Tips for Buying a High-Quality SD Memory Card for Your DSLR Camera
An excellent memory card is an important part of a photographer or videographer's gear. Without a memory card, you're not going to be able to record your work.
Whatever or however your shooting, you need a memory card with sufficient storage to handle your work and speed for transferring it.
There are several key elements to consider when selecting a memory card.
Type: First, you need to be sure you select a memory card that actually fits your device. If you're not sure what that is, check the device's handbook or manufacturer's instructions for guidance. There are three main types of standard-sized cards: SD, SDHC, and SDXC. These days, you'll likely be choosing between SDHC or SDXC, as SD cards are no longer available in stores.
SDHC cards have a capacity of 4GB to 32GB.
SDXC cards have a capacity of 64GB to 1TB.
Note that some devices only support cards of a specific capacity.
Speed & capacity
The next thing to consider before selecting a card is what you plan on shooting and how. These two things can affect the speed and capacity you'll need in a memory card.
Speed (measured in megabytes per second/MBs) is particularly crucial if you're shooting high-res video or motor drive action sequences.
If you're shooting a lot of 4k video or very high-res images, you'll need a card with both capacity and speed.
Weather
Weather can affect your memory cards just like any other gear or accessories. Your safest bet is to make sure you purchase a "destruction-proof" memory card if you'll be working in harsh weather conditions. Typically, these kinds of cards can handle some level of moisture and dirt.
UHS-I or UHS-II: There are two types: UHS-I and UHS-II. UHS-I cards have a maximum bus speed of 104MB/s. UHS-II cards have a maximum bus speed of 312MB/s. The highest speed SD and microSD cards today use the UHS-II bus standard. (Make sure that your camera is compatible with UHS-II.) Some cameras have two slots, which means they likely take both UHS-I and UHS-II.
Closing thoughts
Keep in mind your camera's capacity and your budget in mind when selecting a memory card. Look for a card with the fastest speed (read & write) and the best data storage capacity for your needs.
If you're a beginning photographer, your camera is likely not top-of-the-line (nor does it need to be at first). You might want to select a more modest memory card, rather than an expensive top-of-the-line card.
Start more modestly, and then you can upgrade as your experience increases along with your camera's quality.
The best SD memory cards for your camera in 2020
Shot speeds up to 90MB/s*, transfer speeds up to 170MB/s* [requires a compatible device capable of reaching such speeds, such as the SanDisk SD UHS-I card reader (sold separately)]. | *Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. X = 150KB/sec
Built for and tested in harsh conditions(3): Temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and X-ray-proof | (3)Card only
Lifetime limited manufacturer warranty (30-year warranty in Germany, Canada and regions not recognizing lifetime warranty. See official SanDisk website for more details regarding warranty in your region.)
RescuePRO Deluxe 2 data recovery software download offer (Registration required; Terms and conditions apply), for restoring accidentally deleted images.
2. Lexar Professional 633x 1TB SDXC UHS-I Card
High-speed, Class 10 performance—leverages UHS-I (U1 or U3 depending on capacity) technology for a read transfer speed up to 95MB/s (633x).
Capture high quality images of stunning 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video
Enjoy shooting longer without changing cards—large capacity options up to 1TB
High-speed file transfer from card to computer to dramatically accelerate workflow
Limited lifetime product support.
3. PNY 256GB Elite Performance Class 10 U3 SDXC Flash Memory Card
Sequential read speed of up to 95MB/s
Class 10, U3 rating delivers speed and performance for burst mode HD photography and 4K Ultra HD videography
Record, store and share videos, photos, music, files and more across device
Compatible with point & shoot cameras, DSLR cameras, standard & advanced HD-enabled video cameras, and more
Reliable & Durable: Magnet Proof, Shock Proof, Temperature Proof, Waterproof
4. SanDisk 256GB Extreme SDXC UHS-I Card - C10, U3, V30, 4K UHD, SD Card
Shot speeds up to 70MB/s*, transfer speeds up to 150MB/s* requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. | *Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors
Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video(1) and sequential burst mode photography | (1)Full HD (1920x1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors
Capture uninterrupted video with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30)(2) | (2)Sustained video capture rate of 30MB/s, designates a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS enabled host devices
Built for and tested in harsh conditions(3): temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof | (3)Card only
Lifetime limited manufacturer warranty (30-year warranty in Germany, Canada and regions not recognizing lifetime warranty)
5. Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 64GB
Tough specs: world's first one-piece molded construction with high hardness materials have resulted in the world's highest level of Bend strength, 18 times greater than the SD standard
Ribless, no write protection switch design: world's first ribless, no write protection switch design6 removed easy to break Parts, such as rib
Fast file transfer: up to 300 MB/s transfer speed and up to 299MB/s write speed 3. Uhs-ii, Class 10, U3 compliant. Fast writing speed excellent for 4K recording and continuous burst mode shooting
Highest level Waterproof (ipx8*5) & dustproof (ip6x*5): completely sealed with monolithic structure, This card is waterproof (compliant to IPX8)
Backward compatible with UHS-I compatible equipment: while highest performance is obtained using a UHS-II compatible camera, (up to 95MB/s transfer and 90MB/s writing speeds3)
6. Transcend 64GB SDXC/SDHC 700S Memory Card
Compliant with UHS-II U3 and V90 standards
Up to 64GB storage capacity
Up to 285 MB/s Read; 180 MB/s write
Ideal for DSLR cameras and advanced camcorders
The best MicroSD memory cards for your camera in 2020
High-speed performance—leverages UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 150MB/s (1000x)
Premium memory solution for sports camcorders, tablets, and smartphones
Designed for high-speed capture of high-quality images and extended lengths of 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video
Backwards compatible with UHS-I devices, performing up to the maximum thresholds of UHS-I speed capabilities (SDR104)
Limited lifetime product support for card
2. Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC EVO Select Memory Card
Ideal for recording 4K UHD video: Samsung MicroSD Evo is perfect for high-res photos, gaming, music, tablets, laptops, action cameras, dslr’s, drones, smartphones (Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e, S9, S9+, Note9, S8, S8+, Note8, S7, S7 Edge, etc.), Android devices and more
Durability rugged & lightweight; 2 meter drop test rated; IP54
Built to last reliability: Shock proof memory card is also water proof, temperature proof, x-ray proof and magnetic proof
Extended compatibility: Includes full-size adapter for use in Cameras, Laptops and Desktop Computers
10-year limited warranty: 10-year limited warranty does not extend to Dashcam, CCTV, Surveillance Camera and other write-intensive uses; Warranty for SD adapter is limited to 1 year
3. PNY U3 Pro Elite MicroSD Card
Superior performance up to 100MB/s read speed and up to 90MB/s write speed
Class 10, U3, V30 performance for the most intense applications including 4K Ultra HD video and burst mode shooting
Rated A2 for faster app performance and to run apps directly from PNY Pro elite Micro SD card
Ideal for use with action cameras, drones, smartphones, tablets, gaming and more
Includes SD adapter for compatibility with SDHC/SDXC host devices. Waterproof
4. Silicon Power Micro SD Card, Nintendo-Switch Compatible, 4K Video Recording, Micro SDXC Memory Card UHS-I A1 Class
UHS-1 Class 10 specifications, enabling fast file transfer speeds and Full-HD video recording
High compatibility for different types of devices including smartphones, tablets, DSLR and HD camcorder
Come with a SD card adapter that enables versatile usages for any SD enabled devices
5-year Warranty
Other memory card types for your camera in 2020
Read speeds of up to 1700MB/s and 1400MB/s write speeds offer low latency during high-speed recording and enhance workflow efficiency far beyond existing SanDisk cards [512GB only; 128GB-256GB = 1700MB/s read / 1200 MB/s write; 64GB = 1500 MB/s read / 800MB/s write] | Up to 1700MB/s read speed; up to 1400MB/s write speed. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, usage conditions, and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.
Enables smooth, RAW 4K video(1) | (1)4K video (4069x2160p) support may vary based on host device, file attributes, usage conditions and other factors.
The Cfexpress CardType B is backwards-compatible with select XQD cameras that adopt firmware enabling Cfexpress(2) | (2)Backwards compatibility with select XQD cameras subject to the availability and installation of a camera firmware update provided by the camera manufacturer enabling CFexpress compatibility.
2. Sony Professional XQD G series 120GB Memory Card
Xqd performance: The new XQD cards achieve Max read 440MB/s, Max write 400MB/S2 by using PCI Express Gen. 2 interface.
Superior strength: exceptional durability even during intense use. Up to 5x more durable compared to standard XQD. Tested to withstand 5 M (16. 4 foot) drops (3)
Fast reading & Writing: maximizes performance of XQD cameras, whether 4K video recording or continuous burst mode shooting, or transferring large contents to host devices
High durability: shock proof, Anti-Static and resistant to breakage. Full performance in extreme temperatures, also UV, x-ray and magnet proof
Downloadable filed Rescue: applies special algorithm to achieve higher rate of recovery for raw image, MOV files and 4K xavc-s video files captured on Sony and Nikon devices
3. SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB CompactFlash Memory Card UDMA 7
You can be confident in the good quality, performance and reliability of every SanDisk Product
Unique, sleek design for the modern home.Features RTV silicone coating for added protection against shock and vibration
With these speeds you can be sure that every transfer or save will end faster than ever before
Compatible with CompactFlash supporting host devices; Dimension-1.7 x 1.4 x 0.13 inches
Speed (X rating): 1067x
4. Transcend 128GB Compact Flash Memory Card 1000x
Ultra-fast 1000X performance, 160MB/s read and 120MB/s write , with four-channel support
Built-in BCH ECC technology with read-retry for detecting and correcting errors
Compliant with CF 6.0 specification with LBA48 support
Ultra DMA Mode 0 to Ultra DMA Mode 7
Multiword DMA Mode 0 to Multiword DMA Mode 4
PIO Mode 0 to PIO Mode 6
Multi-platform compatibility
ATA interface