For photographers, whether professionals or hobbyists, the selection of an SD card is almost as crucial as the choice of camera equipment. The best SD card for photography needs to have enough storage capacity to handle high-resolution RAW files and fast enough write speeds to keep up with continuous shooting modes.
The market is saturated with numerous SD card brands and models, each boasting different specifications. In this guide, we’ll break down the 12 best SD cards for different devices such as DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones.
12 Best SD Cards for Photography (DSLR, Mirrorless, Phone)
SD cards for DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones vary based on several factors, including capacity, speed, durability, and compatibility. It’s important to understand that different devices have specific requirements and constraints, which dictate the type of SD card that would be most suitable.
Best SD Cards for DSLR
DSLR cameras require SD cards with large storage capacities to accommodate high-resolution images. Additionally, they need high-speed SD cards to support rapid continuous shooting and video recording.
1. SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB
- Ideal for professionals looking to maximize post production workflow
- Read speeds of up to 95MB/s; write speeds of up to 90MB/s
- Video Speed : C10, U3, V30
The SanDisk Extreme PRO is an excellent choice for DSLR photographers, offering 64GB storage capacity. Its fast write speeds of up to 90MB/s and read speeds of up to 170MB/s make it perfect for shooting high-resolution photos and full HD videos. The card is also shock-proof, temperature-proof, water-proof, and x-ray-proof, ensuring your data is safe under various conditions.
2. Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB
- High speed performance leverages UHS II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up...
- Captures high quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p full HD, 3D, and...
- Large capacity options up to 256GB let you enjoy shooting longer without changing...
This SD card from Lexar offers a blend of performance and reliability. It provides a storage capacity of 64GB and leverages UHS-II technology for a maximum read transfer speed of up to 150MB/s. This card is an excellent option for DSLR photographers who need a fast and reliable storage solution.
3. Kingston Canvas React Plus 128GB
- Ultimate speeds to support professional camera use
- Capture 4K/8K Ultra-HD high-speed shots without dropping frames
- Top-of-the-line performance for professional content creators
The Kingston Canvas React SD card provides an impressive 128GB storage capacity, making it ideal for extensive photo shoots. Its UHS-II interface offers read speeds of up to 300B/s and write speeds of up to 260MB/s, ensuring smooth continuous shooting and full HD video recording. This SD card is durable and offers protection from vibration, shock, water, and temperature changes.
4. PNY Elite Performance 128GB
- Up to 95MB/sec speed for the ultimate transfer rates
- Ideal for High Performance DSLR cameras and HD camcorders, especially for ultra fast...
- Class 10 UHS-I, U3 performance allows burst-mode shooting, Full HD and 4K Ultra HD...
The PNY Elite Performance SD card offers a whopping 128GB of storage space, perfect for professional photographers with large shooting sessions. This high-speed SD card is Class 10 and UHS-I rated, offering read speeds of up to 95MB/s. Its high speed ensures quick data transfer and smooth operation, providing a better workflow for photographers.
Want more options?
Read: 7 Best SD Cards for DSLR (Up to 1TB).
How To Choose SD Card For Your DSLR Camera?
Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras are renowned for their ability to capture high-resolution, professional-grade images. These superior-quality photos, especially when shot in RAW format, are data-intensive, requiring significant storage space. This is why large capacity SD cards, ranging from 64GB to 128GB, or even 256GB, are commonly recommended for DSLR users.
The burst mode or continuous shooting feature on DSLR cameras, commonly used in action or wildlife photography, quickly captures several images per second. This requires an SD card with high write speeds to keep up with the data being produced without causing lag or delay. Similarly, if you’re recording high-definition or 4K video with your DSLR, a high-speed SD card is necessary to ensure smooth, uninterrupted recording. Cards with a Video Speed Class of 30 (V30) or higher are typically recommended for this purpose.
Hence, for DSLR cameras, SD cards need to strike the right balance between storage capacity and speed to ensure optimal performance and usability. A sluggish or overfilled card can lead to missed shots, slow performance, or data loss, all of which can be detrimental to your photography experience.
If you also film long videos, take a look at the 10 Best SD Cards for Recording Video (Up to 8k) before making the final decision.
Best SD Cards for Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras, with their compact size and superior image quality, have become increasingly popular. Similar to DSLRs, they also require high-capacity and high-speed SD cards.
5. Sony SF-G64T/T1 High Performance 64GB
- Shot speeds up to 90MB/s, transfer speeds up to 170MB/s [requires a compatible device...
- Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography, Full HD...
- Capture uninterrupted video with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and video Speed Class 30...
This Sony SD card is perfect for mirrorless cameras with its high-speed performance of up to 300MB/s read speed and 299MB/s write speed, which is especially beneficial for continuous shooting and high-resolution video recording. Its 64GB capacity can accommodate a substantial amount of photos and videos.
6. Lexar Professional 2000x 64GB SDXC UHS-II
- High-speed performance—leverages UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed...
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and cinema-quality 8K...
- Backwards compatible with UHS-I devices
Lexar’s Professional 2000x SDXC card boasts superb performance with a read transfer speed of up to 300MB/s and a writing speed of 260MB/s, greatly facilitating high-speed photography and 4K video recording. Its 64GB storage capacity provides ample space for capturing and storing high-quality photos and videos.
7. SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB SDXC UHS-I
- Ideal for professionals looking to maximize post production workflow
- Read speeds of up to 95MB/s; write speeds of up to 90MB/s
- Video Speed : C10, U3, V30
SanDisk’s Extreme Pro SD card offers high-speed data transfer with up to 170MB/s read speed and 90MB/s write speed, ensuring quick and efficient photo transfers and backups. The card’s 64GB capacity is adequate for most shooting scenarios, and its durability features provide protection against harsh conditions.
8. Transcend 64 GB High Speed 10 UHS-3
- Supports Ultra High Speed Class 1 specification (U1)
- Class 10 compliant
- Fully compatible with SD 3.01 standards
The Transcend SDXC UHS-3 card offers 64GB of storage space with a high-speed performance of up to 95MB/s read speed and 60MB/s write speed. Its UHS Speed Class 3 rating ensures a smooth and uninterrupted video capture, making it suitable for high-resolution video recordings in addition to high-speed continuous shooting.
How To Choose SD Card for Your Mirrorless Camera?
Mirrorless cameras, similar to their DSLR counterparts, benefit from SD cards with substantial storage capacity and high write speeds. As these cameras are often employed for high-resolution photography and 4K or even 8K videography, the demands on the SD card are considerable.
The high-resolution images that mirrorless cameras produce, particularly when shot in RAW format, quickly fill up storage. As such, large capacity SD cards are crucial for users who want to store a significant amount of these high-quality images without frequently switching or emptying their cards. Capacities of 64GB to 256GB are typically recommended, although professional photographers who shoot extensively may opt for even larger capacities.
In addition to storage capacity, speed is a critical factor for mirrorless cameras. These cameras often feature burst or continuous shooting modes that capture a large number of images in quick succession, requiring an SD card with high write speeds to record the data efficiently. Moreover, when shooting 4K or 8K video, a high-speed SD card, such as those with a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or Video Speed Class 30 (V30) rating, ensures smooth, uninterrupted recording.
4 Best SD Cards for Phones
Smartphones today come with high-resolution cameras, requiring high-speed, high-capacity SD cards.
1. Samsung EVO Plus 128GB MicroSDXC
- Ideal for recording 4K UHD video: Samsung MicroSD Evo is perfect for high-res photos,...
- Durability rugged & lightweight; 2 meter drop test rated; IP54
- Built to last reliability: Shock proof memory card is also water proof, temperature...
Samsung’s EVO Plus MicroSDXC card provides a large 128GB storage capacity, ideal for smartphone users who frequently capture high-resolution photos and videos. Its read and write speeds of up to 100MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively, ensure smooth performance and quick file access.
2. SanDisk 128GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
- Ideal for Android Smartphones and Tablets, and MIL Cameras
- Capacities up to 512GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes; Actual user storage less) to store...
- Up to 100MB/s transfer read speed (Based on internal testing; Performance may be...
SanDisk’s Ultra microSDXC card offers a considerable 128GB storage space and is perfect for Android smartphones. It provides transfer speeds up to 100MB/s, allowing you to move up to 1000 photos in just one minute. It’s also A1-rated for better app performance.
3. Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB microSDXC UHS-II Card
- High-speed performance—leverages UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed...
- Premium memory solution for sports camcorders, tablets, and smartphones
- Designed for high-speed capture of high-quality images and extended lengths of 1080p...
The Lexar Professional microSDXC card delivers high-speed performance with a read transfer speed up to 150MB/s. This 128GB microSD card is Class 10 and UHS-II rated, which means you can quickly capture and transfer high-quality photos and Full HD, 3D, and 4K video.
4. PNY Elite-X 256GB microSDXC Card
- Up to 100MB/s read speed
- Class 10, U3, V30 performance for recording of 4k ultra HD videos at 4096x3072 pix as...
- A1 (app 1) performance allows for apps to run faster from MicroSD card, saving...
PNY’s Elite-X microSD card offers Class 10, U3, V30 performance, allowing for fast, smooth, and reliable video capture and playback on your smartphone. Its 256GB storage capacity can hold a significant amount of high-resolution photos and videos, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.
How To Choose SD Card For Your Smartphone?
For photography with phone cameras, the requirements for SD cards may vary somewhat from those of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, but the importance of storage capacity and speed remains the same.
Phone cameras, particularly those on high-end smartphones, are capable of taking high-resolution photos and even recording 4K or 8K videos. As a result, they require SD cards with substantial storage capacity to store these large files. Depending on the phone’s native storage capacity and the user’s photography habits, SD card capacities from 64GB to 256GB are typically recommended. Users who frequently capture high-resolution photos or videos may benefit from even larger capacities.
The speed of the SD card is also critical for phone cameras, particularly for those that support high-resolution video recording. A card with a high-speed rating can ensure smooth video recording and quick saving of photos, minimizing lag and enhancing the user’s photography experience. Look for SD cards with a Class 10 or UHS (Ultra High Speed) rating for optimal performance.
It is highly recommended to format any SD card before using it. Learn how to do it in the following article: How to Format SD Card for Android (Easy Way).
What is The Best SD Card for Shooting Raw Photos?
Shooting in raw demands more storage and faster write speeds. Cards such as the SanDisk Extreme Pro, Lexar Professional 2000x, and Kingston Canvas React are widely recognized as reliable SD cards for shooting raw photos. Their high-speed performance ensures each image is swiftly written to the card, while their large capacity allows for storing numerous raw images.
1. SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB
- Ideal for professionals looking to maximize post production workflow
- Read speeds of up to 95MB/s; write speeds of up to 90MB/s
- Video Speed : C10, U3, V30
2. Lexar Professional 2000x 64GB
- High-speed performance—leverages UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed...
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and cinema-quality 8K...
- Backwards compatible with UHS-I devices
3. Kingston Canvas React Plus 128GB
- Ultimate speeds to support professional camera use
- Capture 4K/8K Ultra-HD high-speed shots without dropping frames
- Top-of-the-line performance for professional content creators
What Size SD Card Do Photographers Use?
Professional photographers typically use high-capacity, high-speed SD cards like the SanDisk Extreme Pro or Lexar Professional range, as these cards offer rapid read and write speeds, allowing for continuous burst mode shooting and high-resolution video recording. These cards also come with robust durability features, providing a safeguard for valuable photos and video footage against possible damage or data loss.
The size of the SD card a photographer uses depends largely on their specific needs. Professional photographers who shoot in raw or capture high-resolution video may require SD cards with larger capacities, like 64GB, 128GB, or even 256GB. However, for amateurs or those who don’t shoot daily, a 32GB or 64GB SD card may be sufficient.
To learn more about SD card capacities, check out:
- How Many Pictures a 32gb SD Card CAN Hold (RAW + JPEG)
- How Many Pictures a 64gb SD Card CAN Hold (RAW + JPEG)
- How Many Pictures a 128gb SD Card CAN Hold (RAW + JPEG)
- How Many Pictures a 256gb SD Card CAN Hold (RAW + JPEG)
- How Many Pictures a 1Tb SD Card CAN Hold (RAW + JPEG)
Conclusion
Selecting the best SD card for photography involves considering the type of camera you use, the kind of photography you do, and the volume of photos and videos you typically capture. With a wide range of options, from high-capacity, high-speed cards for professionals to more modestly sized, yet reliable cards for hobbyists or casual photographers, the choice is broad.
Always remember, investing in a good quality SD card is as important as investing in a good camera, as it plays a crucial role in how well you can capture and preserve your memories.
Thank you for reading this guide! I hope that it was helpful in teaching you everything you need to know about what is the best SD card for photography:)
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