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A digital camera card is removable flash storage used to save photos and video. The phrase “camera card” does not mean one universal format: SD-family cards are common, but some cameras use other types. Before choosing a card, check the camera’s manual or manufacturer support page for its physical format, capacity support, and speed requirements.
What a digital camera card does
The card stores image and video files created by the camera. It can be removed to transfer files to another device or replaced when the camera needs more storage. “Camera card” is a general description, not a specific card shape or compatibility standard. The SD Association describes SD as a removable flash-storage standard used in photography; other cameras may use different formats.
For a quick overview of SD standards, see the SD Association’s SD Standard Overview.
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The names in the SD family identify capacity ranges and associated file systems. The figures below are the standards’ ranges, not a guarantee that a particular camera supports every card in them.
#1 Best Overall
- Fast for better pictures and Full HD video. Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors
- Great choice for compact to mid-range point-and-shoot cameras
- From 32GB to 256GB(1) to store tons of pictures and even more Full HD video(2). (1)1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes Actual user storage less
- Exceptional video recording performance with UHS Speed Class 1 (U1)(5) and Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p)(2). (5)UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) designates a performance option to support real time video recording with UHS enabled host devices
- Quick transfer speeds up to 100MB/s. Up to 100MB/s[64GB-256GB; 90MB/s for 32GB] read speed; write speed lower Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
| Standard | Capacity range | File system |
|---|---|---|
| SD | Up to 2 GB | FAT 12/16 |
| SDHC | Over 2 GB through 32 GB | FAT32 |
| SDXC | Over 32 GB through 2 TB | exFAT |
| SDUC | Over 2 TB through 128 TB | exFAT |
These capacity ranges and file-system specifications come from the SD Association’s capacity overview. A camera may support only certain standards or capacities, so verify the limits for the camera model before buying.
Speed class and bus interface are different
A card’s capacity tells you how much it can store. Its speed class and bus interface describe separate aspects of performance and compatibility. The SD Association says speed classes define minimum sequential card-access performance under conditions specified by the standard. The bus interface—such as High Speed, UHS, or SD Express—is another characteristic, and the camera’s write speed can vary by device and operation.
Rank #2
- Great choice for compact to mid-range point-and-shoot cameras
- Quick transfer speeds up to 150MB/s (Up to 150MB/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 256GB 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)
As a result, a prominent “up to” read-speed figure should not be treated as a promise of the camera’s write performance. Match the required speed class and interface to the camera’s recording mode. The SD Association explains these distinctions in its FAQ and its overview of flash storage in photography.
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Some cameras use other removable formats. CFexpress is a memory-card standard developed under the CompactFlash Association, and Sony notes that some cameras also use Memory Stick. Card shape, slot type, and compatibility depend on the camera; a card should not be assumed to fit or work across all digital cameras. See the CompactFlash Association’s card types and Sony’s memory-card information.
Rank #3
- Brand: Sandisk
How to check which card your camera supports
- Identify the physical card type. Check the camera manual or manufacturer support page for the card format that fits its slot.
- Confirm the capacity standard and limit. Look for supported SD-family standards and the maximum capacity the camera accepts; do not infer support from the card’s label alone.
- Match speed requirements to your recording mode. Check the specified speed class and bus-interface requirements for the photos or video you plan to record.
The SD Association recommends checking device markings, the manual, or manufacturer information to confirm compatibility. Its capacity choices guide also explains the SD-family labels.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Save time with card offload speeds of up to 200MB/s powered by SanDisk QuickFlow Technology (Up to 200MB/s read speeds, engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, require 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. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. X = 150KB/sec. SanDisk QuickFlow Technology is only available for 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacities. 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- 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.)
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