Sd Card For DSlR. Are you looking for an SD card to use in your DSLR and would you like some advice on this? Have you already spotted some SD cards but are not sure how to evaluate their technical characteristics? Don’t worry, if you have five minutes of free time I can give you a hand and help you choose among the various types of memory cards currently available in stores.
Let’s start by saying that there is no perfect SD card for everyone. Or rather, there are high-end SD cards that are suitable for all uses, but buying such expensive memory cards and then only recording a few videos in HD or taking a few photos would be a useless waste of money. To understand which SD card is best for you and avoid spending more than you should, you must carefully evaluate the model of Reflex in your possession and, above all, the use you intend to make of it.
In fact, SD cards, in addition to having various storage capacities, also have different data reading and writing speeds: characteristics that determine the performance of the cards and clearly define their potential usage scenarios (e.g. if they are suitable recording video in 4K or less). If you want to know more and want to find out Which Sd Card For DSlR You Must Choose, keep reading: you will find everything explained below.
Which Sd Card For DSlR You Must Choose
- How to choose a SD for DSLR
- SD or MicroSD
- Storage capacity
- Speed classes
- Weather resistance
- Which SD for Reflex to choose
- SD for consumer reflex
- SD for professional DSLRs
How to choose a SD for DSlR
We just mentioned that SD cards are not all the same. But what are the technical characteristics that must be taken into consideration before buying one? Let’s find out right away.
SD or MicroSD
The DSLRs provide for the use of SD cards in standard format, but on the market there are also microSD cards with excellent performance that are supplied complete with SD adapter. Nothing prevents you from buying a microSD and using it in a DSLR camera using an adapter, but this could affect the read and write performance of the card. If you need high performance, for example to record videos in 4K resolution, buy an SD in standard format or look for confirmation that the SD adapter included in the microSD you are about to buy does not “cast” the performance of the card (many adapters stop at 30MB / s).
If you do not need top-level performance and, in addition to the Reflex, you intend to use the card in devices such as smartphones or tablets, buy a microSD: you will save money and you will end up with a card suitable for multiple uses.
Storage capacity
SD cards are classified with abbreviations indicating their storage capacity.
- The standard SDoffer up to 2GB of space.
- The SDHC (SD High Capacity abbreviation)have 4-32 GB capacity.
- The SDXC (Extended Capacity SD stands for)may have a capacity from 64GB to 2TB.
For DSLRs I tend to recommend 32GB cards up, but if you’re not interested in videos and just want to take pictures, you might be happy with a 16GB card as well.
Speed classes
Other very important acronyms to be referred to are those concerning the speed classes of the SD (and microSD). Each class indicates the minimum speed with which data is written to the card, and from this parameter we understand for what purposes a card can be used.
- Class 2 (C2)– means SD cards with a minimum write speed of 2MB / s. These cards can only be used for basic operations, such as making single photos or standard definition videos. They are neither suitable for making HD videos nor for long photo bursts.
- Class 4 (C4)– indicates SD cards with a minimum writing speed of 4 MB / s, which can also be used for making videos in HD and Full HD (although it is preferable to limit yourself to 720p resolution).
- Class 6 (C6)– indicates SD with a minimum write speed of 6 MB / s, which can be used quite safely for making HD and Full HD videos and for medium photo bursts.
- Class 10 (C10)– indicates SD cards with a minimum write speed of 10MB / s. These cards are suitable for both HD / Full HD video making and high resolution burst photos.
- UHS-I and UHS-II – are abbreviations that classify SDHC and SDXC cards with a bus optimized for recording continuous data streams. The bus is the hardware component that manages the data exchange with the device. The cards of this type are designed ad hoc for recording videos and photos in high quality, which is what interests us in Reflex optics. The SD UHS-I ensure a data transfer speed on the device ranging from 50MB / s to 104MB / s, those that compared to the UHS-II standard guarantee a transfer speed of 156MB / s to 312MB / s (provided that the DSLR is compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II standards).
- U1 and U3– are two abbreviations for UHS-I and UHS-II cards. They indicate, respectively, the SD capable of ensuring a minimum data writing speed of 10 MB / s and 30 MB / s. They are the most advanced cards currently on the market, the ones to be used to make 4K videos or to capture multiple video streams in HD quality simultaneously.
- Video Speed Class– As of 2016, SD cards are also classified according to the minimum speed at which videos are recorded on them. V6 cards record video at 6MB / s, V10 cards at 10MB / s, V30 cards at 30MB / s, V60 cards at 60MB / s, and V90 cards at 90MB / s. If you plan to record video in 4K resolution, purchase a V30 or higher class card.
- A1– this abbreviation is found exclusively on microSD cards that have been certified for use as main memory on Android devices. They guarantee 1,500 read IOPS and 500 write IOPS, but this shouldn’t matter much in terms of use with a DSLR.
It should be emphasized that the same SD can have several classifications at the same time. It is therefore possible to find cards that report the speed class (eg Class 10) plus the technology used by the bus (eg UHS-II), the U1 / U3 parameters and the classification relating to the Video Speed Class (eg V30) .
Without this necessary clarification, we can say that the most suitable cards for DSLRs are those of the SDHC or SDXC type (therefore with a capacity from 4GB upwards) which comply with the UHS-I / UHS-II standards (therefore they are optimized for video streams. and photos in high quality) and guarantee a minimum write speed of 10 MB / s ( Class 10 U1 ) or 30 MB / s ( Class 10 U3 ). The maximum write speed varies from card to card, but obviously the higher it is, the better the performance of the card.
As for the maximum read and write speeds of data , these are variable from card to card and therefore it is not possible to make general considerations. The important thing is to know that the reading speed is always higher than the writing speed and that the values reported by the manufacturers are not always 100% true. Before buying an SD, to know the real performance of the latter, it is always better to check the results of speed tests made by users or in any case by third parties.
Also keep in mind the fact that the same SD model may have different write values depending on the memory size chosen. Often the smaller memory sizes (eg 8 or 16 GB) have lower write speeds than the larger sizes (eg 32, 64 or 128 GB).
Weather resistance
If you intend to use your SLR in fairly busy situations, you might want an SD card that can withstand the elements . There are many SD and microSD cards on the market that can withstand water, shocks, extreme temperatures and X-rays. They cost a few euros more than the less weatherproof ones, but I think they are worth the price difference.
Which SD for Reflex to choose
Now let’s move on to “practice” and see, together, some of the best cards currently on the market. I bet you won’t struggle to find one for your camera too.
SD for consumer reflex
Let’s start with a series of SD cards (plus some microSD cards) intended for the consumer sector , therefore for the amateur field or in any case for non-professional use of the camera.
SanDisk Ultra SDHC / SDXC 32/64/128 / 256GB
The SanDisk Ultra are among the best DSLR SD cards you can find when it comes to value for money. They can be used both on traditional machines and on professional machines with excellent results, thanks to the maximum transfer speed of 120MB / s. They are available in sizes from 32 to 256GB, and all of them are in my opinion very affordable. They are guaranteed for Full HD shooting and support UHS Speed Class 1 (U1). In fact, you can also safely record videos in 4K.
SanDisk Ultra 32GB SDHC Memory Card, up to 120MB / s, Class …
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SanDisk Ultra 64GB SDHC Memory Card, up to 120MB / s, Class …
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SanDisk Ultra 128 GB SDHC memory card, up to 120 MB / s, class …
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SanDisk Ultra 256GB SDHC Memory Card, up to 120MB / s, class …
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Samsung MicroSDHC / SDXC EVO Plus 32/64/512 GB + SD adapter
If you want to save money and at the same time rely on a quality product then you can only buy the Samsung EVO Plus cards which are microSD cards classified as UHS-I / U1 of Class 10 and reach a maximum speed of 95MB / s in reading and 20 MB / s in writing with 10 MB / s constant for the realization of videos in Full HD and photo bursts. In other words, it is a relatively inexpensive solution for those with medium-level needs, which you can take advantage of with your reflex thanks to the SD adapter offered in the original equipment.
Samsung MB-MC32GA EVO Plus 32 GB microSD card, UHS-I U1, up to 9 …
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Samsung Memory MB-MC64GA EVO Plus 64 GB microSD card, UHS-I U3, …
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Samsung Memory MB-MC512GA EVO Plus 512 GB microSD card, UHS-I U3 …
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Lexar Premium 300X 32 / 64GB
The Lexar Premium 300X are other popular SD card on Amazon. They are available in sizes of 16, 32, 64 and 128GB and ensure performance of up to 45MB / s in reading and up to 20MB / s in writing; are Class 10 and are classified as UHS-I U1. They are very good for Full HD video and photo bursts, but be warned: they are not suitable for 4K video recording.
Lexar Premium II 300X 32GB SDHC U1 Memory Card – LSD32GBBEU300
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Lexar Premium II 300X 64GB SDXC U1 Memory Card – LSD64GBBEU300
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Transcend SDHC / SDXC 300S 32/64/128 GB
The Transcend SDHC / SDXC 300S are cheap, but good quality, Class 10 cards belonging to the UHS-I / U3 and V30 standard. They guarantee a data transfer speed of up to 95 MB / s in reading and 45 MB / s in writing and are available in sizes from 16 to 128 GB. We can say that they are perfect for DSLRs of any type (full frame and APS-C) and can also be used for 4K video at standard frame rates.
Transcend TS32GSDC300S 32GB SDHC Memory Card, Packing St …
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Transcend TS64GSDC300S 64GB SDXC Memory Card, Packing St …
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Transcend TS128GSDC300S 128 GB SDXC Memory Card, Packing …
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Toshiba N203 32GB
The Toshiba N203 are mid-range SD cards characterized by an excellent quality-price ratio. They are Class 10 UHS-I U1 and are especially good with Full HD video. They guarantee performance up to 100MB / s in reading and are resistant to X-rays. I suggest, for this model, the 32GB size.
Toshiba N203 SDHC Memory Card 32GB – 100MB / s – Class 10 – UHS-I
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Kingston Canvas Go! MicroSDHC / SDXC 32/64 GB + SD adapter
If you look at the price first, let me recommend the Kingston Canvas Go microSDHC / SDXC! . These are microSD, therefore not standard format SD, but they are supplied with an adapter that allows you to use them without problems even in DSLRs that do not support microSD. They have a capacity from 16 to 64GB. They guarantee optimal performance for Full HD videos and photo bursts and can also be used for 4K videos, in fact they are Class 10 and comply with UHS-I / U3 standards. The maximum guaranteed reading speed is 90 MB / s, the writing speed is 45 MB / s.
Kingston SDCG2 / 32GB Canvas Go! 32 GB MicroSD Card with SD Adapter
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Kingston SDCG2 / 64GB Canvas Go! 64 GB MicroSD Card with SD Adapter
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SanDisk Extreme 32/64/128/256 GB
The SanDisk Extreme are the perfect solution for those looking for an SD card for a quality experience without too many compromises in performance, and are also good for professional use. It is available in 32, 64, 128 and 256 GB sizes and is classified as C10, UHS-I, U3 and V30 for creating video at 30MB / s. It is resistant to X-rays, shocks, water and extreme temperatures. They are ideal for 4K video.
SanDisk Extreme Memory Card, 32GB SDHC, up to 90MB / sec, Cl …
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SanDisk Extreme Memory Card, SDXC 64GB up to 150MB / sec, Cl …
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SanDisk Extreme Memory Card, SDXC 128GB up to 150MB / s, C …
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SanDisk Extreme Memory Card, 256GB SDXC up to 150MB / s, C …
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SD for professional DSLRs
If you intend to make a professional use of your Reflex you need first-rate SD cards, which are able to guarantee optimal performance in any condition. Here are some of the most interesting of the moment.
Lexar Professional 1667x 64/128/256 GB
If you need professional-level performance but don’t want to spend very high figures, you can choose the Lexar Professional 1667x from 64 to 256 GB that offer performance up to 250 MB / s in reading and very high values also in writing. They belong to the Class 10 UHS-II / U3 standard and are also guaranteed for 4K video recording, as well as for the fastest bursts.
Lexar Professional – 1667x SDXC card – UHS-II cards, 64GB
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Lexar Professional – 1667x 128GB SDXC UHS-II card
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Lexar Professional – 1667x 256GB SDXC UHS-II card
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Lexar Professional 2000x 32/64/128 GB
The Lexar Professional 2000x are among the most advanced Lexar SD cards and among the best performing that you can find on the market right now. They are Class 10 and are certified as UHS-II U3, with support for the V90 standard. They have a maximum read speed of 300 MB / s, are suitable for any type of content and are backwards compatible with older technologies, should your SLR not support the new standards.
Lexar Professional 2000x 32GB SDHC UHS-II Cards without Reader, Read …
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Lexar Professional 2000x 64GB SDXC UHS-II Cards without Reader, Read …
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Lexar Professional 2000x 128GB SDXC UHS-II Cards without Reader, Read …
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SanDisk Extreme Pro 32/64/128/512 GB
If you have highly professional needs and do not know which SD to buy for Reflex to get the maximum performance without any compromise, head to the SanDisk Extreme Pro from 32 up to 128 GB which have speeds of 300MB / s in writing, they are of Class 10 UHS-II / U3. In a nutshell: you can do anything with it on any camera or camcorder. They are also resistant to shocks, water and X-rays.
SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II 32 GB, Memory Card, Class 10, U3, ve …
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SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II 64 GB, SDXC Class 10 Memory Card, U3 …
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SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II 128 GB, SDXC Class 10 Memory Card, U …
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Among the SanDisk Extreme Pro you can also find a 512GB model, useful if you need to condense the largest storage capacity into the least possible space. However, the performance is lower than that of the other models, with a maximum transfer rate of 95MB / s. This model is Class 10 and certified for classes U3 and V30.
SanDisk Extreme PRO 512GB SDXC Memory Card, Read Speed …
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Sony M Series 64/128/256 GB
Among the fastest SD cards on the market we also have the Sony M Series , which offer read speeds of 277MB / s and write speeds of 150MB / s. They support the UHS-II U3 standard, and are available in sizes from 64 to 256GB. They can be used for any type of intended use, such as 4K Ultra HD video even at high frame rates. They are also ready for the test of time, even if the prices are not exactly popular. If you usually take photos in particularly difficult environments, also check out the Tough variant, resistant even to extreme conditions.
Sony Memory SD-XC 64 GB M Series, Read 277 MB / s, Write 150 MB / s …
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Sony Memory SD-XC 128 GB M Series, Read 277 MB / s, Write 150 MB / …
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Sony SFG2M Memory SD-XC 256 GB M Series, Read 277 MB / s, Write 1 …
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Transcend SDXC 500S 64/128/256 GB
The Transcend SDXC 500S are high performance SD cards designed to maintain a minimum read speed of 30MB / s. They support Class 10 and UHS-I U3 standard, and are also compatible with V30 (Video Speed Class 30) features. They are sold in denominations of 64 to 256 GB of storage and offer a speed of 95 MB / s maximum read and 60 MB / s maximum write. They are ideal for all SLRs, especially for high-end models.
Transcend TS64GSDC500S 64GB SDXC Memory Card, Ap …
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Transcend TS128GSDC500S 128 GB SDXC Memory Card, Packing …
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Transcend TS256GSDC500S 256GB SDXC Memory Card, Packing …
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Transcend 700S 32/64 GB
These professional SD cards are among the best you can find on the market, as they ensure speeds of up to 285MB / s in reading and 180MB / s in writing. They are suitable for both high-definition photo bursts and 4K videos and can be purchased in 32 and 64GB formats. Their forte is with ultra-high bitrate video recording. and for this reason they are suitable not only for professional DSLRs, but also for video cameras
Transcend TS32GSDC700S 32GB SDHC Memory Card, Packing St …
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Transcend TS64GSDC700S 64GB SDXC Memory Card, Packing St …
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Prograde Digital SDXC V60 64/128 / 256GB
Particularly popular with professionals, Prograde Digital SD cards offer excellent reliability and very high performance at a very affordable price. They are available in sizes from 64 to 128GB and reach speeds of 250MB / s in reading and 120MB / s in writing. These models support UHS-II U3 class and boast V60 video certification.
UHS-II V60 SD card: write speed up to 130MB / s and speed …
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Integral Ultima ProX 32/64/128 GB
Featuring excellent value for money, Integral Ultima ProX SD cards are a cross between professional cards and cards for the amateur consumer. They offer excellent performance but the purchase price is not very high: the declared writing speed is 280 MB / s, while the writing speed is 240 MB / s, with the supported video class being the V90. They are available in 32, 64 and 128 GB of internal storage and support the UHS-II U3 standard. They are good for any type of burst and video.
