As we approach 2024, the need for high-performance SD memory cards has never been more critical for photographers and videographers.
Whether you’re shooting magnificent vistas, high-speed sports, or dramatic 4K footage, the appropriate SD card may make all the difference.
As camera technology advances, storage systems must keep up by providing not only capacity but also speed, dependability, and durability.
In this guide, we’ll take a deeper look at the best ten SD memory cards for cameras in 2024. Don’t forget to format your new SD card just to be safe. You can use an SD card formatter to get the job done.
Each card was chosen based on its features, performance, and suitability for a variety of users, ranging from casual hobbyists to seasoned experts.
10 Best SD Memory Cards for Cameras
1. Samsung PRO Endurance
| Card type: | micro SD (With SD adapter) |
| Capacity: | Up to 128GB. |
| Reading speed: | Till 100MB/s. |
| Writing speed: | Till 30MB/s. |
| Warranty: | Till 5 years |
| Last up to: | 43800 Hours. |
| Worthy for: | Security cameras and advance DSLRs. |
Samsung PRO Endurance is one of the best SD cards by Samsung. Professional photographers mostly prefer it due to its excellent efficiency.
It is designed to hold up against harsh and severe conditions.
Features:
- New video monitoring standard.
- Can survive in extremely harsh conditions. This card has been diligently tested for extreme situations. And is temperature-proof, water-resistant, magnet-proof, and X-RAY-proof.
- It can record 4K high-definition videos.
- Manage to handle large videos with ease due to its good read and write speeds.
- Higher endurance, about 25x more continuous recording.
- It can record continuously for up to 43,800 hours.
- Excellent functioning for security cameras.
| Pros | Cons |
| The most durable and reliable. | Need a host device to connect with the computer. |
| Most suitable for security and professional cameras. | It can be misplaced easily due to its small dimensions. |
2. Sony Tough CFexpress Type A
| Brand Name: | Sony |
| Card Type: | CFexpress Type A |
| Capacity: | Up to 800GB |
| Reading Speed: | Up to 700MB/s |
| Writing Speed: | Up to 45MB/s. |
| Warranty: | Not Stated. |
The Sony Tough CFexpress Type A is a great pick for adventure photographers. It’s built to handle tough conditions, with a design that resists water, dust, and extreme temperatures.
It’s super fast, which is perfect for capturing quick shots and recording 4K videos. Even though it’s a bit pricier, it’s a dependable choice for pros who need something they can count on.
Features:
- Perfect for snapping quick shots and recording 4K videos without any lag.
- It’s made to handle rough environments, resisting water, dust, and extreme temperatures.
- Handles large videos efficiently
- Even though it costs a bit more, it’s a solid choice for professionals who need something they can trust.
| Pros | Cons |
| It has very limited compatibility | It is expensive per GB |
| It is very fast as well as compact | Not as fast as CFexpress Type B |
3. SanDisk 64GB Extreme SDXC UHS-I
| Brand Name: | SanDisk |
| Card variety: | SDXC |
| Reading Speed: | Up to 90MB/s |
| Capacity provided: | UUp to 512GB |
| Writing Speed: | Up to 170MB/s |
| Warranty: | Not more than 2 years. |
| Usage: | Capturing photos and shooting videos (even 4K) |
SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I is the finest all-around memory card for cameras for capturing images and 4K videos.
Whether you are a professional photographer or a photography enthusiast, selecting SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I for your camera will always prove to be a good deal.
It has a capacity ranging from 32 GB to 1 TB. A write speed of 90MB/s can manage sequential burst mode photography without any difficulty. It is perfect for shooting 4K UHD videos.
Features:
- Available in various capacities, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 512GB.
- Excellent for shooting 4K ultra-high-definition videos.
- A great choice for sequential burst mode photography.
- It is best against harsh situations.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for sequential burst mode. | Quite expensive. |
| Excellent for capturing falter-free video. | There are sprightly cards at this level. |
4. Lexar Professional Class 10 UHS-II 2000X
| Card type: | SDHC/SDXC |
| Capacity: | Up to 128GB |
| Reading speed: | Up to 300MB/s |
| Writing speed: | Up to 260MB/s |
| Warranty: | Lifetime limited warranty. |
| Usage for: | Both photos and video (counting 4K). |
Framed especially for the rapid-fire shot and excellent for reliability and durability. For photography lovers, the Lexar brand has always been a priority.
It has written and read speeds of 300MB/s and 260MB/s, respectively. So, while capturing high-definition videos and high-quality Raw files (uncompressed images).
These cards are highly acceptable, even though the maximum space provided is 128 GB. Lexar Professional Class 10 UHS-II 2000X are agreeable with older cameras and card readers. This makes the card versatile.
Features:
- Available in various capacities, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 512GB.
- Gives high-speed performance.
- It shoots long-length videos in 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K formats with high-capacity options.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-speed data transfer capability. | Quite costlier as compared to budget SD memory cards for cameras. |
| Minimizes time and considerably quickens a workflow. | Lexar no longer manufactures memory cards. |
| No Warranty is provided. |
5. SanDisk Extreme PRO CompactFlash
| Card type: | CompactFlash |
| Capacity: | Up to 256GB. |
| Reading speed: | Up to 160MB/s. |
| Writing speed: | Up to 150MB/s. |
| Warranty: | Not more than 5 years. |
| Usage for: | Both photography and video (counting 4K). |
SanDisk Extreme PRO CompactFlash is the best option for CompactFlash card-accepting cameras. Specially made to meet the ongoing requirements of photography and videography lovers.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Compact Flash card provides satisfactory write speeds to capture high-definition 4K videos. A write speed of 150MB/s allows photography enthusiasts to capture in sequential burst mode.
It also provides the advantage of capturing several per-second photos. SanDisk products are constructed to the highest standards and diligently tested.
Features
- Excellent for shooting 4K UHD video.
- Access to sequential burst mode photography.
- Speed class 3 provided.
- Temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and X-ray-proof.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for a stutter-free video shoot. | Not as fast as the same-level cards. |
| Can capture Full High-definition videos. | It is quite an obsolete format. |
6. ProGrade Digital 1700 Cobalt
| Card type: | Type B |
| Capacity: | Up to 650GB |
| Reading speed: | Up to 1700MB/s |
| Writing speed: | Up to 1500MB/s. |
| Warranty: | Not more than 3 years. |
| Suitable for: | Both photography and video (counting 4K). |
The ProGrade Digital 1700 Cobalt is a high-performance SD card designed for extreme conditions. It’s particularly suited for professionals who need top-tier performance for 4K and 8K video recording.
With its combination of speed and durability, this card ensures that you can capture every detail, even in the most challenging environments.
Although it is on the pricier side, its features make it a competitive choice for those who require the best.
Features:
- Suitable for Both pro photography and video (counting 4K)
- Built-in thermal throttling to protect your card
- Better thermal conductivity
| Pros | Cons |
| Having fast reading and writing speed | Only three capacities are available |
| Best for 4K and 8K video recording | High price per GB |
7. Sony SF-G Series TOUGH UHS-II
| Card type: | SDHC |
| Capacity: | Up to 256GB. |
| Reading speed: | Till 120MB/s. |
| Writing speed: | Till 60MB/s. |
| Warranty: | 5-year warranty provided. |
| Suitable for: | Both photography and video (high definition). |
Photographers who work in difficult situations will appreciate the Sony SF-G Series TOUGH UHS-II.
This card has a durable construction that can withstand drops, water, and dust, making it an excellent choice for outside shooting.
Additional qualities like dust and water resistance contribute to its dependability, ensuring that it operates consistently regardless of the conditions.
Features:
- It has Downloadable File Rescue Software
- No Built-In Write-Protect Switch
- Fast file transfers
- SD Scan Utility helps you check the condition of your SD memory card
- A monolithic construction with strong materials has resulted in a high level of bend strength.
| Pros | Cons |
| Tough and durable design | Low capacity |
| Dustproof as well as Waterproof | Expensive than other cards |
8. Transcend SDXC UHS-II U3
| Card type: | SDXC |
| Capacity: | Up to 64GB. |
| Reading speed: | Up to 285MB/s. |
| Writing speed: | Up to 180MB/s. |
| Warranty: | 5-year warranty from the date of purchase. |
| Suitable for: | Shooting rapid-fire high Raw files and high-quality 4K video. |
Transcend SDXC UHS-11 U3 card can manage high-definition raw files and videos in sequential burst mode. The capacity provided is satisfactory.
Transcend SDXC UHS-II U3 IS is available in two capacities, 32GB and 64 GB. It can sustain a wide temperature range.
This card is shockproof and gives opposition to bending and twisting to some extent. Excellent for the UHS-II Agreeable cameras and camcorders.
Features:
- Incredibly fast data speeds.
- The fastest transfer speeds – read 285mbps and write 180mbps.
- Protected against shock, water, and X-Ray.
| Pros | Cons |
| Intense, quick data transfer speed. | Maximum capacity is 64 GB only. |
| It gives a great experience while shooting. | Have good alternatives as capacity is low. |
9. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II
| Card type: | SDXC |
| Capacity: | Up to 128GB |
| Reading speed: | Up to 300MB/s |
| Writing speed: | Up to 260MB/s |
| Warranty: | Lifetime limited warranty. |
| Usage for: | Photos and video at rapid-fire sequential mode. |
Write and read speed are magnificent. High read and write speeds provide extremely high-speed data transfer, which considerably reduces workflow time.
SD Card capacity ranges from 32 GB to 128 GB. Best for professional photographers as it provides a quick shot.
The camera is immediately ready after the shutter button is released. Compatible with almost all kinds of cameras.
Features
- It has very high read speed
- Great performance Minimizes workflow duration with reading speeds of 300mbps.
- Can capture long-length videos and UHD images.
- Supports 4K ultra high-definition videos.
- Wide range available for continuous photo and video sessions.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extraordinary read and write speeds are provided. | Slightly more expensive compared to the UHS-I Pro card. |
| Ideal for stutter-free 4K videos | Speed is higher than space provided. |
10. PNY Elite Performance SDXC
| Card type: | SDXC |
| Capacity: | Up to 128GB |
| Reading speed: | Up to 100MB/s |
| Writing speed: | Up to 95MB/s |
| Warranty: | Not Stated. |
| Usage for: | Photography and HD video. |
The PNY Elite Performance SDXC is an excellent choice for budget-conscious photographers who don’t want to compromise on performance.
Although its affordability, this card provides steady read-and-write rates that are enough for typical photographic applications.
Its strong performance and stability make it a popular choice for many customers in 2024, particularly those seeking a low-cost yet dependable storage solution.
Features:
- Works with cell phones, smartphones, Android tablets, tablet PCs, and more.
- Hold up against Water, different temperatures, x-rays, and magnets.
- Read speed of 100 MB/s that may change with the host device.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Slow write speed |
| Waterproof | Not for heavy users |
| Magnet proof |
Our Thoughts
Selecting the perfect SD memory cards for cameras is key to reaching your photography and filmmaking goals.
Whether you’re a pro or just doing it for fun, the right card can really make your work easier. There’s an SD card for everyone, whether you want something low-cost or high-end.
