Finding the best SD card for recording video can be a crucial factor in your videography journey. The right SD card will ensure that you can capture high-quality videos seamlessly and that your device has enough storage to accommodate hours of footage.
Whether you are shooting in Full HD, 4K, or even 8K, a capable SD card becomes a necessity. High-resolution videos demand high storage capacity and fast write speeds. These needs make it vital to understand what to look for in an SD card for video recording.
10 Best SD Cards for Recording Video (Up to 8K)
When selecting an SD card for video recording, there are a few key aspects to consider. Firstly, the SD card’s speed class, which relates to the minimum sustained write speed, is crucial in ensuring a seamless recording experience. Speed Class 10, UHS Speed Class 3 (U3), and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) or higher are suitable for 4K recording. For 8K recording, Video Speed Class 60 (V60) or 90 (V90) would be necessary.
Secondly, the SD card’s capacity plays a significant role in how much video footage you can store. Depending on your recording needs, SD cards with a capacity ranging from 64GB to 256GB and more can be considered. Let’s explore some of the best options available.
1. SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I Card
- Shot speeds up to 90MB/s, transfer speeds up to 170MB/s [requires a compatible device...
- Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video (1) and sequential burst mode photography, (1)Full...
- Capture uninterrupted video with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and video Speed Class 30...
SanDisk’s Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I card is an excellent choice for high-quality video recording. With a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30), it supports 4K video recording and can handle the high data rates required. The card boasts of high-speed data transfer of up to 170MB/s, which allows for quick file transfers and efficient post-production workflow.
2. Lexar Professional 2000x 128GB SDXC UHS-II Card
- 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...
- Includes SD UHS-II reader for high-speed file transfer from card to computer,...
The Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II card is designed to capture high-quality videos, with high-speed performance leveraging UHS-II technology for a super-fast transfer speed up to 300MB/s read. It’s well-suited for professional videographers looking to capture 4K, 3D, and 1080p full-HD videos.
3. SanDisk Extreme 256GB SDXC UHS-I Card
- Shot speeds up to 70MB/s, transfer speeds up to 150MB/s requires compatible devices...
- Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video(1) and sequential burst mode photography (1)Full HD...
- Capture uninterrupted video with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30...
The SanDisk Extreme 256GB SDXC UHS-I card is a powerhouse for 4K UHD and Full HD video recording and playback, with its UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) ratings. It provides high-resolution video recording with a massive capacity to store hours of footage.
4. Samsung EVO Select 256GB microSDXC UHS-I U3 Card
- ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED: Store tons of media on your phone, load games or download...
- FAST AND SMOOTH: With superfast U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to...
- EXPAND AND STORE BIG: Find your perfect fit from 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB; Select...
The Samsung EVO Select microSDXC UHS-I U3 card is an excellent option for high-res video recording and photography. With up to 100MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds, this card can handle 4K UHD video recording and high-resolution photography with ease. Its massive 256GB capacity provides ample space for all your video recording needs.
5. PNY Elite Performance 256GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-I, U3 Card
- 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 SDXC Class 10 UHS-I, U3 card offers high-speed, high-capacity storage ideal for HD video recording. With transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s, you can quickly transfer and share your content. This card is Class 10 and UHS-I rated, offering a substantial 256GB of space, allowing you to store hours of HD video content.
6. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus 128GB SDXC
- Superior speeds—Transfer and capture content faster in Full HD & 4K UHD with...
- Ideal for action cameras and drones—High-speeds with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) & Video...
- Supports A2 app performance class—Expedite your workflow with faster application...
Kingston’s Canvas Go! Plus SDXC is designed for adventure-seekers and doers. This card provides high-speed UHS-I U3 performance, with read speeds of up to 170MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s. Its 128GB capacity is ample for capturing 4K or even 8K videos in all their detail.
7. Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card
- Tough specs: world's first one-piece molded construction with high hardness materials...
- Ribless, no write protection switch design: world's first ribless, no write...
- Fast file transfer: up to 300 MB/s transfer speed and up to 299MB/s write speed 3....
The Sony TOUGH-G SDXC UHS-II card is an excellent choice for video recording under challenging conditions. This card offers an ultra-fast write speed of up to 299MB/s—ideal for 4K and high-bitrate video capture. The TOUGH-G series’ robust and durable design makes it resistant to various weather conditions, adding to its appeal.
8. Transcend 300S 256GB SDXC UHS-I U3 Card
- 64GB Storage Capacity
- Max Read Speed: 100 MB/s
- Min Write Speed: 10 MB/s
The Transcend 300S SDXC UHS-I U3 card provides the performance and capacity necessary for capturing 4K video. With a high-speed transfer rate of up to 95MB/s, it handles high-resolution video recording effortlessly. The card also boasts a substantial 128GB capacity to store plenty of video footage.
9. PNY Pro Elite 512GB SDXC Card
- Class 10, U3, V30 speed class performance with read speeds up to 100MB/s, and write...
- A2 App Performance enables apps to run directly from the microSD card, delivering...
- Record and transfer videos, photos, music, files and more from microSD enabled host...
With a massive 512GB capacity, the PNY Pro Elite SDXC card is perfect for those who need to capture extensive 4K UHD or Full HD video footage. It offers high-speed performance with read speeds of up to 100MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s, ensuring smooth video recording and quick file transfers.
10. Transcend 64GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card
- Supports Ultra High Speed Class 1 specification (U1)
- Class 10 compliant
- Fully compatible with SD 3.01 standards
Transcend’s 64GB SDXC card is a reliable choice for video recording, including high-definition footage. The card is Class 10 and UHS-I enabled, providing you with excellent performance for continuous shooting and video recording.
The 64GB capacity offers enough space for hours of HD video, making it suitable for longer recording sessions. In terms of speed, this card boasts a read/write speed of up to 60MB/s and 25MB/s, respectively, ensuring smooth video capture and playback.
What Type of SD Card is Best for Video Recording?
When it comes to video recording, especially at high resolutions such as 4K or 8K, the speed of the SD card is critical.
- Speed Class: For 4K video, the SD card should have a minimum speed class of U3 or V30, which guarantees a minimum sequential writing speed of 30MB/s. Cards labeled with UHS-II or UHS-III provide even faster speeds, and these are preferable if your device supports them. Read more on SD Card Speed Classes>>>. And there is another very helpful article on the subject: SD Card Speed needed for Video Recording.
- Storage Capacity: 4K videos take up a significant amount of space. A few minutes of 4K footage can easily fill up a smaller SD card. Thus, for shooting 4K video, it’s recommended to have an SD card with at least 64GB capacity. However, 128GB, 256GB, or even larger sizes are more suitable for longer shooting durations or higher bitrates.
- Durability: Given the nature of video shooting, the SD card should be reliable and durable. Look for cards that are shockproof, waterproof, temperature-proof, and x-ray-proof.
If SD card speed is your major preoccupation, find fastest SD Cards: Top 7 Fastest MicroSD Cards for Video Making.
What SD Card Can Handle 4K Video?
An SD card that can handle 4K video should have specific characteristics to ensure smooth video capture. The key factors include a high-speed class, large storage capacity, and good durability.
The following SD cards are all excellent choices for 4K video. They have high-speed ratings and large capacities to handle the data rate of 4K video:
SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I Card
- Shot speeds up to 90MB/s, transfer speeds up to 170MB/s [requires a compatible device...
- Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video (1) and sequential burst mode photography, (1)Full...
- Capture uninterrupted video with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and video Speed Class 30...
The SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I Card is an outstanding choice for 4K video recording. This SD card has a speed class rating of UHS-I U3, which means it’s capable of sustaining a minimum write speed of 30MB/s – an essential attribute for shooting high-definition 4K footage without interruption. Additionally, the card’s 128GB capacity offers ample storage for hours of 4K video. With high durability and a fast data transfer rate, the SanDisk Extreme Pro ensures your 4K video recording needs are adequately met.
Samsung EVO Select 256GB microSDXC UHS-I U3 Card
- IDEAL FOR RECORDING 4K UHD VIDEO: Samsung microSD EVO Select is perfect for high res...
- ULTRA FAST READ WRITE SPEEDS: Up to 100MB S Read and 60MB S Write Speeds; UHS Speed...
- BUILT TO LAST RELIABILITY: Memory Card Is Also Water Proof, Temperature Proof, X Ray...
The Samsung EVO Select 256GB microSDXC UHS-I U3 Card is another excellent SD card for 4K video recording. With its impressive UHS-I U3 speed class rating, the card can maintain a minimum write speed of 30MB/s, ensuring smooth 4K video capture. Its massive 256GB storage capacity allows for extended recording times, making it a solid pick for those who shoot long-duration 4K footage. Furthermore, this card comes with 4-proof protection, making it resistant to water, extreme temperatures, and other harsh conditions.
PNY Elite Performance 256GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-I, U3 Card
- 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 256GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-I, U3 Card offers a blend of high performance and large storage capacity. With its Class 10, UHS-I U3 rating, it guarantees a minimum write speed of 30MB/s, making it suitable for shooting seamless 4K videos. With its whopping 256GB storage space, it’s an ideal option for professional videographers or anyone needing to record extensive high-quality 4K footage. Plus, it has a fast transfer speed for swift file access and offloading videos.
More options in: Best SD Card for 4k Video: 7 Recommendations by Filmmakers.
How Big of an SD Card for Video Recording?
The size of the SD card needed for video recording hinges greatly on both the quality of the video being captured and the anticipated duration of your recordings. For instance, recording high-quality 4K video is notably data-intensive. As a rough estimate, a single minute of top-tier 4K footage can consume as much as 400MB of storage space.
This means if you’re planning to record continuous footage for an hour, you’re looking at a storage need of approximately 24GB (400MB x 60 minutes) just for the video itself. However, it’s important to bear in mind that this is a conservative estimate and actual data usage may be higher, depending on the specific encoding and compression settings used by your device.
You should also consider other factors, such as the storage of other files like photos, applications, and system files. Therefore, to ensure you don’t run out of space in the midst of recording crucial footage, a prudent approach would be to opt for a 64GB SD card at the very least.
For more serious video recording requirements, particularly for professionals who shoot lengthy 4K content regularly, SD cards with much larger capacities – 128GB, 256GB, or even 512GB – would be more appropriate. Not only do these high-capacity cards provide ample space for extended shooting, but they also afford more flexibility for storing different types of media files and handling future storage needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best SD card for video recording requires consideration of the SD card’s speed, capacity, and the video resolution you intend to shoot. Whether you’re shooting in Full HD, 4K, or even 8K, having the right SD card can ensure a smooth recording experience without missing any important moments.
Remember, investing in a high-quality SD card is investing in preserving your valuable memories and work.
If you also shoot many photos, take a look at: 12 Best SD Cards for Photography (DSLR, Mirrorless, Phone).
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 video recording:)
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- 7 Best SD Cards for DSLR (Up to 1TB)
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- 7 FAST External Hard Drives (HDD/SSD) for Video Editing
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