diff --git a/src/libcamera/pipeline/rpi/vc4/vc4.cpp b/src/libcamera/pipeline/rpi/vc4/vc4.cpp
index 018cf488..6777c697 100644
--- a/src/libcamera/pipeline/rpi/vc4/vc4.cpp
+++ b/src/libcamera/pipeline/rpi/vc4/vc4.cpp
@@ -262,9 +262,9 @@ int PipelineHandlerVc4::prepareBuffers(Camera *camera)
 		} else if (stream == &data->unicam_[Unicam::Embedded]) {
 			/*
 			 * Embedded data buffers are (currently) for internal use,
-			 * so allocate the minimum required to avoid frame drops.
+			 * so allocate a generous number as they are small.
 			 */
-			numBuffers = minBuffers;
+			numBuffers = 12;
 		} else {
 			/*
 			 * Since the ISP runs synchronous with the IPA and requests,