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Top camera memory cards of 2024: Leading options in SD, microSD, CFexpress, and CF card
By: Linda On: 9 February 2024
Choosing the optimal memory cards for your camera is a crucial aspect of the photographic or videography process. Similar to a painter's canvas, these cards serve as the medium where your images are stored. It's essential to match the right type of memory card with your camera model, making thorough research a valuable step in ensuring compatibility.
Beyond being a software concern, the physical differences among various memory card types mean that an incompatible card won't just fail to function; it may not even fit into the designated slot. Determining the suitable card for your camera is generally straightforward – consult the manual or conduct a quick online search for guidance.
For most cameras, an SD card is a reliable choice, compatible with the majority of DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and compact models released in recent years. Exceptions include smaller, specialized devices like GoPros, which typically utilize a micro SD card slot.
Advanced cameras often accommodate faster card formats, with the current high-speed standard being CFExpress. Pro and semi-pro cameras released in recent times are likely to feature a CFExpress slot. Slightly older models might use XQD, while even earlier ones could utilize CFast. The oldest cameras may still be compatible with the traditional Compact Flash cards.
If the technical jargon seems overwhelming, not fear. Please read How to comprehend all information stored on your camera's memory card . you'll find a comprehensive guide explaining the various card types available, along with helpful tips for selecting the right card. If you're new to this topic, starting there would be a wise choice.
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I — Best overall SD memory card
SanDisk Extreme 90MB/s — Best budget-friendly SD card
Lexar Professional 1066x SDXC UHS-I — Best memory card for photography
Lexar Professional Class 10 UHS-II 1800X — Best SD card for professionals
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II — Best known for speed
Samsung PRO Endurance — Suitable for Action cameras,dashcams,security cameras
Samsung EVO Plus — Best budget microSD card with SD card adapter
SanDisk microSDXC UHS-I Nintendo Switch — The best microSD for Switch players
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Card — Best CFexpress memory card
SanDisk Extreme PRO CompactFlash Card — Best for cinema qualtiy 4K video
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I .png)
The best overall SD memory card
Card type: SDXC | Capacity: 64GB-1TB | Read Speed: Up to 200MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 140MB/s | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty | Suitable for: Both photography and/or video (including 4K)
We discovered the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card, offering storage capacities of up to 1TB. This card not only enables rapid-fire sequential shooting with a write speed of up to 140MB/s but also enhances overall performance with speeds reaching 200MB/s. These features are beneficial for both newcomers and experienced professionals.
From our hands-on experience, we can attest that this memory card's impressive data processing capabilities not only simplify Raw photography sequence capture but also make it well-suited for shooting high-quality 4K videos. In our assessment, this memory card stands out as one of the top options in the market, albeit at a higher cost, owing to its excellence.
SanDisk Extreme SD UHS-I
A great budget-friendly SDHC card
Card type: SDHC | Capacity: Up to 256GB | Read Speed: Up to 150MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 70MB/s ( Speed may different depend on capacity ) | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty | Suitable for: Both photography and video (including 4K)
At times, the desire for both ample storage capacity and affordability leads to a search for the perfect SD card. The SanDisk Extreme is an excellent choice that fulfills both criteria. With UHS Speed Class 3 compatibility, it proves ideal for shooting high-quality video, whether in 1080p or 4K, thanks to its impressive speed.
Despite its budget-friendly pricing, this card remains resilient against water, temperature, and shocks, providing peace of mind during intensive use. Our firsthand experience with the memory card has been exceptional, with observed shot speeds reaching up to 150MB/s and transfer speeds of up to 70MB/s—assuming compatibility with devices that support such speeds.
Through practical use, we've found that this memory card is well-suited for capturing 4K UHD video and engaging in sequential burst mode photography. Its UHS Speed Class 3 compatibility ensures it meets the demands of photography, vlogging, and 4K video recording. Additionally, our testing has demonstrated the card's durability, having withstood harsh conditions. It's temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof, making it a reliable companion in various challenging environments.
Lexar Professional 1066x SDXC UHS-I
Best memory card for photography
Card type: SDXC | Capacity: Up to 512GB | Read Speed: Up to 160 MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 120MB/s | Warranty: 10 years limited warranty | Suitable for: Both photography and/or video (including 4K)
New camera owners often embark on a journey of exploration, capturing numerous photos and videos to understand their camera's capabilities better. This enthusiastic shooting can swiftly fill up a memory card, the Lexar Professional 1066x SDXC UHS-I offers high transfer speeds, efficiently managing substantial volumes of both photos and videos.
For professional photographers seeking a reliable memory card, this product stands out as an excellent choice. Tailored to withstand the demands of professional use, it proves to be a top-notch solution for handling the rigors associated with extensive photography sessions.
Lexar Professional Class 10 UHS-II 1800X
Best SD card for professionals
Card type: SDHC or SDXC | Capacity: Up to 256GB | Read Speed: Up to 205MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 280MB/s | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty | Suitable for: Both photography and video (including 4K)
Lexar Professional Class 10 UHS-II 1800X Speed — Best SD card for professionals
Ideal for professional photographers, the Lexar Professional Class 10 UHS-II 1800X Speed stands out as an excellent option. Leveraging UHS-II technology, it achieves impressive transfer speeds of up to 280 MB/s and write speeds of up to 205 MB/s. This card is versatile enough to handle various shooting scenarios, including full HD, 4K video, and Raw file photography. Although its maximum capacity may be slightly less than some competitors, the Lexar SD card remains a stellar choice, whether you are a seasoned professional or just embarking on the exciting journey of photography.
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II SDSDXDK
Best known for speed
Card Type: SDXC | Capacity: Up to 128GB | Read Speed: Up to 300MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 260MB/s | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty | Suitable for: Pros wanting to shoot swift bursts of high-res stills and video
Having a memory card that struggles to keep pace with your rapid shots can be frustrating and might cause you to miss crucial moments. The SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II addresses these concerns by delivering remarkable reading speeds of up to 300 MB/s and write speeds of up to 260 MB/s, establishing itself as a frontrunner among other memory cards.
This card is indispensable for those capturing images or videos of fast-paced subjects such as sports and wildlife, or for individuals aiming to record high-clarity 4K resolution videos. While the storage capacity reaches a maximum of 128GB, the primary focus of the card lies in its impressive speed.
Samsung PRO Endurance
Suitable for Action cameras,dashcams,security cameras
Card type: microSD (With SD adapter) | Capacity: Up to 256GB | Read Speed: Up to 100MB/s | Write speed: Up to 40MB/s | Warranty: Up to 5 years | Suitable for: Action cameras, dashcams, security cameras
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Advertised as durable, long-lasting, and particularly suitable for action cameras, the Samsung PRO Endurance MicroSDHC card currently stands as the premier choice among MicroSD cards. The manufacturer's assertions are supported by the card's impressive reading and writing speeds of 100MB/s and 40MB/s, respectively.
At its maximum capacity, the card promises an industry-best 140,160 hours of continuous video recording. If you're in search of a MicroSD card, the Samsung offering is unrivaled in terms of performance and reliability.
Samsung EVO Plus
Best budget microSD card with SD card adapter
Card type: microSD (With SD adapter) | Capacity: Up to 512GB | Read Speed: Up to 100MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 30MB/s | Warranty: 10 years | Suitable for: Day to day photography
Available in capacities ranging from 64GB to 512GB, the Samsung EVO Plus microSD is a Class 10 card that includes an SD adapter, ensuring its compatibility with both cameras and mobile devices. Priced at less than $12 for the entry-level 64GB version, it offers excellent value, especially considering its impressive read speeds of 130 MB/s.
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Adding to its appeal is the assurance of peace of mind through a 10-year limited warranty. Additionally, the card is claimed to be waterproof, temperature-proof, X-ray-proof, and magnet-proof, further solidifying its durability and reliability.
SanDisk microSDXC UHS-I Nintendo Switch
The best microSD for Switch players
Card type: microSD (With SD adapter) | Capacity: Up to 512GB | Read Speed: Up to 100MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 90MB/s | Warranty: Not specified | Suitable for: Nintendo Switch
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MicroSD cards find utility beyond cameras, with the Nintendo Switch handheld console and its compact version, the Nintendo Switch Lite, standing out as prominent users of this memory type. The memory slot serves a dual purpose – not only expanding the game library but also facilitating the capture of screenshots and videos documenting victories and adventures.
Distinguishing colors correspond to different capacities: red, featuring a Nintendo Mushroom icon, denotes 128GB; yellow, adorned with a Super Star, represents 256GB; and teal green designates the 512GB card. While customized cards are not obligatory, as any microSD card is compatible with the Switch, opting for these colorful options can showcase brand loyalty.
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Card
One of the first & best CFexpress Type B cards available
Card type: CFexpress Type B | Capacity: Up to 512GB | Read Speed: Up to 1700MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 1400MB/s | Warranty: Not specified | Suitable for: Pro photography
Introducing the latest memory card format in the market – CFexpress. These high-speed cards are rapidly becoming a standard in top-tier mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and professional camcorders, including models like the Canon EOS-1D X III, Nikon D6, Nikon Z7, and Panasonic Lumix S1. Boasting an impressive 1400Mb/s write speed, exemplified by the SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Card, these cards are setting a new benchmark for both camera performance and card reliability. While the current pricing is on the higher side, the investment is deemed worthwhile for professional usage. It's essential to note that this is a CFexpress Type B card, and over time, there will also be a smaller Type A card and a larger Type C card introduced to the market.
SanDisk Extreme PRO CompactFlash Card
Best for cinema qualtiy 4K video
Card type: Card type: microSD (With SD adapter) | Capacity: Up to 256GB | Read Speed: Up to 160MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 150MB/s | Warranty: Not specified | Suitable for: Both photography and video (including 4K)
While CompactFlash may be considered old school, there's nothing outdated about the SanDisk Extreme PRO CompactFlash's impressive 160MB/s read speed. Despite being physically larger compared to current memory card standards, CompactFlash can still deliver the capacity and speed necessary to satisfy the needs of today's DSLR users.
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The SanDisk range provides capacities ranging from a practical 16GB to a generous 256GB, eliminating the need for frequent card swaps during crucial moments. With a write speed of up to 140MB/s at the maximum 256GB capacity (even faster at 150MB/s for the 128GB and lower capacities), this card is well-suited for Full HD video capture. Additionally, its class-leading minimum sustained write speed of 65MB/s further underscores its reliability.
