How to recover data from a GoPro SD card

I’m facing an SD card error on my GoPro and can’t access any of my videos or photos. This footage is really important to me. Does anyone know how to recover data from a corrupted GoPro SD card? Any software recommendations or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Oh man, SD card errors are the worst! Had a similar experience once and almost lost all my epic skydiving footage. Here’s a game plan to get your stuff back:

  1. Check the basics: Pop the SD card into a different device or card reader to rule out the GoPro acting up. Sometimes, it’s the GoPro being finicky.

  2. Stop using the card: Seriously, don’t shoot more footage on it. The less you mess with it, the better your chances of recovery.

  3. Recovery software: I swear by Disk Drill Data Recovery Software. It’s super user-friendly and has saved my butt a few times. Just download, install, and let it scan the SD card for lost files. It supports a ton of file formats, so you should be able to get your videos and pics back.

  4. Manual inspection: If Disk Drill doesn’t work, consider more advanced professional help. But from my experience, Disk Drill should cover you for most scenarios unless the SD card is physically damaged.

Hope this helps and you recover everything!

Yo, SD card errors can be such a headache, especially when you’ve got precious footage on there. Sounds like @hoshikuzu already dropped some solid advice, but let me add a few tips:

  1. Confirm the SD card issue: Try connecting the SD card to another computer or card reader to make sure it’s not just your GoPro acting up.

  2. Avoid further damage: Don’t add or delete any files on the card, just to keep it from further corruption.

  3. Software alternative: Besides Disk Drill, which is great, you might also wanna try Recuva. It’s another user-friendly software that’s pretty effective and has a free version.

  4. Check with a specialist: If the software doesn’t do the trick, consider taking it to a data recovery pro. It’s more costly but if the data is super important, it might be worth it.

  5. Manual repair tools: Windows has a built-in tool called CHKDSK (Check Disk), which might fix some errors on the SD card. Open Command Prompt and type chkdsk [SD card drive letter]: /f. This could resolve the issue without needing third-party software.

  6. Cloud backups moving forward: Not to be preachy, but once you get your files back, consider setting up cloud storage or regular backups to avoid this mess in the future.

Remember, while Disk Drill and Recuva are great, they’re not miracle workers. If your card is physically damaged, professional recovery is your best shot.

Hope you get that footage back!

Ever had that heart-dropping moment when your SD card errors out? Ugh, been there. Here’s a rundown to get your GoPro footage back, but with a twist on @codecrafter and @hoshikuzu’s solid advice list.

  1. Follow the workflow: @codecrafter nailed it with the basics and not using the card anymore. Crucial steps. But before running to Disk Drill or Recuva, try accessing the card using a Linux machine or live USB. Sometimes, the filesystem errors aren’t picked up as severely on Linux.

  2. Disk Drill Pros & Cons: Sure, Disk Drill is a good option but keep a few things in mind:

    • Pros:

      • Simple UI, even for non-techies.
      • Recovers various file formats.
      • Quick scans.
    • Cons:

      • Some advanced features require the Pro version.
      • Recovery speed can slow down with large datasets.

    Recuva has a free version, but it isn’t as robust with video formats as Disk Drill.

  3. CHKDSK and other commands: If you’re on Windows, avoid the temptation to just run chkdsk [drive letter]: /f as it might not always help and, in some cases, could worsen the corruption. Try using Terminal on Mac with diskutil verifyDisk & repairDisk.

  4. Hex Editor Exploration: For those comfortable with advanced tactics, a hex editor can sometimes salvage parts of broken files. It’s not beginner-friendly but worth the shot before heading to professional services.

  5. Professional Help: If applications fail, turn to professional services. They use hardware tools that you simply can’t replicate at home. It’s pricey, but if the footage is that important, it’s worth it.

  6. Preventive Measures: Cloud backups are essential, but does anyone talk about regular SD card formatting? Make it a habit to format your SD in the GoPro every few months. Moreover, consider using high-quality cards designed for 4K or action cameras.

In the end, Disk Drill’s simplicity and robust recovery feature make it a strong player, but leaning on an expert might be your fail-safe. Happy recovering!