Our Picks:
64G:
128G:
256G:
Both DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2 only come with 8GB internal storage and don’t include a microSD card in the package. It’s far from enough for you to shoot 5K or 4K videos because 8GB can only hold a video of about 8-minutes long 4k footage. So microSD cards are essential accessories for your new drone.
Using the wrong memory cards may result in incompatibility issues, unusable videos, or dropped-frame videos. According to DJI, the DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2 support UHS-I Speed Grade 3 microSD cards with a capacity of up to 256 GB, and it also has a memory card recommendation list. Click here to see if your existing cards are compatible.
If you forgot to buy an SD card along with the drone or what you have is not compatible, just keep reading.
This article will help you to choose the best SD memory card for your DJI Air 2S or Mavic Air 2 according to your needs and brand preference.
Things you need to know about DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2 SD card.
1. DJI Air 2S supports shooting 5.4K/30fps videos, and Mavic Air 2 is capable of 4K/60fps videos @120Mbps, 1080p @240fps, and 8k Hyperlapse. This means they require SD cards that have high writing speed.
2. Normally, 4k Ultra HD video-capable SD cards require a write rate of at least 30MB/s. Those who come with 60MB/s or 90MB/s or higher will work even better. Using the wrong cards may result in incompatibility issues or dropped-frame videos.
3. When shooting in 4K, a 32GB SD card can only hold a 32-minute long video. As 4K videos consume more space, so it’s recommended to choose bigger microSD cards. 64GB or higher is better. If you seldom shoot videos, then 32GB works for you.
4. As a drone pilot myself, I got to tell you that one microSD card is really not enough, and you won’t feel safe cause you can’t capture videos if you forget to backup the sd card or the only one card is broken.
How to check your MicroSD Card Compatibility for DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2?
I guess you may already have a few microSD cards in handy, if they are not in the DJI’s recommendation list, you just need to check the writing speed to see if they meet the requirement of at least 30MB/s write speed.
If you don’t know how to check the write speed, Here is an overview:
Take a look at the SD Card to see if it’s labeled with U3, V30, V60, or V90.
Video Format:
Learn more about SD Card Speed Class Standards.
If not, just check the following list of the best Mavic air 2 SD cards.
Best DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2 microSD Card list
32GB:
64GB:
128GB:
SanDisk Extreme Plus V30 A2 128G
256GB:
DJI Recommended Mavic Air 2 SD Card List
64GB:
- SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB UHS-III V30 A2 microSDXC
- SanDisk High Endurance 64GB UHS-III V30 microSDXC
- SanDisk Extreme 64GB UHS-III V30 A2 microSDXC
- Lexar 667x 64GB UHS-III V30 A2 microSDXC
- Lexar High-Endurance 64GB UHS-III V30 microSDXC
128GB:
- SanDisk Extreme 128GB UHS-III V30 A2 microSDXC
- Samsung EVO Plus 128GB UHS-III microSDXC
- Kingston V30 128GB UHS-III microSDXC
256GB:
- SanDisk Extreme 256GB UHS-III V30 A2 microSDXC
- Samsung EVO Plus 256GB UHS-III microSDXC
- Netac 256GB UHS-III A1 microSDXC
What else you may need?
SD Card Case
An sd card case is an essential piece to protect your microSD cards safely. This card came is made from tough material that is water-resistant and can absorb shock. The rounded corners and case faces make it a nice fit for a back pocket, and the cutouts for the cards seem to hold sd cards firmly in place.
SD Card Reader
Getting long-duration 4K videos to your mobile device is a pain in the ass if you download them directly from your drone. Normally a 1GB 4K video may take more than 3 minutes to finish the process. Let alone your drone will heat up. Using an SD Card Reader will significantly increase the download speed and you don’t need to keep your drone turn on.
Why You Should Trust Me?
As the founder of Cutofdrone.com, I have nearly 5 years of experience working with DJI. During my time there, I was in charge of the DJI Online Store operation and participated in every major new product launch. I also initiated the introduction of the microSD cards that are now selling on the DJI Store.
I am an experienced drone pilot, and I own a Phantom 3 Advanced, a Mavic Pro, a Mavic 2 Pro, and a Mavic Mini. I have more than 10 micro SD cards for my drones.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Max SD card size of DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2?
The Max SD card size that Mavic Air 2 supports is 256GB.
2. Can I fly the DJI Air 2S or Mavic Air 2 without an SD memory card?
Yes. DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2 have 8GB of built-in storage which is a backup for you to capture some photos and videos. Also, if you don’t fly with an SD Card, you will only get low-resolution footage and photos cached on your mobile device.
3. Do DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2 come with an SD Card?
No, it doesn’t come with any MicroSD Card in the package.
4. What memory SD Card do DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2 use?
They use microSD cards that have a writing speed of at least 30MB/s.
5. Where can I find DJI Air 2S or Mavic Air 2 SD Card Slot?
The SD card slot of Mavic Air 2 is on the right side of the aircraft.
6. How to format your DJI Air 2S and Mavic Air 2 SD Card?
There are two ways you can format your Mavic Air 2 sd card. One is to format with your computer, and the other is to format with the drone: Tap on the 3 dots on the main screen of DJI Fly, then choose ‘Camera‘ on the following screen, and can scroll down until you see the “Storage Location‘, you will find the Format button.
7. What are the V Rating and U Rating of SD cards?
- U3: MicroSD cards with a U3 rating have a write rate of 30MB/s.
- V30: A V30 sd card comes with a Min. writing speed of 30MB/s.
- V60: A V60 card has a Min. write speed of 60MB/s.
- V90: A V90 memory card supports the Min. writing speed of 90MB/s.
You may also be interested in:
I have a SanDisk Ultra SDHC card and it works great with my DJI Mavic Air 2. I’ve had no problems with it.
Hi Everyone,
Requesting good advice regarding my San Disk 256gb sd card, as below:-
1. The sd card has been formatted well before been installed & used on my Air 2S;
2. After a few flights with most of the 4k vid recorded, planning to transfer the recorded vids/photos into my computer;
3. Tried direct connection from the drone connected with the provided cable to my laptop and resulting in ‘data not recognized and need to be formatted’
4. Tried another option by removing the sd card and connected to my laptop via the adapter, and resulting in ‘data not recognized and need to be formatted’.
Hence, I didn’t proceed as per the suggested result to avoid the potential loss of the recorded vids/photos.
Please advise on how should I do to avoid any data loss accordingly, your kind inputs are highly appreciated.
Thanks
Looks like your sd card file system is not recognized by your computer. Do you have a problem downloading videos to your mobile device? Have you tried another computer?
I’ve been shooting 4K videos on my Mavic Air 2 with a v30 256K chip with no problems at all.
Oh, and they are far cheaper than v90s or even v60s.
I have a question, Why does my video looks choppy, or freezes for a second or two? Is it possible it’s the SD card? Thank you for your time, and help with this matter.
Hi Ray, what sd card do you use?
Just a heads up on other compatible micro sd cards for the Mavic Air 2:
PNY Elite-X 128gb
Delkin Devices SELECT 64GB
I have used both of these extensively with ZERO issues
Hi Paul
Thanks for the tips re other sd cards.
I’m new to the drone game.
Can you advise me if a SanDisk Extreme A2 64GB V30
Micro SD card which has 4K UHD in its advertising, would be suitable for the Malik Air 2 drone.
I note the recommended list of sd cards from another article shows UHS-111 A2 microSDXC
Cards.
Hope you can help.
Very helpful info. Thanks for taking the time to explain and share. You are a good human. : )
If I tried using a MicroSD card with a capacity of more than 256GB with a Mavic Air 2, what would happen? Would ii still be able to capture video on it?
Hi Todd, I am not sure. But I guess it should be no problem if the writing speed meets the requirements.
Extremely helpful. This was my first day of flying my new MAVIC Air 2. I saved your web page as a favorite. Thanks!