Best SD Card For DJI Mini 2
When I first flew my DJI Mini 2, one of the best mini drones you can buy today, I made the rookie mistake of bringing the wrong SD card—costing me valuable time and footage. To avoid this frustration, it’s essential to use an SD card that matches the drone’s recording requirements.
The DJI Mini 2 captures 4K footage at 100 MB/s, so you’ll need an SD card that can handle that speed or higher. Based on my experience, the SanDisk Extreme V30 64GB or larger is the top choice for its fast write speed, durability, and reliability.
Let’s dive into the best SD cards for the DJI Mini 2 and what you need to consider before choosing one.
Brief Overview of the Best SD Card For DJI Mini 2
Make a quick, informed decision by using this Best SD Card For DJI Mini 2 overview table. It’s based on
Five key SC card parameters.
|
Feature
|
Best Overall
|
Best Runner-up
|
Best Performance
|
Best for Professionals
|
Best for Beginners
|
Best for Budget
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Product ➡️
Criteria ⬇️ |
SanDisk Extreme v30 A2
|
Samsung EVO Plus
|
Lexar Professional 1066X
|
SAMSUNG PRO Plus
|
Samsung EVO Plus
|
SanDisk Extreme Plus
|
|
Write Speed
|
130 MB/s
|
130 MB/s
|
120 MB/s
|
120 MB/s
|
160 MB/s
|
90 MB/s
|
|
Read Speed
|
190 MB/s
|
130 MB/s
|
160 MB/s
|
160 MB/s
|
160 MB/s
|
170 MB/s
|
|
Compatibility
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
|
Capacity
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
5/6
|
4/5
|
3/5
|
|
Quality
|
5/5
|
4/5
|
4/5
|
4/5
|
4/5
|
4/5
|
|
Resistance to extreme conditions
|
4/5
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
5/5
|
4/5
|
2/5
|
Specifications
- Brand: SanDisk
- Best for: 4K and 5K video
- Write Speed: 130MB/s
- Read Speed: 190MB/s
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SDXC
- Memory Storage Capacity: 256G
Photo Credit: bulkmemorycards.com
Capacity
SanDisk Extreme v30 A2 comes in 32, 64, 128, and 256 GB capacities, making it a great choice for drones that shoot professional videos and photos.
With such a capacity, you can store 4K or 5.1K videos or thousands of high-resolution images without worry of losing the files.
SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 SD Cards are X-ray-proof, shock-proof, water-proof, and temperature-proof. Hence, you don’t have to worry about card damage due to water, high or low temperatures, shock, or X-rays; they can withstand each of these harsh environments.
Also, the Premium aluminum enclosure protects your card from overheating, and the write-protect lock switch prevents your photos and videos from overwriting. This Micro SDXC card is worth every penny!
Write Speed
With a write speed of 130MB/s, this SD card will speed up copying to your smartphone or computer.
Read Speed
SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 has a read speed of 190MB/s, which means the drone will record properly; hence, the videos won’t get corrupted or interrupted due to the slow reading speed.
Compatibility
The SanDisk Extreme V30 A2 SD card is compatible with digital cameras, smartphones, action cameras, and tablets, so it can also store Apps and music.
What Online Customers Say:
“I use this in my mavic 2 pro drone for mapping and video and it works very well. There is plenty of storage for movies and allows for fast transfers from drone to computer.”
– Jerry from Amazon.
- Reasons to Buy
- Fast write and read speed
- Compatible with smartphones, digital cameras, action cameras, and tablets
- Usable on other drone models
- Easy to install and format
- Has a write-protect lock switch to safeguard data
- Reasons to Avoid
- Though it’s a quality SD card, it’s highly-priced
Specifications
- Brand: Samsung
- Best for: 4K videos
- Write Speed: 130MB/s
- Read Speed: 130MB/s
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SD
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Photo Credit: www.samsung.com
Capacity and Quality
The Samsung EVO Plus is ideal for DJI Mini 2 as it can comfortably store large 4K videos and high-resolution photos. Though it has a high capacity, this Samsung SD card is cheaper than the SanDisk Extreme yet still reliable for Mini 2 needs.
Write Speed
130MB/s helps you record 4K videos with great quality. Rated V30, A2, and UHS-I, it ticks all the boxes for recording videos and photos and videos at high speeds without lagging or shuttering, and the frame doesn’t skip.
Read Speed
The 130 MB/s speed is excellent for a Mini 2 drone. It makes transfers from drone to computer or smartphone reliable and seamless without compromising the quality of videos and images.
Compatibility
Samsung EVO Plus SD card is compatible with tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, cameras, and several drone models, helping you save money that could otherwise be used to buy several cards.
What Online Customers Say:
“Samsung EVO Plus has never failed to impress me, and this 256GB Micro SDXC memory card is no exception. As a drone and camera enthusiast, I rely on Samsung for all my storage needs, and this card delivers exceptional performance. The generous storage capacity, with speeds of up to 130MB/s, ensures that I have ample space for high-quality photos, videos, and drone footage. The included SD adaptor adds versatility to its use. FlyTysun from Amazon.
- Reasons to Buy
- Compatible with several devices, including Android tablets
- High storage capacity
- Highly reliable, excellent quality
- Installation is easy
- Cards are magnetic-proof, water-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof
- Reasons to Avoid
- Though worth it, the price is higher than for most other less sturdy cards
- Recovery software is not included
Best For Performance: Lexar 128GB Professional 1066x
Specifications
- Brand: Lexar
- Best for: 4K video
- Write Speed: 120MB/s
- Read Speed: 160MB/s
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SDXC
- Capacity – up to 128 GB
Photo Credit: www.lexar.com
Capacity
The Lexar Professional 1066X comes in varying capacities, up to 1 TB, but you will b e fine with the 64 GB, 128 GB, or the 256 GB capacities for the Mini 2.
The card is designed to handle challenging environments and is shock-proof, vibration-proof, X-ray-proof, and temperature-proof, ensuring durability and reliability no matter where your drone operates.
Write Speed
With a write speed of 120 MB/s, the Lexar Professional 1066X card will have you recording photos and videos with your Mini 2 without any lag.
Read Speed
When you want to quickly transfer footage to your computer so you can go back to flying or at the end of the day after shooting, the 160 MB/s read speed ensures you don’t wait for too long.
Compatibility
Once you get this SD card, you can use it with your drone, DSLR camera, action camera, or any other recording device you have as it’s built to work with them.
What Online Customers Say
I bought it to use on the mini 4 Pro drone, it met my need. Carlos from Amazon
- Reasons to Buy
- Fast read and write speeds
- Ideal for 4K video recording
- Durable and reliable in harsh environments
- Wide compatibility with various devices
- Reasons to Avoid
- Slightly slower write speed compared to other high-end options
Specifications
- Brand: Samsung
- Speed Class: Class 10: U3, V30, A2, Class 10
- Best for: 4K videos
- Write Speed: 120 MB/s
- Read Speed: 160 MB/s
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SDXC
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128G
Photo Credit: www.samsung.com
Capacity and Quality
If you love traveling with your drone or temperatures in your area are not so favorable, you’ll love the Samsung Pro Plus because it features seven-proof protection: X-ray proof, drops (up to 5 meters), magnet proof up to 15,000 gauss, wear-proof up to 10,000 swipes, and shock-proof up to 1500 gravitational acceleration.
Samsung Pro Plus SD card operates at a temperature of -25℃ to 85℃. Avoid operating it at a temperature of -40℃ or above 85℃.
Samsung Pro Plus can also withstand saltwater for up to 72 hours and a depth of 1 meter.
Write Speed
This card’s write speed is 120 MB/s, its application performance is A2, and its video speed class rating is V30, making it possible to transfer files quickly to a computer or smartphone.
Read Speed
Samsung Pro Plus boasts a speed of 160 MB/s, which is great for fast access to 4K videos. With a class 10, U3, and V30 rating, you get an excellent SD card performance.
On the other hand, with the A2 rating, Apps can run directly and still have a responsive App performance for your tasks.
Compatibility
The Samsung Pro Plus SD card is compatible with cameras, smartphones, handheld gaming consoles, and tablets. It comes with a Samsung adapter.
What Online Customers Say:
“This microSD card is built tough, with protection against water and extreme temperatures. It’s ready for action, whether you’re out in the elements or in challenging environments.” Jayson Jones from Amazon
- Reasons to Buy
- Features seven-proof protection
- Compatible with smartphones, cameras, computers, and handheld gaming consoles
- Generous storage capacity
- Affordable
- Excellent read and write speeds
- Highly durable
- Easy to install
- Suitable for professional and personal use
- Reasons to Avoid
- Its operating speed is lower than the 256G SD cards.
Specifications
- Brand: Samsung
- Best for: 4K videos
- Write Speed: 160 MB/s
- Read Speed: 160 MB/s
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SD
- Memory Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Photo Credit: www.samsung.com
Capacity and Quality
With a capacity of up to 256GB to store your videos, images, music, Apps, and more, you can never go wrong with this SD card from Samsung, one of the leading SD companies.
Moreover, this card is water-proof, temperature-proof, wear-proof, magnetic-proof, and X-ray-proof; hence ideal for use in harsh weather conditions.
Regarding performance, the EVO+ is average compared to the PRO+, which offers higher performance.
Write Speed
The maximum write speed of Samsung EVO Plus is 160 MB/s. As a class 10, V30, U3 card, it is the perfect fit for a DJI Mini 2 and any other more advanced drone you may use later.
Read Speed
The read speed is also 160 MB/s, which is great for your 4K drone camera.
However, the speed may go down based on the device you’re using the card on.
Compatibility
Samsung EVO Plus is compatible with drones, Samsung tablets, and action cams. It’s also great for heavy-duty applications such as commercial aerial videography and photography, as well as large file storage.
What Online Customers Say:
“Excellent item. Would not hesitate to buy it again.” Craig Hayward Roman from Amazon.
- Reasons to Buy
- Compatible with several devices, including Samsung Tablets and action cams
- Stress-free to install
- Great write/read speed; hence, ideal for 4K videos
- 4-proof technology
- Reasons to Avoid
- Has a lower performance compared to the PRO+ SD card
Best For Budget: SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A2, 128GB
Specifications
- Brand: SanDisk
- Best for: 4K UHD
- Write Speed: 90 MB/s
- Read Speed: 170 MB/s
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SDXC
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
Photo Credit: www.bhphotovideo.com
Capacity and Quality
This SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A2 features UHS 3(U3) speed class, making it a great deal for 4K videos and high-resolution photos.
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable Micro SDXC, consider the SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A2 card. It withstands extreme conditions well because it’s temperature-proof.
Besides, it’s also X-ray, shock, and water-proof, making it suitable for people who travel often or work in difficult environments.
The 128 GB space gives you enough room to store hours of 4K videos or thousands of high-resolution photos, striking a perfect balance between quality, capacity, and cost!
You don’t have to panic if you accidentally delete or lose your files; the card comes with recovery software, RescuePro Deluxe, which helps you easily recover lost files.
Write Speed
With the 90 MB/s write speed, you get fast file transfers with uninterrupted capture, which is great for smoothly capturing professional photos and shooting 4K videos.
Being an A2 class card, the minimum write speed is 4x faster than the A1 class cards; hence, a better deal.
Read Speed
This A2 class card also has a 2.6x faster minimum read speed than the A1 cards, which improves in-app performance and loading speed.
Compatibility
The SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A2 is compatible with your Mini 2 drone, smartphones, tablets, and action cameras. It also comes with an SD adapter, making it versatile.
What Online Customers Say:
“Storage capacity is sufficient. Quality is still good after prolonged use. Recommended.” Kalle from Amazon.
- Reasons to Buy
- Comes with a file recovery software
- Fast, reliable, and highly-durable
- Impressive storage space for 4K videos and RAW photos
- Great for use in harsh environments
- Reasons to Avoid
- More expensive than most microSD cards due to its quality
- Actual speed may lower based on the device used
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Sd Card for Dji Mini 2
- Capacity: The purpose of your drone determines the best SD card to use. An SD card with a 64GB or 32G capacity is an excellent drone for capturing pictures. However, for a drone used in video recording, a capacity of 256G or 128G is ideal.
- Reading speed: Buy an SD card with a writing speed fast enough to match your drone’s activities. In this case, 100 MD/s or higher is ideal.
- Write speed: The best reading speed for a mini 2 is 90MB/s or more, with the transfer speed being Class 10 or UHS-1 Speed Grade 3 or more. Otherwise, you would start to notice freezes when shooting videos.
- Brand: For your Mini 2 drone, get an SD card from a trusted brand such as Lexar, Samsung, or SanDisk.
- Environment: Buy a card that can withstand harsh environments, such as high or low temperatures and immersion in water. Most top-quality cards are water-proof, X-ray-proof, shock-proof, and temperature-proof.
- Durability: SD cards should last many years as long as there’s room for more files. Hence, avoid SD cards with a small capacity unless you’re only using them to store a few files.
Verdict
And there you have it. While I chose the SanDisk Extreme V30 as the best SD card for the DJI Mini 2, the other models mentioned in this review also work great. Whichever model you chose, try to get at least two or more.
Every time you fly, you can swap the cards so that if you ever lose the drone, or one of the cards, you don’t lose all the footage. Getting a hard disk is also important so you can backup all the footage and free up the cards for your next shoot.
Author
Peter Karanja
Peter is a licensed drone pilot and drone fanatic. He owns a DJI Air 2S that he uses to shoot videos for fun, enjoyment and for clients.