Don’t Buy These Class 10 SD Cards: Why Movie Recording Stops Automatically
If you’ve recently experienced frustration while recording videos with your camera or smartphone, only to have the movie recording stop automatically, you’re not alone. A common culprit in this situation is the SD card you’re using, specifically Class 10 SD cards that may not live up to their advertised performance in real-world scenarios.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into why you should be cautious when purchasing certain Class 10 SD cards, especially if you plan on recording high-quality video. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right SD card to ensure a smooth recording experience.
Understanding SD Card Class Ratings
Before we get into why certain Class 10 SD cards can cause issues, it’s important to understand what the Class 10 rating means.
- Class 10 refers to SD cards that have a minimum write speed of 10 MB/s. This is typically considered suitable for HD video recording and general usage like photo storage or app data.
- However, it’s important to note that the Class rating only measures the minimum sustained write speed. Many SD cards labeled as Class 10 may still perform inconsistently when it comes to handling larger file sizes like those from 4K or high-bitrate video recording.
Why Do Some Class 10 SD Cards Cause Movie Recording to Stop?
- Inconsistent Write Speeds Despite being classified as Class 10, some SD cards do not maintain a consistent write speed required for continuous video recording, especially for higher-quality formats. When an SD card can’t keep up with the data being written during video recording, your camera or smartphone will automatically stop the recording to prevent data loss or corruption.
- Quality of the Card Not all Class 10 SD cards are created equal. Some manufacturers cut corners by using lower-quality components, leading to lower-than-advertised performance. Even though these cards may pass initial tests, their long-term reliability and consistency for high-demand tasks, like video recording, are questionable.
- Size and Video Resolution When recording high-resolution video (like 4K or even 1080p at high bitrates), the data rate required can be much higher than a standard Class 10 card can handle. Even though Class 10 cards are suitable for Full HD video at lower bitrates, they often struggle with higher resolutions, leading to automatic recording stops.
- Card Compatibility Some SD cards, even those with a Class 10 rating, may not be fully compatible with certain devices, such as professional cameras or smartphones with demanding video recording capabilities. This incompatibility can cause interruptions during the recording process.
How to Prevent Movie Recording Stops?
To avoid issues like the recording stopping automatically while using an SD card, here are a few tips to ensure better performance:
1. Choose the Right Speed Class: UHS-I or UHS-II
Instead of just opting for a Class 10 card, look for an SD card with a UHS-I (Ultra High-Speed) or UHS-II rating. These cards provide faster write speeds, which are necessary for recording high-bitrate video without interruption.
- UHS-I cards offer speeds up to 104 MB/s, which are suitable for 4K video.
- UHS-II cards provide speeds up to 312 MB/s, making them ideal for professional video recording and high-resolution formats.
Look for cards with a V30 or V60 rating, which indicates the card can sustain a write speed of 30 MB/s and 60 MB/s, respectively—ideal for 4K and higher resolutions.
2. Check the Write Speed Before Buying
While the Class 10 label guarantees a minimum write speed of 10 MB/s, this is not enough for demanding video recording. Before purchasing, check for cards that provide a higher minimum write speed. Look for V30, V60, or even V90 ratings to ensure that the card can handle the recording needs.
3. Choose Cards from Trusted Brands
Not all SD cards are made the same. Some low-cost, generic brands may not provide the same level of performance or reliability as trusted manufacturers. Stick with well-known brands like SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung, or Kingston, as they typically offer SD cards with consistent performance and quality control.
4. Format the SD Card Regularly
Sometimes, the issue might not be the SD card itself, but a problem with the file system. Regularly formatting the SD card on your device ensures there’s no fragmentation or errors in the file structure, which can interfere with recording.
5. Invest in High-Capacity Cards for Long Recording Sessions
If you’re recording for extended periods, consider investing in an SD card with a larger capacity and faster write speeds. Larger capacity cards (like 64GB or 128GB) are better equipped to handle continuous video recording, especially at higher resolutions.
What Are Some SD Cards You Should Avoid?
Here’s a list of Class 10 SD cards that are commonly reported to have issues with automatic recording stops:
- No-name or Generic Class 10 Cards: Many cheap, off-brand SD cards with a Class 10 label fail to meet the required write speeds, leading to issues with video recording.
- Older or Lower-Quality SanDisk SD Cards: While SanDisk is generally a reliable brand, older SanDisk Class 10 cards (without UHS-I or UHS-II support) can be prone to slower write speeds, which are unsuitable for 4K or high-bitrate recordings.
- Kingston Class 10 cards (without UHS-I): Some of Kingston’s lower-end cards labeled as Class 10 (but without UHS-I or UHS-II) struggle with high-demand video recording tasks.
When shopping for an SD card, always look beyond just the Class 10 label and take note of the speed class (UHS, V30, V60, etc.) and brand reputation.
Conclusion
While Class 10 SD cards are great for basic tasks like storing photos or low-resolution video, they often fall short when it comes to high-quality video recording. Inconsistent write speeds, poor quality, and limited capacity can cause the camera to stop recording automatically. If you’re serious about video recording—whether for casual use, vlogging, or professional work—opt for a UHS-I or UHS-II card with a higher speed rating like V30 or V60.
By investing in the right SD card, you’ll avoid the hassle of interrupted recordings and ensure smooth, uninterrupted video sessions for your camera or smartphone. Don’t settle for just any Class 10 SD card—choose the right one to enhance your recording experience!
