The 8 Best Memory Cards for YOUR Camera

As photographers find their skill levels on the rise, their equipment bags experience a knock-on effect. Beginner cameras, products that shoot compressed image formats like JPEG and HEIF, are sold off and replaced by more professionally oriented cameras. 

Where the old stills were compressed and contained noise artifacts, models that have a bias towards the pro photography market store image data as uncompressed files. These file formats, typically a flavor of RAW that’s unique to each camera brand, are stored on memory cards. 

Fundamentals like this are all very well, but we’re only scratching the surface here. Memory cards need a lot of capacity to hold RAW images, as these uncompressed files can be 80MB to100MB, perhaps more, in size each. On top of that, continuous shooting modes send multiple images rocketing towards the card, so the speed of these little media storing modules is also an issue.

Cracking the Memory Card Features Code

We’re going to run into trouble very quickly if we keep stopping to explain common memory card terms. To smooth out these road bumps, here’s a list of some common terminology found when looking for the best memory cards for cameras.

• Capacity – Due to the storage of RAW stills and 4K video, the media now reaches several terabytes in size (TB). Bigger capacities store more images and videos.
• Read Speed- How fast, in MB/s, the camera image processor can send image data to the card.
• Write Speed- The rate at which the data can be pulled from the card, perhaps to be previewed in the camera monitor or in-camera edited (MB/s).
• Form Factor – MicroSD, SD Card, microSDXC, etc. Different manufacturers tend to use different form factors. As a rule, larger form factors have faster read/write speeds.
• Durability – Memory cards are exposed to all sorts of harsh environments, not least of which would be one of our aging camera backpacks.
• Class Rating – Provides industry-standard information on read/write speeds, etc.
• Bus Interface – The data interface used to connect the memory card to its media slot.

By ensuring compatibility and an optimal combination of these memory card traits we avoid problems like dropped frames, premature card failures, data corruption, read/write bottlenecking, etc.

The Best Cards to Supercharge Camera Performance

Just as a quick camera primer, good cameras have handy buffers for the temporary storage of lots of megabytes of image data during a busy shoot. The files are processed by the imaging engine in-camera, but it’s at this point in the proceedings that detail-packed pictures and video must be stored.

Without data loss or corruption, without card overheating and fragmented, error strewn sluggish performance letdowns, the media must fulfill its purpose.

Here’s a list of memory cards built to perform in the most demanding conditions, accepting every byte of high-speed data without complaint.

SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Card

SDXC memory cards (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) vary in storage space from a meager 32GB all the way up to a beefy 2TB capacity. The SanDisk Extreme PRO version has a keen focus on reliability and durability, and it’s capable of write speeds in the lofty vicinity of 90MB/s thanks to QuickFlow technology.

For transfers to card readers or computers, assuming we weren’t using a wireless connection, the card offloads media at 200MB/s, which is plenty fast for prepping some footage for editing in Adobe Premiere Pro or some other comparable video editing suite. Physically, the little cartridge looks like a standard SD card, but its performance is stellar, well-suited to the storage of 4K and multiple-bit stills.

UHS Class 3 and V30 (Video Class 30) powerhouse performance equal an optimized, stutter-free match for fast sequential shoots, burst modes, and long 4K video filming sessions. We found that it operated flawlessly in our test Canon EOS 5D IV, more than a match for its 7.0 fps continuous shoot speeds and 4K 30p video output. 

Durability Rating – There was some flex in the card, but it felt solid enough. Designed to operate in harsh environments, sports an operational temperature of -25°C to 85°C.

ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B Cobalt Memory Card

While most of the media cards in this post balance cost against features, the ProGrade Digital CFExpress Cobalt appears to ignore balance, opting instead for sheer power. It’s an immensely capable memory card, equipped as it is with a 1.3TB capacity and a write speed of 3000MB/s. The only major drawback in purchasing one is the fact that buyers won’t get much change out of their $1k investment.

A Nikon D6 DSLR isn’t likely to suffer from buffering or frame drops, not with a ProGRade Digital CFExpress Type B Cobalt providing storage muscle. On top of the already impressive write speed, a read speed of 3200MB/s caters for 20.8 Megapixel stills shot at 14 fps. Then there’s the one-terabyte plus capacity to store all of this 3840 x 2160 UltraHD 4K footage, surpassing anything that would be possible on a low-capacity card. Longer videos mean fewer trips to the video editing suite, too.

A next-generation PCIe Gen 4 bus and NVME controller tames image data transmissions, keeping a busy photographer’s workflow happily buzzing along at a rapid pace. This means no slowdowns due to slow downloads, no sluggish editing studio work, and no data errors due to an overloaded card architecture. RED approved, these cards operate at production-level speeds while delivering film studio demanded frame reliability.

Durability Rating – Optimized to exceed 8K and beyond cinematic filming standards, this high-bitrate memory card is used by film production teams. It’s durable, X-Ray and magnet proof, shock and vibration resistant, and it’ll keep right on filming, even in chilly blizzards and hot deserts (-10°C to 70°C operating range).  

Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II Memory Card

A second entry in the popular SDXC range, the Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC is a tiny 1.25” by 0.95” memory card that slots in with a soft click thanks to its svelte 0.08” thick profile. Amazingly for that tiny size, it’s a V90 class video recording beast. What this meant for us was an opportunity to assign one of our testers with our pride and joy, the department Sony Alpha 1. It’s a dual-card camera, so compatibility wasn’t a problem.

Thanks to that V90 rating on the Lexar Professional 2000x, our Sony Alpha 1 didn’t hesitate when recording full 8K video. It never missed a frame, never experienced any memory card bottleneck nor burst image slowdown of any kind. Of course, one drawback would be the 256GB capacity maximum, but the 300MB/s transfer speed soon made up for that shortcoming. The 260MB/s write speed was similarly impressive, leading us to the conclusion that this is a professional-grade memory card fit for partnership with a premium mirrorless camera.

With backward compatible UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) file transfer available, using our own desktop SD card reader to rocket images to our Mac Studio M1 Max, our post-production team soon had our day’s video shoot edited and “in-the-can” via Final Cut Pro.

Durability Rating – Vibration-proof and X-Ray proof, too, the Lexar Pro 2000x has an operating temperature that covers a 0 °C to 70 °C spread.

Transcend SDC700S UHS-II Memory Card

Just for a change of pace, we slotted this 64GB Transcend SDC700S into a Nikon Z6 II for the afternoon. The single problem with the card is its smaller capacity, which meant avoiding memory-eating 8K movie shoots. At a maximum 4K 60p motion picture recording and a still image continuous speed of 14 fps, the Transcend card was well up to the task.

The Nikon Z6 II clicked along happily with the SDC700S Transcend applying full speed UHS-II compliant connectivity to keep the Nikon camera buffer from becoming overloaded. Interestingly, it’s another V90 product, so 4K video footage wasn’t an issue, but we stayed away from 8K, as the capacity of the card was just too small for the large files created by 7680 x 4320 pixels cinematic clips, even if they’re compressed by a HEVC capable image processing engine.

The Nikon camera used did feature two EXPEED 6 image processors, so the 285MB/s read speed and 220MB/s write speed of the card had to provide plenty of data transfer overhead. We were not disappointed one little bit in this respect. Again, as the only drawback, the card capacity is either 32GB or 64GB, no more, no less.

Durability Rating – A more than satisfactory operating temperature spread of  -25°C to 85°C, perfect for camera overheating burst modes. It’s also waterproof, shock-proof, X-Ray proof, and static proof. Carry it through luggage checks with confidence.

SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card Type B Memory Card

Talk about the dual memory card Nikon Z6 II reminded our staffers that CFExpress memory cards have become the high-speed data transferral media of choice among photography professionals. We chose a SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress® Card Type B as our CFExpress representative, a card that would be expected to record 50 Megapixel stills under extreme duress.

The event chosen was a high-resolution wildlife photography shoot. A sustained write speed of 1400MB/s took care of multiple burst shots, storing huge RAW files and an occasional dip into 8K motion picture filming. The 512MB card we had slotted into our dual-card slotted Canon EOS R5 exceeded expectations. The 45 Megapixel sensor on this camera snaps 8192 x 5464 RAW at up to 20 fps, not forgetting the ultraHD 8K cinematic video footage, but the 1400MB/s write speed and 1700MB/s read speed provided plenty of image recording overhead.

While chunkier than SDXC memory cards, reminiscent of the old CF Card standard, this SanDisk card has much to recommend. Durable and built to handle massive RAW files without causing undesirable frame buffering errors, it’s a camera memory card with pro-grade speed and capacity. Just as a quick by-the-way, there are multi-terabyte variants on the market, but they’re priced exorbitantly high.

Durability Rating – A build that withstands extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations. It’s designed to perform reliably in freezing cold or sweltering conditions.

Sony CFexpress Type A TOUGH Memory Card

It’s hardly worth compiling a best memory cards for cameras list without a Sony product tucked away somewhere, proudly shouting out the mirrorless camera manufacturer’s stellar reputation as industry leaders. Slipping the staff flagship model flagship Sony Alpha 1 into a camera equipment bag with an E-mount Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens safely stowed away in a padded lower compartment, we decided to slot in a Sony CFexpress Type A memory card.

At 700MB/s write and 800MB/s read, data transferral of still images from the Sony 50 Megapixel EXMOR RS sensor were lightning-fast, even when the camera switched to 30 fps continuous shooting. The same speedy recording and storage reliability was observed with 8K 30p filming, which was just fine since we’d inserted the maximum capacity memory card, the 640MB version. The 80GB lowest capacity card wasn’t selected; it would be more suitable for FullHD 1080p clips or short 4K videos.

Shooting on a hot day, humid and sweat-inducing, a robust heat dissipation architecture built into the memory card housing allowed our tester to take high-speed burst shots on the Sony Alpha 1 with wild abandon, knowing the card would expel waste thermal energies. Similarly, the TOUGH label appended to the card indicated an ability to withstand bending and the sort of rough handling our interns can’t seem to break themselves from during a busy shoot.

Durability Rating – A reliable memory card that resists X-Rays, shock, static, dust, and just about any other imaginable kind of mistreatment too. Operating temperatures listed on the data sheet ranged from a chilly -10°C  to a component-baking 70°C.

PNY EliteX-PRO90 Memory Card

Another excellent SDXC media storage device of worth would have to be the PNY EliteX-PRO90. If the brand sounds familiar, there’s a good reason for that—PNY is a name recognized across various tech industries; they’re clued in on all things related to digital storage. Clearly, then, they’ve applied this tech-savvy experience to design a UHS-II product that fits right into a demanding photographer’s workflow.

A 280MB/s write speed sent massive 12 and 14-bit RAW stills to the SDXC slot on our Nikon Z6 II, then our post-production abilities were put to the test, with the 300MB/s sequential read speed punching the error-free files down to our dedicated media storage SSD. From here, Final Cut Pro edited the video while Camera RAW in Adobe Photoshop was used to bring out still image highlights and nuanced skin tones from a wedding shoot.

All of the usual codes are stamped on the memory card label. It’s a UHS-II rated media card, a memory device that offers Class 10, U3 speed and V90 videographer appeal. Our own benchmarking tests confirmed its place among premium brand camera memory cards, like those available from more recognizable camera brands, SanDisk and Lexar being chief among them. Starting at 64GB, the capacity of this range goes up two steps, first to 128GB and then to 256GB.

Durability Rating – The memory card is shock and temperature proof. The linked data sheet also lists X-Ray proof and magnet proof resilience,  although, frustratingly, no figures are quoted.  

Lexar Pro CFexpress Type B Card DIAMOND Series

Going out with a bang, for those who want to push their professional mirrorless camera or DSLR to the high-bitrate limit, a Lexar Professional CFExpress Type B DIAMOND Series memory card was pulled from our editor’s drawer. Sporting a 512GB capacity and a 1900MB/s read speed, this high-performance beast was intended to push the envelope of what’s possible with current digital camera technology.

Because of its 20 fps RAW capturing and high-velocity 120 fps JPEG stills, we decided to loan a Nikon Z9. We could also do a separate test with the 10-bit 8K as well, the Z9 serving as our primary machine for the day. Its dual card slots easily accepted the Lexar DIAMOND series memory card. Two empty Type B slots waited in the camera.

Besides topping out at an almost 2000MB/s fast read speed, production engineers enjoyed the 1700MB/s write speed, too. The camera didn’t stutter once, nor were there long periods of download time to prevent our video editors from engaging their videographer workflows. For the numbers people out there, that’s VPG400 industry-standard video and Gen 3×2, NVMe high-speed bus compatibility, complete with a healthy measure of PCIe data accelerated media transferral.

Durability Rating – Designed to be both shock and temperature proof, these heavyweight memory cards are engineered to match the finest professional-grade mirrorless and DSLR cameras currently on the market. Features an operating temperature spread of -10°C to 70°C.

Choose the Right Memory Card for Your Gear

It’s hardly worth buying a Lexar DIAMOND series memory card for an entry-level mirrorless camera. The gear is suitable for a keen amateur, but it’s not going to be processing 8K video or fast continuous shoot speeds. Likewise, a Nikon Z9 isn’t going to perform at its best if the owner cheaps-out on a weedy memory card. It might be stamped with a high capacity, but it won’t store the image data fast enough, leaving the camera buffer to overflow. The camera stutters, it’s limited by the card’s low speed.

While it’s tempting to buy based on capacity, perhaps opting for that boldly promoted 2TB memory card that’s just gone on sale, that’s not nearly enough information. Look for read and write speeds that match the specs of your camera. That way, you stretch the processing engine and take advantage of the product’s full burst speed. For video, 4K frame dropping is no longer an issue when you’ve got the best memory card for the job at hand.

Other features to look for are a good warranty, temperature and shock durability resilience, and an X-Ray proof  build. Software is also a consideration, although most vendors will provide links to relevant downloadable programs. These typically cut-back versions of media management programs or data recovery software, such as RescuePRO Deluxe for SanDisk customers, are readily accessible.

There’s only one bottleneck in the user to camera relationship, besides lack of knowledge, and that’s the memory card. Choose wisely when buying one. In fact, buy more than one, using this list to source one of the best memory cards you can find for your camera.