Quick answer

Choose an SD card that matches your camera's speed class and your shooting style. For 4K video or burst shooting, look for V30 or higher; for casual photos, V10 is enough.

Understand speed classes

Speed classes indicate the minimum sustained write speed. V10 guarantees 10 MB/s, V30 guarantees 30 MB/s. For 4K video, V30 is recommended to avoid dropped frames; V10 works for 1080p or casual shooting.

UHS-I and UHS-II refer to the bus interface. UHS-II cards are faster but require a compatible camera and card reader. Most cameras support UHS-I; check your camera's manual before buying UHS-II.

Capacity vs. price trade-off

Higher capacity cards hold more photos and video, but cost more per GB. A 64GB card is a sweet spot for most photographers, offering enough space for a day of shooting without overspending. 256GB suits heavy shooters who don't want to swap cards often.

Consider your workflow: if you offload files daily, a 64GB card is practical; if you travel long without a computer, 256GB saves hassle.

Decision rules for choosing your SD card

  • Check your camera's manual: Identify the supported card type (SDHC vs SDXC) and bus interface (UHS-I vs UHS-II). Most cameras accept SDXC UHS-I, but verify before buying. If your camera only supports SDHC, avoid SDXC cards.
  • Match speed to your shooting: For 4K video or high-speed burst shooting, choose a V30 card (or faster). For 1080p video or stills, V10 is sufficient. Borrow a friend's V30 card to test your camera's performance before upgrading.
  • Decide capacity based on usage: Choose 64GB for casual shooting or daily offloading; choose 256GB for travel or extended sessions without access to a computer. If you shoot RAW, estimate file sizes to ensure capacity is enough.

SanDisk SD card options

  • SanDisk SD Card (SDXC) CLASS 4 – 64GB: SanDisk SD Card (SDXC) CLASS 4 – 64GB, priced at USD 16.50 with a 1-year warranty. This budget card suits basic photography and 1080p video, but its slow Class 4 speed is not enough for 4K or burst shooting.

    SanDisk SD Card (SDXC) CLASS 4 – 64GB

    SanDisk SD Card (SDXC) CLASS 4 – 64GB

  • Sandisk Ultra Plus 64GB SDXC Card, V10, 140MB/s: Sandisk Ultra Plus 64GB SDXC Card, V10, 140MB/s, in stock with 1-year warranty. V10 ensures reliable performance for Full HD video and casual burst shots, making it a solid everyday choice.

    Sandisk Ultra Plus 64GB SDXC Card, V10, 140MB/s

    Sandisk Ultra Plus 64GB SDXC Card, V10, 140MB/s

  • SanDisk Extreme® 64GB SDXC™ UHS-I CARD 150MB/s: SanDisk Extreme 64GB SDXC UHS-I Card, 150MB/s, in stock with 1-year warranty. This card's high write speed supports 4K video and continuous burst shooting, ideal for enthusiasts.

  • Sandisk 256GB Ultra SDXC card UHS-I, 150MB/s: Sandisk 256GB Ultra SDXC card UHS-I, 150MB/s, in stock with 1-year warranty. Large capacity with fast speed, perfect for long shoots or travel without frequent card swaps.

Who should buy which card

Best for

  • Casual photographers and 1080p video shooters: SanDisk Ultra Plus 64GB (V10)
  • Enthusiasts shooting 4K video or bursts: SanDisk Extreme 64GB (UHS-I)

Not for

  • Professionals needing UHS-II speeds: consider UHS-II cards if your camera supports them
  • Budget-only buyers: Class 4 cards are not suitable for modern 4K or burst demands