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Best Sd Cards For Photography (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to expand your photography capabilities, then you should consider investing in an SD card. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which SD card is right for you. It's vital to consider several factors before purchasing an SD card.

The first factor is storage capacity. You must determine how much storage you'll require based on your photography needs. Additionally, consider the card's read and write speeds. These speeds affect how quickly your camera can capture photos or transfer data to your computer.

There are several questions you should ask yourself before purchasing an SD card for photography. What is the intended use of the SD card? What is the maximum storage capacity that you'll require? Do you need a high-speed card? Once you've answered these questions, you'll be better equipped to choose the best SD card for your needs.

In conclusion, an SD card is an essential accessory for photographers of all levels. When purchasing an SD card, consider the storage capacity required for your needs, as well the read and write speed. By asking yourself critical questions concerning the intended use of the card, storage capacity, and speed required, you can make informed decisions about which SD card to buy.

10 Best Sd Cards For Photography

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for storing large amounts of data, such as photos and videos, with fast transfer speeds.
2
Ideal for storing high-quality photos and videos on cameras, drones, and other devices with UHS-I compatibility.
3
Ideal for high-speed data transfer, capturing 4K UHD video, and storing large amounts of data on compatible devices.
4
Ideal for high-performance cameras and devices that require fast read and write speeds in 4K UHD video recording.
5
Ideal for storing and quickly accessing large amounts of data, such as photos and videos, on compatible devices.
6
Ideal for professional photographers and videographers who need fast and reliable memory cards with large storage capacity.
7
Ideal for capturing high-quality photos and videos with ultra-fast transfer speeds for use in professional cameras and camcorders.
8
This product is ideal for high-quality video recording on DSLR and cinema cameras, with fast read speeds up to 300MB/s.
9
Ideal for storing large amounts of data and high-quality images/videos in devices with SDXC compatibility.
10
This product is ideal for professional photographers and videographers who need high-speed data transfer and storage capabilities.
This product is ideal for storing large amounts of data, such as photos and videos, with fast transfer speeds.
Ideal for storing high-quality photos and videos on cameras, drones, and other devices with UHS-I compatibility.
Ideal for high-speed data transfer, capturing 4K UHD video, and storing large amounts of data on compatible devices.
Ideal for high-performance cameras and devices that require fast read and write speeds in 4K UHD video recording.
Ideal for storing and quickly accessing large amounts of data, such as photos and videos, on compatible devices.
Ideal for professional photographers and videographers who need fast and reliable memory cards with large storage capacity.
Ideal for capturing high-quality photos and videos with ultra-fast transfer speeds for use in professional cameras and camcorders.
This product is ideal for high-quality video recording on DSLR and cinema cameras, with fast read speeds up to 300MB/s.
Ideal for storing large amounts of data and high-quality images/videos in devices with SDXC compatibility.
This product is ideal for professional photographers and videographers who need high-speed data transfer and storage capabilities.

1. Sandisk 128gb Ultra Sdxc Uhs-I Memory Card – 120mb/s, C10, U1, Full Hd, Sd Card – Sdsdun4-128g-Gn6in

Capture your special moments with ease using the SanDisk 128GB SDXC Memory Card. This card is designed for use with compact to mid-range point-and-shoot cameras and offers quick transfer speeds of up to 120MB/s(1), allowing you to back up all your precious memories in no time.

This memory card features a capacity of up to 128GB, providing ample space for storing tons of pictures and even more Full HD videos(2). Please note that actual user storage may be less due to file formatting. You can also rest assured that this card provides exceptional video recording performance with UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) and Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p)(2).

In addition, this memory card is engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, which requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. However, please note that write speed may be lower and performance may vary depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors(1). You can also use this card with a SanDisk SD UHS-I card reader (sold separately) for even faster transfer speeds up to 120MB/s(1).

Overall, the SanDisk 128GB SDXC Memory Card is a reliable and high-performance choice for anyone looking to capture and store their memories.

For more information on UHS speed, Full HD video support, and other card specifications, please visit the official SanDisk website.

Pros

  • Quick transfer speeds of up to 120MB/s(1) for fast back up of your memories
  • Ample capacity of up to 128GB for storing tons of pictures and Full HD videos(2)
  • Exceptional video recording performance with UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) and Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p)(2)
  • Compatible with SanDisk SD UHS-I card reader (sold separately) for even faster transfer speeds

Cons

  • – Write speed may be lower and performance may vary depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors(1)
  • – Actual user storage may be less due to file formatting

2. Extreme Pro 256gb Sd Card – 4k Ready.

The SanDisk Professional SDXC UHS-II card is designed to provide a fast and efficient way to offload your video and photo content. The card has a card offload speed of up to 200MB/s thanks to SanDisk QuickFlow Technology. This technology allows the card to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, which is ideal for professional photographers and videographers who need fast data transfer rates. However, it requires compatible devices that can reach such speeds. The card is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities, but the actual user storage is less than the advertised capacity.

To achieve maximum speeds, you can pair this SDXC card with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD (sold separately). This will give you shot speeds of up to 140MB/s, which is perfect for shooting 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography. However, the write speed of up to 140MB/s may be lower depending on the host device, interface, usage conditions, and other factors. The card supports Full HD (1920×1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video recording, but the video support may vary based on the host device and file attributes.

This SDXC card has a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) rating. The UHS Speed Class 3 is designed to support 4K UHD video recording with enabled UHS host devices, while the Video Speed Class 30 is designed to support real-time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. The sustained video capture rate of V30 is 30MB/s. You can check the SD Association's official website for more information.

Pros

  • Fast card offload speed of up to 200MB/s with SanDisk QuickFlow Technology
  • Supports Full HD and 4K UHD video recording
  • UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) rating for fast data transfer rates
  • Available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities

Cons

  • – The actual user storage is less than the advertised capacity

3. Sandisk 128gb Extreme Pro Sdxc Uhs-I Card – C10, U3, V30, 4k Uhd, Sd Card – Sdsdxxy-128g-Gn4in

The SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Memory Card is a high-performance memory card that offers shot speeds of up to 90MB/s and transfer speeds of up to 170MB/s, which makes it perfect for capturing 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography. However, it is important to note that these speeds require a compatible device capable of reaching such speeds, such as the SanDisk SD UHS I card reader, which is sold separately. Moreover, the actual performance may be lower depending upon the host device, interface, usage conditions, and other factors.

This microSDXC memory card is compatible with microSDHC and microSDXC supporting host devices, making it incredibly versatile. It also offers uninterrupted video capture with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and video Speed Class 30 (V30), which designates a performance option designed to support 4K UHD video recording with enabled UHS host devices and a sustained video capture rate of 30MB/s, respectively. However, the full HD (1920×1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors.

In addition to its impressive performance, this memory card is built for and tested in harsh conditions. It is temperature proof, water proof, shock proof, and X-ray proof, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities or extreme environments. It is important to note that these features are applicable to the card only.

Overall, the SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Memory Card is an excellent choice for those who need a high-performance memory card that is compatible with a wide range of devices and built to withstand harsh conditions.

Pros

  • High-performance memory card with shot speeds up to 90MB/s and transfer speeds up to 170MB/s
  • Compatible with microSDHC and microSDXC supporting host devices
  • Uninterrupted video capture with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and video Speed Class 30 (V30)
  • Built for and tested in harsh conditions, including temperature proof, water proof, shock proof, and X-ray proof

Cons

  • – The card reader needed to achieve the highest speeds is sold separately
  • – Actual performance may be lower depending upon the host device, interface, usage conditions, and other factors

4. Sandisk Extreme 128gb Memory Card – 4k Ready

The high-speed SanDisk Extreme SDXC UHS-I Card boasts of shot speeds of up to 70MB/s and transfer speeds of up to 150MB/s. The card is perfect for shooting 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography. However, compatibility with devices that can deliver such speeds is required for maximum performance, and the actual performance may be lower depending on various factors such as the host device, interface, and usage conditions. Full HD (1920×1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based on the host device and file attributes.

The SanDisk Extreme SDXC UHS-I Card allows for uninterrupted video capture with its UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30). It has a sustained video capture rate of 30MB/s, which is a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS-enabled host devices. Additionally, the card is built for harsh conditions, making it temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof. The card comes with a lifetime limited manufacturer warranty, with a 30-year warranty for Germany, Canada, and regions that do not recognize lifetime warranties.

Pros

  • High-speed shot and transfer speeds for 4K UHD video and burst mode photography
  • UHS Speed Class 3 and Video Speed Class 30 for uninterrupted video capture
  • Built for harsh conditions, making it temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof
  • Lifetime limited manufacturer warranty

5. Fast & Reliable 128gb Memory Card.

The SanDisk Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card is an excellent option for those looking for a compact to mid-range point-and-shoot camera.

With transfer speeds of up to 140MB/s, this memory card offers quick transfer speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s. These speeds require compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. Please note that performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. The card offers up to 128GB of storage capacity to store tons of pictures. Actual user storage may be less than 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes.

This memory card features UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p). UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) is a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. Please note that Full HD (1920×1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors. For more information, please visit the SanDisk Video Knowledge Base.

The SanDisk Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card is also compatible with SanDisk SD UHS-I card reader, which is sold separately.

Pros

  • Quick transfer speeds up to 140MB/s
  • Up to 128GB of storage capacity
  • UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p)
  • Compatible with SanDisk SD UHS-I card reader

6. Lexar Pro 1667x Dual-Pack Sdxc – Pro-Grade Speed!

Experience lightning-fast performance with the UHS-II technology (U3) that provides a read transfer speed of up to 250MB/s. Whether you're shooting with a DSLR camera, cinema-quality video cameras, or 3D camera, this memory card captures high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p Full-HD, 3D, and 4K video without any lag or buffering issues.

With high-speed file transfer from the card to the computer, this memory card significantly accelerates your workflow. You can transfer files at lightning-fast speeds, allowing you to spend more time capturing stunning footage and less time transferring it.

This memory card is also backwards compatible with UHS-I devices, so you can use it with older cameras and devices. Plus, it comes with limited lifetime product support, giving you peace of mind knowing that you're covered if anything goes wrong with the card.

Pros

  • Provides high-speed performance with UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 250MB/s
  • Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p Full-HD, 3D, and 4K video without any lag or buffering issues
  • High-speed file transfer from card to computer to dramatically accelerate workflow
  • Backwards compatible with UHS-I devices
  • Comes with limited lifetime product support

7. Extreme Pro Sdxc: Unleash Your Digital World

The SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II Card is an ideal storage solution for professional and advanced photographers and videographers. It offers super-fast write speeds of up to 260MB/s that help to clear buffer time rapidly, enabling support for continuous burst mode shooting and cinema-quality video recording(2). The card requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds.

The card provides sustained V90 video speeds and UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) that deliver cinema-quality 8K, 4K, and Full HD video recording(1)(2). Additionally, it boasts extreme transfer speeds of up to 300MB/s, which help achieve maximum postproduction workflow efficiency. However, the card requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds, such as the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II USB-C Reader (sold separately).

The SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II Card comes with a shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof design(5), making it an ideal storage solution for photographers and videographers who travel from studio to location worry-free.

Pros

  • Super-fast write speeds of up to 260MB/s enable support for continuous burst mode shooting and cinema-quality video recording
  • Sustained V90 video speeds and UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) deliver cinema-quality 8K, 4K, and Full HD video recording
  • Extreme transfer speeds of up to 300MB/s help achieve maximum postproduction workflow efficiency
  • Shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof design makes it an ideal storage solution for photographers and videographers who travel

8. Lexar 256gb Pro Sdxc For Top-Quality Video

The high-speed performance of this memory card is due to the utilization of UHS-II technology, offering a read transfer speed of up to 300MB/s. It allows users to capture high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and cinema-quality 8K video. This memory card is designed for durability, ensuring that it can withstand harsh working environments. It is also compatible with UHS-I devices, making it a versatile option for various devices. Additionally, the product comes with limited lifetime support, giving users peace of mind in case of any issues.

This memory card is a reliable and efficient option for professional photographers and videographers who require high-speed transfer rates and extended storage capabilities. With its durable design, users can take this memory card on any adventure, knowing it can withstand harsh conditions.

Pros

  • High-speed performance with UHS-II technology
  • Read transfer speed up to 300MB/s
  • Ideal for capturing high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and cinema-quality 8K video
  • Designed for durability
  • Backwards compatible with UHS-I devices
  • Limited lifetime product support

9. Sandisk Ultra 64gb Class 10 Sdxc Uhs-I Memory Card Up To 80mb/s (Sdsdunc-064g-Gn6in)

The SDHC Card is an excellent choice for compact to mid-range point and shoot digital cameras and camcorders. With its class 10 rating, it delivers exceptional video recording performance in Full HD (1080p) quality. This card is twice as fast as ordinary SDHC cards, allowing you to take pictures and transfer files quickly, with transfer speeds up to 80MB/s. It is compatible with SDHC I/SDXC I devices, ensuring that it can be used with a variety of devices. In addition, this card is designed to withstand harsh conditions, including being waterproof, temperature proof, X ray proof, magnet proof, and shockproof. This ensures that it can be used in any situation, no matter how rugged the environment may be.

Overall, the SDHC Card is a reliable and high-performance storage solution for all your photo and video needs. With its fast transfer speeds and exceptional video recording capabilities, it is perfect for capturing all your precious memories with ease and confidence. It is also designed to withstand tough conditions, making it the perfect choice for outdoor adventures and other challenging environments.

Pros

  • Class 10 rating delivers exceptional video recording performance in Full HD (1080p) quality
  • Twice as fast as ordinary SDHC cards, allowing you to take pictures and transfer files quickly
  • Quick transfer speeds up to 80MB/s
  • Designed to withstand harsh conditions, including being waterproof, temperature proof, X ray proof, magnet proof, and shockproof
  • Compatible with SDHC I/SDXC I devices

10. Prograde Sd Card For Elite Creatives

Experience lightning-fast performance with the use of UHS-II technology (U3) that provides a read transfer speed of up to 250MB/s (1667x). This feature allows you to capture stunning 1080P full-HD, 3D, and 4K videos, as well as high-quality images, with your DSLR camera, HD camcorder, or 3D camera.

This high-performance memory card provides large capacity options of up to 256 GB, allowing you to enjoy long hours of shooting without the need to change cards. Moreover, its high-speed file transfer from card to computer significantly accelerates your workflow, enabling you to get your work done quickly and efficiently.

The UHS-II memory card is also backwards compatible with UHS-I devices, adding to its versatility and convenience. To provide you with peace of mind, this memory card is backed by limited lifetime product support.

With an operating temperature range of 0° to 70° C (32°F to 158°F), you can use this memory card in various environments and conditions without worrying about its performance.

Pros

  • Provides high-speed performance with UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 250MB/s (1667x)
  • Allows for the capture of high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080P full-HD, 3D, and 4K video with a DSLR camera, HD camcorder, or 3D camera
  • Comes in large capacity options of up to 256 GB, enabling long hours of shooting without changing cards
  • Enables high-speed file transfer from card to computer, accelerating workflow
  • Backwards compatible with UHS-I devices, adding to its versatility and convenience
  • Backed by limited lifetime product support

Best Sd Cards For Photography FAQs

Can I use any SD card for my camera or do I need a specific type?

When it comes to the type of SD card you can use for your camera, it's important to pay attention to the specifications of your camera. Different cameras have different requirements, and not all SD cards will work with all cameras. Some cameras may require a specific type of SD card, such as a high-speed card, while others may have limitations on the maximum capacity of the card that can be used.

To ensure that you're using the right SD card for your camera, it's best to check the owner's manual or manufacturer's website for specific recommendations. This will help you avoid compatibility issues and ensure that you get the best possible performance from your camera.

In general, it's also a good idea to choose a reputable brand when purchasing an SD card. This can help ensure that you get a reliable and high-quality product that will work well with your camera. While it may be tempting to choose a cheaper, off-brand option, this can often lead to problems down the line, such as card failure or data loss.

How do I properly format an SD card for use in photography?

When it comes to photography, having a properly formatted SD card is essential to ensure that your camera functions smoothly and your images are saved without any errors. Here are the steps to properly format an SD card for use in photography:

1. Insert the SD card into your camera and turn it on.

2. Go to the camera menu and find the option for formatting the SD card. It may be located under the "Settings" or "Storage" menu.

3. Select "Format" and follow the prompts to confirm the action.

4. Wait for the formatting process to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on the size of the SD card.

5. Once the formatting is complete, turn off the camera and remove the SD card.

6. Insert the SD card back into the camera and turn it on to ensure that it is functioning properly.

It is important to note that formatting an SD card will erase all data stored on it, so make sure to back up any important files before formatting. Additionally, it is recommended to format the SD card regularly to prevent any errors or malfunctions in the future.

What capacity SD card should I use for photography?

When it comes to choosing the right SD card for your photography needs, there are a few factors to consider. The first thing to look at is the capacity of the card. The capacity of the SD card refers to the amount of data it can store. In general, it's best to choose a card with a higher capacity to ensure that you have enough space to store all of your photos.

The capacity you should choose largely depends on the type of photography you are doing. If you're shooting high-resolution images or video, you'll need a larger capacity card. For most photography needs, a 64GB or 128GB SD card should suffice. These cards offer plenty of space for storing photos, and they are also affordable and widely available.

It's important to note that not all SD cards are created equal. When choosing a card, look for one that has a high read and write speed. This will ensure that your photos are saved quickly and that you can quickly transfer them to your computer.

In summary, when choosing an SD card for photography, look for one with a high capacity, fast read and write speed, and that's compatible with your camera. A 64GB or 128GB card should be sufficient for most photography needs.

What is the best SD card for photography?

The best SD card for photography is one that offers a balance of high speed, large storage capacity, and durability. Some of the top brands in the market include SanDisk, Lexar, and Kingston. When choosing an SD card, it is important to consider its read and write speeds, as this can affect the performance of your camera. A Class 10 or UHS-I SD card is ideal for most photography needs. Additionally, the storage capacity of the SD card should match the demands of your photography work. For professional photographers, a 128GB or 256GB SD card is recommended. Finally, the durability of the SD card is important, especially if you work in harsh environments. Look for SD cards that are waterproof, shockproof, and temperature-proof. Ultimately, the best SD card for photography will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What is the difference between SDHC and SDXC cards for photography?

When it comes to photography, choosing the right memory card is crucial. SDHC and SDXC cards are two of the most popular types of memory cards available in the market. The main difference between these two types of cards is their storage capacity. SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards typically have a storage capacity of up to 32GB, while SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) cards can store up to 2TB of data.

Another difference between SDHC and SDXC cards is their speed. SDXC cards are generally faster than SDHC cards, which means they can transfer data more quickly. This makes them a better choice for photographers who need to capture high-resolution images or shoot 4K videos. However, it's important to note that the speed of the memory card also depends on the camera's write speed.

In summary, if you're a photographer who needs to capture high-resolution images or shoot 4K videos, an SDXC card would be a better choice for you. However, if you don't need as much storage capacity and don't require lightning-fast transfer speeds, an SDHC card would be a more affordable option.

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