Finding the best SD card for your DSLR camera can significantly enhance your photography and videography experience. These cards play a crucial role in determining the speed of data transfer and storage capacity, factors that are fundamental for professionals or enthusiasts who don’t want to worry about running out of storage in the middle of a shoot.
With so many brands and options available, making the right choice can be tricky. This article focuses on some of the best SD cards for DSLR cameras with large capacities ranging from 64GB to an impressive 1TB.
7 Best SD Cards for DSLR Cameras
Here is the list of the Best SD Cards for DSLRS cameras:
1. SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB SDXC UHS-I Card
- 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 64GB SDXC UHS-I Card provides high-performance that matches its robust storage capacity. It offers a read speed of up to 170MB/s and a write speed of up to 90MB/s, providing fast, efficient data transfer. This speed is particularly beneficial for capturing high-resolution images and recording Full HD videos.
Moreover, this SD card is temperature-proof, water-proof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof, ensuring the safety of your data under various conditions. Its large storage capacity and high-speed make it an excellent fit for most DSLR cameras.
2. Lexar Professional 2000x 128GB SDXC UHS-II Card
- High-speed, Class 10 performance leverages UHS-I (U1 or U3 depends on capacity)...
- Capture high quality images of stunning 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video
- Enjoy shooting longer without changing cards large capacity options up to 1TB
The Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II Card is a standout option for professional photographers, thanks to its 128GB storage space and exceptional transfer speeds. It boasts a read transfer speed of up to 300MB/s and a write speed of up to 260MB/s, which are ideal for shooting and transferring high-resolution photos and 4K video.
Furthermore, this card comes with a UHS-II reader for high-speed file transfer from card to computer, significantly speeding up the workflow. Its high-speed performance and considerable storage capacity make it an excellent choice for DSLR cameras.
Find the comparison between these 2 famous brands: Memory Card Battle: Lexar vs SanDisk [BEST SD Revealed!].
3. Kingston Canvas React Plus 128GB SDXC UHS-II Card
- 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
With a substantial 128GB storage capacity, the Kingston Canvas React Plus SDXC Card provides plenty of room for high-resolution photos and videos. It delivers impressive performance with a maximum read speed of 300MB/s and write speed of 260MB/s, ensuring quick and efficient data transfer.
The card is also UHS-II-enabled and has a U3 speed class, making it suitable for recording 4K and 8K videos. Its large capacity and high-speed capabilities make it ideal for DSLR cameras used in professional environments.
4. Sony SF-G Tough 256GB SDXC UHS-II Card
- Waterproof (IPX8)/ Dustproof (ipx6)4
- Up to 277MB/s read speed and 150MB/s write speed
- Toughness design (18x stronger than standard UHS II card)
The Sony SF-G Tough SDXC UHS-II Card is a high-performance memory card offering a generous 256GB storage capacity. It provides a fast read speed of up to 300MB/s and write speed of up to 299MB/s, ideal for recording high-resolution videos and fast-action sequences with your DSLR.
This Sony SD card is also designed to withstand various adverse conditions. It’s waterproof, dustproof, and temperature-resistant, which adds an extra layer of protection for your data. This makes it a perfect companion for DSLR cameras used outdoors or in challenging conditions.
5. ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 512GB SDXC Card
- SPEED: 300 MB/s Read, Up to 250MB/s Write, UHS-II, U3 Speed Class
- UNPARALLELED QUALITY: Rigorous 100% card testing for highest quality assurance....
- COMPATIBILITY: Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji, Samsung
ProGrade Digital offers a top-notch SDXC UHS-II V90 card with an impressive storage capacity of 512GB. This card has a maximum read speed of 300MB/s and write speed of 250MB/s, ensuring efficient data transfers and making it perfect for capturing high-resolution images and 4K videos.
It has a built-in write protect switch to prevent accidental data loss, which is a beneficial feature for professional photographers using DSLR cameras.
6. PNY Pro Elite 1TB SDXC Card
- Extreme performance for professional photographers and videographers with read speeds...
- Class 10, U3 rating delivers speed and performance for burst mode HD photography and...
- V30 video speed rating to capture uninterrupted 4K Ultra HD video at 4096x3072...
The PNY Pro Elite SDXC card provides a hefty 1TB storage capacity and high-speed performance, offering read speeds of up to 100MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s. This card is particularly well-suited for professionals who need to capture high-resolution photos and 4K videos with their DSLRs.
This PNY SD card is also built to last, with shock resistance, magnet resistance, temperature extremes resistance, and waterproof features. This reliability makes it an excellent choice for DSLR cameras used in varied conditions.
7. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I Card
- Save time with card offload speeds of up to 200MB/s powered by SanDisk QuickFlow...
- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD to achieve maximum...
- Shot speeds up to 140MB/s (Write speed up to 140MB/s. Based on internal testing;...
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I Card provides an astounding 1TB storage capacity, enabling photographers to shoot and store high-resolution photos and videos without worrying about running out of space. The card offers a fast read speed of up to 170MB/s and write speed of up to 90MB/s, perfect for high-speed burst shooting and recording 4K UHD video.
Moreover, this card comes with RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software for restoring accidentally deleted images. Given its mammoth storage capacity and fast data transfer speeds, this SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card is a top-of-the-line choice for DSLR cameras.
What Size SD Card is Best for DSLR?
The size of the SD card you need for your DSLR depends on your specific usage.
For photographers who shoot in JPEG format and record 1080p videos, a 64GB or 128GB SD card should be more than adequate. This size allows for a large number of photos and several hours of HD video.
However, if you’re shooting in RAW format or recording 4K videos, you’ll need an SD card with a larger capacity. A 256GB, 512GB, or even a 1TB SD card will provide ample storage for high-resolution images and 4K video footage. Keep in mind, though, that higher capacity cards are more expensive.
To learn more about SD card capacities, check out:
- How Many Pictures a 32gb 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)
How Do I Choose an SD card for my DSLR?
Choosing the right SD card for your DSLR involves understanding your photographic needs and how various SD card specifications can cater to those needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
Storage Capacity
The first thing to consider is the storage capacity of the SD card. This will determine how many photos and videos you can store on it. If you’re shooting in JPEG, a smaller SD card such as 64GB or 128GB could be sufficient. However, if you shoot in RAW or record 4K videos, you’ll require a higher capacity card like a 256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB.
Transfer Speeds
The speed of the SD card can impact the time it takes to save images or videos to the card and transfer them to your computer. SD cards are categorized by Speed Class, UHS (Ultra High Speed) Speed Class, and Video Speed Class. For DSLR cameras, Class 10, UHS-I, UHS-II, UHS-III, or V30/V60/V90 cards are recommended as they offer the minimum data transfer speeds necessary for high-resolution photography and video recording.
Reliability and Durability
Consider the reliability and durability of the SD card, especially if you often shoot in challenging environments. Some SD cards are waterproof, shockproof, and X-ray proof. Others come with built-in error correction and wear-leveling to prolong their lifespan.
Compatibility
Not all SD cards are compatible with all DSLR cameras. Always check your camera’s user manual or specifications to ensure the SD card you’re planning to buy will work with your camera.
Find here SD cards compatibles with other cameras: 12 Best SD Cards for Photography (DSLR, Mirrorless, Phone).
Brand Reputation
Choosing an SD card from a reputable manufacturer can be a good idea. Brands like SanDisk, Kingston, Lexar, and Sony have been in the memory card industry for many years and have a history of producing reliable products.
Price
Higher capacity and faster SD cards tend to be more expensive. However, investing in a good SD card can be worthwhile in the long run as it can improve your shooting experience and safeguard your valuable photos and videos.
What SD Card For DSLR Camera Do You Prefer?
Finding the best SD card for your DSLR camera is crucial for enhancing your photographic experience. The right SD card not only provides adequate storage but also ensures speedy data transfers for efficient shooting and playback.
Whether you’re a hobbyist photographer, a professional, or somewhere in between, investing in a high-quality SD card is a decision you won’t regret. By considering your specific requirements and the features that various SD cards offer, you can find the ideal match for your DSLR camera.
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 DSLR:)
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