you can take full advantage of the memory card’s read speed. Directly transferring from the camera is slower, around 90 MB/s, whereas a card reader can achieve higher transfer rates.

Which memory card brands are recommended for reliability?

Established brands like SanDisk, Lexar, Kingston, and PNY are recommended because they have rigorous manufacturing standards and quality assurance, reducing the risk of data loss.

How do memory card capacities affect recording time on the Action 5 Pro?

Recording time depends on the file size per minute, determined by the bit rate. For example, a 64 GB card provides ~70 minutes at 4K 120fps, while a 128 GB card gives ~140 minutes, with actual times slightly less due to formatting overhead.

Is it necessary to use a memory card with the Action 5 Pro?

No, it is not strictly necessary. The Action 5 Pro has 48 GB internal memory, which is sufficient for most users. Memory cards are useful for extended recording or backup purposes.

How does transferring files from internal storage compare to transferring from a memory card?

Transferring files from the internal storage is faster, exceeding 200 MB/s, which is quicker than even the fastest tested V30 cards.