Best SD CARDS for Photography & Video - Is SANDISK the Most Reliable & Fastest Memory Card?

What are the best SD memory cards to use whether you're shooting photo or video?
In this video, I'll tell you how to choose which SD card is best for you and which exact card I've been using throughout my career as a professional photographer that also shoots video.
My memory card backup workflow: • How To Use PHOTO MECHA...
Link to cards at B&H Photo: www.bhphotovid...
If you got any value from this video and are feeling kind, you can "Buy Me A TEA" here - www.buymeacoff...
My one-to-one training: www.stevegerra...
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00:00​ Intro
00:57 Which SD card holds the most photos
01:36 What size SD card should you buy?
01:56 Things to consider when buying a memory card
02:30 Which SD cards are most reliable?
02:51 Dual card slots
03:27 What capacity memory card do you need?
04:22 Best speed for an SD card
04:47 Difference between read & write speed on memory cards
05:32 Best brand for SD memory cards
05:51 Which SD card do I use?
06:49 Best practice
07:12 Counterfeit memory cards
07:37 Price of 128GB and 256GB SanDisk SD memory cards
08:30 Outro
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[@r57brian]

Great video, really helped this dad here get the right card for my son’s new camera!

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Really glad it helped. Thanks for the comment.

[@SURF4LIFE84]

I'm not a pro but I like to work with 64gb cards. I mark them with numbers from 1,2,3.... That helps me with editing. For example weddings. One card for preparing, dress... mostly everything before ceremony. Second for a ceremony,third for cocktails, wedding house...and so on. Helps me organize everything before I start editing,if it's a video or photos. Easier to find something aswell,you don't have to scroll through 1T card, just card nr 2 and I know the whole ceremony it there. Great vide, cheers from sunny Algarve 🤙

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

I used to be a bit more like that before dual slots in cameras. These days I like to know I'm not gonna fill a card when something important might be about to happen. Cheers from a subzero Montreal :)

[@lindashepherd804]

Your video was very helpful! A thorough straight to the point video. Thank you!

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Glad you found it useful Linda

[@mranerobic3795]

That's good info and advice. If anyone's interested, SanDisk is the premiere memory card manufacturer. They make the most reliable cards, but are the most expensive. Just don't by any SanDisk card since the do make several levels of card. You need to choose the top tier such as the Extreme Pro to get the very best of what they have to offer, and if you need the highest reliability. Although no card is 100% reliable, your boss or client can't blame you if it does fail since SanDisk is as good as it gets.

[@basilbcf]

I've been using both SanDisk and Lexar for years and (knock on wood) have never had either of those fail. I generally will buy either one when I see a good sale price. With my new Canon R5 I initially bought a 128GB Lexar 2000x SDXC II V90 card (for the SD slot and a SanDisk CFExpress for that slot) due to the obvious speed advantage over say a V60 or V30. However, I recently saw a good sale for a 512GB Lexar 1800x V60 card and decided to give it a try since I sometimes shoot star trails all night and the capacity is a plus for that. I was a little concerned about the speed difference for shooting high speed burst shots, but have determined that, while there is a difference in how soon I hit the buffer and how long it takes for the buffer to clear, the differences are not significant to me as I tend to shoot in shorter bursts anyway when I shoot high speed bursts at all.

[@michaelstolz1797]

I mostly agree, especially for your fotography settings (wedding). However, I actually prefer the smaller 64GB cards, because I do timelapses of skyscapes and the Milky Way, mostly while traveling. I am using a 5Dm4 and an astro-modified 6D. I like to spread the pictures on many cards. Ideally one or two nights equals one card. Each new write to the card endangers the stuff already on the card. On the downside this means, that I typically have to take 20 SD and 10 CF cards on my travels. That is very expensive! Of course, using smaller cards means I have to carefully plan ahead. It is very bad if I have to switch cards in the middle of a timelapse! 😅

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

That's interesting Michael. Sounds like you know what you're doing. Thanks for the comment.

[@peterstevens6555]

Hello from Auckland, New Zealand ...great video !!!👍👍👍

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Been there a couple of times. Beautiful part of the world. Thanks Peter.

[@intelligenttinkering]

Thank you for the helpful video managed to purchase the same memory card for £23 with lifetime guarantee from A reputable dealer new to photography got myself a Nikon D7100 lots to learn great content subscribed 👍

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

That sounds like a great deal!

[@2.06am]

Trying to upgrade from my phone to an actual camera and this was much more helpful than the other videos I've seen. Thank you for being so diligent!

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Thanks. Glad it was useful.

[@JuanLopezmusica]

Thank you! The first person resolve my questions!

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

😊

[@hedydd2]

The SD card price sweet spot currently is around 64 or 128GB. If your camera can take UHS II cards, get one of those with a V60 or even a V90 speed rating. Often cameras with two slots have one that cannot make use of the UHS II extra high speed cards, but they will fit because they are backward compatible. UHS II cards are easily identified because they have two rows of contacts instead of one in order to transfer data both ways faster. In tests the Sandisk 170mb/s card seems to be exactly the same card as the previous 150mb/s card, just with a different label. Personally I have no brand preference and have cards from Kingston, Sandisk, Samsung and Lexar and Integral. My latest cards are two 128GB ones. One is a Lexar 250mb/s UHS II V60 and the other is an Integral Ultima Pro 128GB 100/50 UHS I V30 which was much cheaper but more than adequate for its intended purpose.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Yeah, the camera can definitely hold you back on speed. And faster cameras can be held back by slow cards.

[@mranerobic3795]

Speed is one parameter, but reliability is generally most important (at least when its paid for). All of those cards are major brands (I don't know Integral), so its no wonder they've performed well. The UHS II v90 are the flagship of SD and micro SD, with v60 a close second in speed. Even the v60 is fast enough to handle 4k video, so it should be able to handle any stills quantity the camera can throw at it.

[@greengirl85]

Thanks a million, that really helped me to pick the card for my new camera❤

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

My pleasure. Glad it helped.

[@JonAnderhub]

Thanks for the advice!

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

No problem!

[@dcstrng1]

Thanks for an informative video (easy to understand, too..) from a rank beginner

[@cjmedina.24]

Thanks for the video! Super useful. Wasn't sure what to get but now I have a good idea!

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Hey Christian. Nice to hear it was helpful.

[@raymika2804]

Thank you for this video straight to the point.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Glad you found it valuable. Thanks for the comment.

[@VideoSlave01]

Fantastic thank you. All the information i need for my next card purchase I have bene using lexmark 64 but will go to sandisk 128. Great content thanks

[@crackalacka811]

Really like your logo at the beginning and end of your videos! Great video :)

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Hey. Thanks a lot. Appreciate that. Glad you liked the video.

[@willapanews9761]

I had a 256 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro 200 mb/s SD card fail on me 12/30/2023 that l bought from B&H photo on 9/2/2023. I noticed prior that a few photos were not being saved correctly.

[@melenahoward]

Wonderful information. I am very new to photography and I appreciate your input.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Glad you find it useful and hope you'll get some value from other videos on my channel too.

[@WaschyNumber1]

This days is the biggest problem the nockoffs and you never know if the card is 100% Orginal or a cheaper brand if it's works propper, like fake space and so on. 😒

[@mranerobic3795]

If you're concerned you can always buy directly from the manufacture. Just don't expect too many bargains.

[@huzizach]

Great video, Steve. Really informative, clear and to the point. Much appreciated!

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Hey Zach. Appreciate the comment. Thanks.

[@hismajesty40]

Excellent presentation!

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Thanks very much for the kind comment.

[@TheChronozShow]

This video is 3 years old, what's the new best card now or is it still great the 128 you mentioned

[@VinnieGRandomVlogs]

Great video and great information.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Thanks for the comment Vinnie. Glad it was useful.

[@VinnieGRandomVlogs]

@@SteveGerrardPhotography you are very welcome.

[@TruckFan542]

I use PNY cards mostly, but that’s because i run point-and-shoots and a GoPro. I don’t have anything really high end, although i do want one of those GoPro MAX units, but geez are they expensive. I do own some SanDisk units though. Avoid Samsung if you can, from what I’ve heard they’re a bit unreliable at times. I prefer to have slightly smaller cards, because my storage situation is a mess and i don’t like using the cloud, it gets messy very quickly. Also i would stay away from Amazon, there’s been a lot of fakes on there, i mostly buy from local stores because of this.

[@TruckFan542]

Incase anyone was wondering, all my point-and-shoots are actually 2000’s era units that i have pulled from the scrap. I currently have a Sony Cybershot DSC-W230 running, as well as 2 Panasonic Lumix DMC FS-10’s (one black one silver), and a Casio EX-Z80. I hope to get the last 3 up and running soon. The find of these 4 cameras is what started to get me interested in photography and videography. I like working with technology and messing around with stuff.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Just treated myself to the 256GB version for both my cameras :)

[@accorsistudios]

Thank you! Very helpful. I've been having my GH5s stopping writing in the middle of a shoot. Thankfully I had a backup camera person shooting at a different angle. So I've been researching cards, formatting, etc. (Which in itself just stinks, but have to resolve it) this is the first time I've heard that is the Read Speed. I had thought for the past 10-15 years that was the writing speed so I was at a loss why the camera had issues. But, the same lagging issue just happened with a Lexar 250/mbs Read Speed which should be fast enough for 1080, 10 bit video. Still researching, so please reply if you have a Panasonic and have run into the issue. Camera is up to date. I'm going to completely reformat the discs, which I haven't done. I know they tend to save past work and push it out as new data comes (from disc recovery programs).

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Glad you got some value from the video Michael and hopefully some Panasonic users can give some feedback too.

[@calisto7280]

I jus bought my first Panasonic lumix g85 but have no idea

[@mgr5550]

Has anyone used the Sandisk Extreme MicroSD 128gb (90 MB/s) card (with card adapter) in the GH5 recording 200 Mbits/s video onto it successfully ?

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

I haven't, sorry.

[@mgr5550]

@@SteveGerrardPhotography Thanks

[@tiziocaio8657]

I think it should be fine

[@royaltykidstv]

So 128GB, 170mbs V30 for video?

[@HowYouMove]

What is the best quality memory card that I can get for the Sony NEX 7 camera for video vlogging and to transfer the videos on my MacBook Pro Mid-2012?

[@zaraparadise]

Which as card do u recommend for a fdr Sony ax53 would appreciate ur help so much thanks god bless u

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

I'm not familiar with that camera but the rules tend to apply to most brands equally.

[@briancharette4980]

i was wondering for continous shooting and not vidios..would i need more then 100 MB?

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

If you're shooting RAW I'd try to spend a little more and get the fastest you can afford. If you're shooting jpeg, 100 MB/s should be just fine. Faster cards are essential if you're shooting multiple frames for a few seconds like anyone covering sports etc.

[@luisvargas4985]

thank you🙏🏽

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Absolutely my pleasure

[@GazianoOutdoors]

Just been offered a lexar 128gb 4k, would this be good enough for a gopro 10 black? Never heard of lexar

[@cagada]

What card do you recommend for the Sony a6700?

[@jodiannkarambela4946]

Steve, do you have an opinion on the Sony Tough memory cards?

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Hi Jodi. Personally I've never used the Sony cards and don't know anyone who does. Maybe someone else can comment if they have experience though.

[@tollbar5468]

This is a bit of a sore point for me. I use Sony cameras so I use their cards and, for quite some time HOWEVER... Recently I have learnt that a batch from one of their range of cards were faulty and had corrupted their users' recordings. As soon as I saw this I ditched Sony and went headlong for Sandisk of which I have great respect for. As Mr. Gerrard pointed out: The first consideration of choosing a card is their reliability.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

@@tollbar5468 Hope you didn’t lose anything important. Another reason why I’m glad for the dual card slots.

[@tollbar5468]

@@SteveGerrardPhotography Thank you for your kind comments. Once again you're bang on the money: dual card slots should be mandatory on all cameras.

[@markedwards2701]

Have a canon 21_ 1356 35mm EQUIV POWER SHOT. S X70 H S ( 4K) 65X OPTICAL ZOOM 20.3MEGA PIXELS . USING CAMRA TO DO BOTH VIDEOING AND PORTRATE.COVERING TABLE TENNIS .NOT TO VERSE IN THE PHOTOGRAPHY.WHAT TYPE OF S D CARD IS RECOMMEND ,THANKS SO MUCH.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Hi Mark. I think the SD cards I talk about here would be perfect for you. You probably won't need bigger than 64gb with that camera though.

[@666hobart]

I have the same one you use and the samsung pro's the samsungs are better all around and cheaper.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Interesting. Thanks for the tip.

[@ohitsmeolivia]

This can be so complicated. I have purchased so many different sd cards. That sandisk card is one of my favorites. I have recently tried the lexar 1667x and I think I am a convert. It is faster and only a couple of dollars extra.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Good to know you found something you’re happy with.

[@hedydd2]

The Lexar 1667x is what I've got. If your gear can make use of the second row of pins [UHS II] then it proves to be amazingly fast. There is an even faster 2000x version but the price rises exponentially and I can't think where the speed advantage can currently be utilised. 250 or 300MB/s are both faster than most equipment can utilise at the moment I think.

[@mranerobic3795]

SanDisk is the leader in card manufacture and so are the more expensive tier for tier. Lexar is probably a good second choice with a more palatable price.

[@TruckFan542]

I use PNY cards mostly, both for short-term backups and in all my cameras.

[@nicoleegger4209]

I have the canon mark 2, what would you recommend? San disk has been great.

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

That's a great camera. I have one here too. The SanDisk Extreme PRO will work well.

[@sebmour]

You just popped up on my feed. Is that one of my cards? kidding by the way. Cheers mate

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Haha. Happy New Year mate!

[@perrypelican9476]

Do cards deteriorate? I always take a bunch of random photos and a few videos just to test the card. My brain tells me that if the card works well to day, it is much less likely to crash tomorrow so it's better to try it before you use it for important stuff. I wonder if there are apps that test SD cards. Great video. Full of great stuff. Thanks

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

The cards will deteriorate slowly over time but should last at least ten years depending on how well you look after them and how often you format them. They are now cheap enough that I would probably replace mine every 5 years or so.

[@mranerobic3795]

Unless you have a crystal ball there's no way to know that. SanDisk does offer the best warranty, so there's that. Remember, a lot depends on use and storage.

[@kalisaamon7474]

Can I get one today how much?

[@tykearaadams]

what card do you recommend for Canon powershot G7x Mark II ?

[@tykearaadams]

I will be using it for pics & KZbin videos

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Definitely consider the Sandisk Extreme Pro.

[@WaschyNumber1]

Even a reputable dealer can have fake cards,they aren't immune against fakes.

[@mranerobic3795]

Absolutely. Anything can be counterfeited, and memory cards are no exception.

[@TruckFan542]

I’ve never had a fake from my local stores. However i will share this piece of advice: Don’t buy any cards over 1TB. They don’t exist yet. Also be careful of those “Lenovo extreme”cards. They are actually fake SanDisk Extreme units.

[@michaelkeba6157]

How about Tough cards ??

[@mranerobic3795]

All the top cards are pretty tough these days. SanDisk, Lexar, PROGrade, Verbatim, Samsung, Kingston. Just beware of the cheap tier.

[@WaschyNumber1]

Look on your cameras maximal speed performance and than buy the card than can handle the speed, maybe a little more speed but not much for cost, the camera couldn't anyway use it. And i buy never again lexar products.

[@mranerobic3795]

That's certainly one way to look at it. Another is future proofing. You can't really go wrong with a faster than is needed card. Save the cost, that is.

[@WaschyNumber1]

@@mranerobic3795 that's the point, not everyone have the money for future proofing buys and it's a waste of extra speed that couldn't be used anyway.

[@picturef8]

The Canon 5d ? I think that came out before I was born, I'm 46

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Haha.. well the 5D Mk4 came out less than 5 years ago so it's past your bedtime ;)

[@picturef8]

@@SteveGerrardPhotography I'm sure u said 5d 🤷‍♂️

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

@@picturef8 It is a 5D but maybe I didn't mention which version. I will probably go mirrorless next upgrade though.

[@mranerobic3795]

I hope that was a joke? The 5D (the original) was fine when it came out, and its still fine today. Do you really think you could tell the difference in photos between one taken with a 5D and one with the current generation? Maybe if you zoomed in with a side-by-side. As for mirrorless, there's nothing magical there either. They're just different.

[@natewatson6962]

I only did a little bit of a like so idk if it registered... nah jk i gotchu

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

:)

[@schylerlewis8467]

Good advice for old gear. Not pertinent to pro grade cameras

[@SteveGerrardPhotography]

Elaborate.. ?

[@mranerobic3795]

False.