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The Nikon Z5II takes SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards in either of its two slots and supports UHS-I and UHS-II cards. For ordinary still photography, choose a supported card with enough capacity for your sessions. For video, Nikon recommends UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or faster; for in-camera 12-bit N-RAW (NEV), choose an SDXC V90 card that matches Nikon’s compatibility guidance. Cards of 32 GB or less cannot record N-RAW.
Start with the recording mode
Match the card to what you plan to record, rather than choosing by a headline read-speed figure or the UHS bus label alone. Speed class and sustained write performance matter for recording, and Nikon’s requirements become more specific for demanding video modes.
| How you will use the Z5II | Card selection | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Still photography and ordinary use | Supported SD, SDHC, or SDXC card | Choose capacity around your shooting and transfer routine; Nikon does not specify one universally best capacity. Nikon Z5II Reference Guide: Approved Memory Cards |
| Video other than N-RAW | UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or faster, at minimum per Nikon’s video guidance | For demanding frame sizes or rates, consult Nikon’s guide for the specific mode. Slower cards may interrupt recording or playback. Nikon Z5II Reference Guide: Recording Movies |
| In-camera 12-bit N-RAW (NEV) | SDXC, V90 or faster, and a card/capacity matching Nikon’s supported guidance | Cards of 32 GB or less cannot record N-RAW. Nikon’s listed card series also have specified write-speed requirements. Nikon Support: Which memory cards (SD cards) can be used with the Z5II? |
What SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I, and UHS-II mean here
The Z5II has two SD slots and accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC media. Nikon’s specifications identify SDHC and SDXC as UHS-II compliant, while its Reference Guide says both UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards are supported. UHS-II can be useful when faster transfers matter, but the bus type by itself does not establish that a card is suitable for a particular recording mode.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For video, compare the speed class and write-speed requirements with the mode you intend to use. A card’s advertised peak read speed describes transfer potential in some circumstances; it is not a substitute for meeting Nikon’s recording guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Bundle Includes: (1) 256 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I memory card and (1) Everything But Stromboli MicroSDXC & SD card reader
- Large Storage Capacity: Holds thousands of high-quality images and long-format 4K video sessions
- High Transfer Speed: Features read speeds up to 200 MB/s; supports quicker file management and editing workflows
- Performance Focused: Write speeds up to 90 MB/s; ideal for burst mode, time-lapse, and high-resolution video recording
- Field-Ready Build: Engineered for durability; withstands water, temperature shifts, and physical impact
Choosing a card for N-RAW
If you want to record 12-bit N-RAW (NEV) in-camera, use an SDXC card rated V90 or faster and verify the exact card series and capacity against Nikon’s current compatibility page. Nikon says cards with a capacity of 32 GB or less cannot record N-RAW.
Nikon’s 2025 support listing names these N-RAW card combinations:
Rank #2
- Bundle Includes: (1) 64 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I memory card and (1) Everything But Stromboli MicroSD & SD card reader
- Fast Read Speeds: Supports read speeds up to 170 MB/s; ideal for quick photo transfers and 4K video playback
- Reliable Performance: Built to withstand harsh conditions; resistant to shock, water, and extreme temperatures
- High-Speed Write Capability: Write speeds up to 90 MB/s; supports continuous burst mode and full HD video recording
- Versatile Storage: Provides ample space for high-resolution images, RAW files, and video clips
- SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC: write speed of at least 260 MB/s and V90 or faster.
- Nextorage NX-F2PRO SDXC: write speed of at least 299 MB/s and V90 or faster.
These are requirements in Nikon’s compatibility listing, not independent comparative test results. Check the current Nikon page before buying, and confirm that the capacity as well as the series is listed. A V90 mark alone does not confirm that every card or capacity is supported for N-RAW.
How much capacity should you buy?
There is no single capacity Nikon identifies as best for every Z5II owner. Base the choice on how many photos or how much video you expect to capture between transfers, and whether you want one card or two in the camera. For N-RAW, exclude cards of 32 GB or less and check Nikon’s supported capacities for the model you are considering.
Rank #3
- 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.)
- For occasional stills, choose a capacity that comfortably covers a typical outing before you can transfer files.
- For long sessions or video, estimate your recording needs and consult Nikon’s mode-specific guidance rather than assuming any large card will sustain the chosen format.
- If you plan to use backup recording across both slots, make sure both cards have enough capacity for the session and the selected recording arrangement.
When to buy one card or two
The two slots can be configured for overflow, backup, or file separation. Nikon also describes saving duplicate JPEG or HEIF files at different sizes or quality settings and copying pictures between cards. The right number of cards depends on the workflow you want, not simply on the camera having two slots.
- Overflow: Use the second card when the first fills, extending available recording space.
- Backup: Record to two cards as a second copy; buy two cards and confirm the slot-role setting before relying on this arrangement.
- Separate file types: Configure the camera to save NEF (RAW) separately from JPEG or HEIF, or to record duplicate JPEG/HEIF files with different size or quality settings.
Set the slot roles deliberately in the camera and verify the result before an important shoot. Do not assume the second card is acting as a backup just because it is inserted.
Rank #4
- 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
A practical buying checklist
- Identify the format. Decide whether you need stills, ordinary video, or 12-bit N-RAW (NEV).
- Match the minimum guidance. For video, start with U3 or faster and check the camera guide for the specific recording mode. For N-RAW, choose SDXC V90 or faster.
- Check the exact card. For N-RAW, verify brand series and capacity on Nikon’s supported-card page, along with any stated write-speed requirement.
- Choose capacity around your workflow. Consider time between transfers and whether the two slots will overflow, back up, or separate files. N-RAW cannot be recorded to cards of 32 GB or less.
- Decide whether the second slot needs a card. If you want backup or overflow, plan for two cards and confirm the slot configuration.
Do not choose solely by the UHS-I/UHS-II label or the highest advertised read speed. Check the recording-mode guidance, speed class, write-speed requirement, and—for N-RAW—the exact Nikon-listed card combination.
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Best Value
- CAPTURE LARGER THAN LIFE. Unlock 4K UHD(3) brilliance and pristine high res stills with video speed class ratings of U3 and V30(4).
- SPEED BARRIERS SHATTERED. Save precious moments with blazing read speeds up to 250MB/s(2) and write speeds up to 170MB/s(2) [256GB-1TB capacities(1)].
- MAXIMIZE WITH MASSIVE CAPACITY. Capture for longer and store more with up to 2TB(1) of storage that can hold up to 2,808 minutes of 4K UHD video recorded at 30 fps (641MB/minute)(9).
- DEFY THE ELEMENTS. Unrelentingly resilient, Sandisk SD memory cards are engineered to perform in extreme conditions, despite rough handling and constant use.(6)
- CONTENT MANAGEMENT, SIMPLIFIED. Back up, organize, and transfer everything easily with the Sandisk Memory Zone desktop app,(7) whether you use an SD card slot or a card reader.
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