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The right memory card depends on your exact Canon PowerShot model. Many PowerShots use full-size SD cards, but older models may not support SDXC, some older G, S, and Pro cameras use CompactFlash, and PowerShot PICK uses microSD. Check Canon’s model-by-model compatibility table before buying; the PowerShot name alone does not establish compatibility.
How to check which card your PowerShot takes
- Identify the complete camera model. Include suffixes such as IS or HS and version labels such as Mark II or Mark III. Similar-sounding models can support different cards.
- Find that exact row in Canon’s compact-camera compatibility table. It covers PowerShot series including A, G, SX, S, N, and D. A mark means supported; a dash means unsupported.
- Match the card format and capacity. Check the columns for SD, SDHC, SDXC, CompactFlash, or microSD-family cards as applicable. The format’s general capacity range does not guarantee that your camera supports it.
- For video, check the camera’s manual or model-specific Canon guidance. The required card speed depends on the recording mode and quality.
Canon’s compatibility table was updated October 21, 2025. For a model or recording mode not covered by the examples below, use the exact model’s row and documentation rather than extrapolating from another PowerShot.
SD, SDHC, and SDXC capacity ranges
Canon gives these general capacity ranges for SD-family formats:
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| SD | Up to 2GB | Confirm SD support in your camera’s row. |
| SDHC | 4GB–32GB | Confirm SDHC support in your camera’s row. |
| SDXC | 32GB–2TB | Confirm SDXC support; some older PowerShots do not support it. |
These are format ranges published by Canon, not universal PowerShot capacity limits. The camera’s compatibility row determines which formats it supports. A card’s capacity may fall within a format’s range and still be unsuitable for a camera that does not support that format.
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- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD to achieve maximum speeds (sold separately)
- Shot speeds up to 90MB/s (Write speed up to 90MB/s. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. X = 150KB/sec.)
- Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography (Full HD (1920x1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors. See HD page on SanDisk site.)
- UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) (UHS Speed Class 3 designates a performance option designed to support 4K UHD video recording with enabled UHS host devices. UHS Video Speed Class 30 (V30), sustained video capture rate of 30MB/s, designates a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. See the SD Association’s official website.)
Why the exact model matters
Canon’s table shows meaningful differences even within a series. For example, the PowerShot G7 X Mark II and G7 X Mark III are listed for SD, SDHC, SDXC, and UHS-I. The original PowerShot G1 is listed for CompactFlash Type I instead; Canon notes that CF Type II is also supported for the older G models listed for CF. The PowerShot A2000 IS is listed for SD and SDHC but not SDXC, while the A4000 IS is listed for SD, SDHC, and SDXC. These examples are not substitutes for checking your own model’s row.
Canon’s compact-camera table includes columns for CF Type I, SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSD-family cards, MMC/MMCplus, and UHS-I. Do not assume that every PowerShot takes a full-size SD card, or that one family member’s card will work in another.
Rank #2
Model-specific examples
PowerShot V1
Canon’s V1 FAQ, updated February 20, 2025, says the camera supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC regardless of capacity, as well as UHS-II, UHS-I, UHS Speed Class, and SD Speed Class cards. For video, card performance must suit the selected recording quality: a card with insufficient write performance can cause recording problems, while insufficient read performance can affect playback. Follow the V1 guidance for the recording mode you intend to use.
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Canon recommends formatting a newly purchased card, or one formatted in another camera or a computer, in the camera. Back up files you need before formatting because formatting erases card data.
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- Up to 100 MB/s data transfer speed
- Full- Sized SD card (32mm * 24mm)
- 4K Ultra HD UHD Video Compatible
- Waterproof, temperature-proof, x-ray-proof, and shock-proof, magnetic proof. With 1 mini case
- 5 year limited Warranty from best manufacturers and suppliers of memory cards
PowerShot PICK
PICK takes microSD-family cards, not full-size SD cards. Canon’s PICK FAQ, updated November 19, 2021, specifies microSD up to 2GB (FAT12/FAT16), microSDHC from 4GB to 32GB (FAT32), and microSDXC from 64GB to 2TB (exFAT). It lists SD Speed Class and UHS-I support.
For PICK video, Canon gives minimum SD Speed Class requirements by recording mode. Check the applicable mode’s requirement rather than applying one speed class to every mode or to other PowerShot cameras. Canon advises formatting a new card, or one formatted elsewhere, in PICK; formatting deletes the card’s data, so back up needed files first.
Rank #4
- Great choice for compact to mid-range point-and-shoot cameras
- Quick transfer speeds up to 140MB/s (Up to 140MB/s read speed engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 128GB to store tons of pictures (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Exceptional video recording performance with UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p) (UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) designates a performance option designed to support real time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. See consumers speed page on SanDisk site. Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors. Visit the SanDisk Video Knowledge Base for more information.)
- Compatible with SanDisk SD UHS-I card reader (sold separately)
Choosing between two candidate cards
- Format and capacity: Both must be supported by the exact camera model.
- Video speed: The card must meet the minimum speed requirement for the recording mode you plan to use.
- Model guidance: Follow the camera’s manual or official model-specific FAQ for compatibility and formatting instructions.
There is no single maximum capacity or fastest-card recommendation that applies to the entire PowerShot range. Canon’s model table and model-specific recording guidance answer different parts of the compatibility question: the table identifies supported formats, while the camera’s documentation specifies requirements for particular uses.
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A warning does not by itself prove the card format is incompatible. Canon’s general memory-card FAQ, updated August 28, 2018, notes that messages such as “write protected” or “card locked” may mean the card’s lock is engaged. Check the lock before ruling out the card, then verify the exact model’s compatibility row and consult its manual if the warning persists.
Quick Recap
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- Great for Compact to midrange Point and Shoot digital Cameras and camcorders
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- Exceptional video recording performance with class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p); Compatibility : SDHC I/SDXC I devices
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