Mistakes to avoid with SD cards on the Insta360 X5: slowdowns, cutouts, file loss
- Guillaume H
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 24
The Insta360 X5 is a powerful 360° camera, capable of shooting 8K video with exceptional quality. But even with such a powerful camera, a bad SD card can ruin a shot, corrupt files, or even stop the camera from working altogether. This article aims to guide you through the most common mistakes associated with using unsuitable or improperly configured SD cards with the X5.
Symptoms of a Slow or Incompatible SD Card
When the SD card is not up to the requirements of the X5, several symptoms may appear:
🎥 Video stops while recording for no apparent reason
⚠️ Error message : "card too slow" or "memory error"
❌ Files corrupted or unopenable after transfer
🐢 Choppy or laggy video during playback or editing
🛑 The camera may even refuse to record or restart abruptly
If you observe one or more of these issues, it is very likely that your card does not meet the required specifications.
Why some SD cards don't fit the X5
The X5 records very high bitrate video (up to 8K), which requires a sustained write speed . However, not all SD cards are created equal.
❌ U1 cards, Class 10 basic
These cards only guarantee a minimum write rate of 10MB/s. This is insufficient to keep up with 8K recording, or even 5.7K at 60 fps.
❌ Cards without V30 certification
V30 certification (30 MB/s constant write) is the minimum requirement for the X5. Without it, you risk instability at any time.
⚠️ Generic or counterfeit brand cards
They're often found at bargain prices on Amazon, AliExpress, or eBay. Behind the "256GB U3 V30" label, they may be hiding a slow chip, or worse, a tampered capacity. The result: unreadable files, lost recordings, or even an unusable card.
How to properly format your SD card to avoid errors
Even with a good SD card, improper formatting can cause problems . Here are the steps to follow:
✅ Format from X5
Go to camera settings
Select "Format SD card"
Confirm and let the camera do the work
This method is the most reliable, as it adapts the file system to the specific needs of the device.
💻 Format from a computer (as a last resort)
Uses a fast SD card reader
Choose exFAT format (mandatory for cards >32 GB)
Never uses NTFS , not compatible with X5
Formatting regularly prevents file fragmentation and reduces the risk of errors.
Best practices for a consistently reliable SD card
Adopting good habits extends the lifespan of your card and improves the reliability of your workflow.
🧹 Format your card regularly (at least once a week with intensive use)
📛 Avoid hot-plugging the card : always turn off the camera before removing it
🔋 Don't fill the card 100% : leave 5-10% free space
🔁 Renew your card after a few hundred hours of shooting
💾 Regularly back up to your hard drive or cloud to avoid running with just one card
🎒 Use a hard storage case to protect your card from moisture and shocks
Conclusion
The quality of your SD card is just as important as the quality of your camera . A bad card can literally sabotage your entire work, costing you hours of footage, or even blocking a day of filming. By following best practices and avoiding the mistakes listed in this article, you'll secure your equipment, your files... and your peace of mind.
🎬 The Insta360 X5 is a creative beast. Don't let a bad SD card ruin your experience. Choose wisely, format correctly, and shoot with confidence!