Using Micro SD in your camera instead of SD?

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[@MchalesNavy]

I've been using a mix of sd and micro sd for years. Biggest pro for micro sd over sd I've found is sd cards are easily damaged over time when using card holders for storage or if carelessly inserted/extracted. Once the sd card is damaged, it's useless. A micro sd doesn't suffer from that problem, if you damage the adapter in the same way you just throw it away and get another, they're like $2. The micro sd itself lives on.

[@ElMeach]

I used to think exactly how Dave explains in this video and then, after having lost many SD cards the way you describe, I switched over trying to use mostly microSD cards with the peace of mind thay I could always use another adapter without losing most of the important part of the card

[@andikaelectric05]

Same with my experience. I agree with that

[@cody.vagabond]

Yeah, the adapter is like a sock. And it get's worn all the time, while the only wear on the micro is going to be the 1-2 times you have to slide it into a new adapter if the previous has been disabled through wear. Except, you're gonna be inserting the SD around if you work with action cameras and drones, micro is what you'll need in that case. And with an adapter you could also be using for example the same micro on a drone but also a camera (although I don't recommend using a card across devices, can lead to data corruption) Also, I've opened up quite a lot of old, damaged memory cards. And, all the SD cards were just a big plastic case around a normal microSD! 1:1 the insides of the adapter, the microSD isn't even soldered onto the contacts that lead to the big outside contacts, just slid in onto the contacts. And it's just not an adapter cause the slit for the microSD is just not cut out. Or the SD cards are not like an adapter on the inside, and there's actually a card inside that also has the contacts visible on the outside. That card is shaped much wider but shorter than a microSD. It's just like a stretched out microSD so it can hold big contacts. This design might be the worst in regards to heat. The memory chip is deeper inside the camera. Else, there's literally no difference between a microSD inserted into an adapter and an SD, which is actually a microSD permanently stuck to an adapter. Maybe there are SD's that are actually a bigger memory chips that fill out all of the SD shape?

[@campa_t]

i swear this guy reads my mind and makes videos on all my existential questions

[@dave.h4075]

Google, mic, algorithm, gg!

[@yahyashaikh7568]

Brooooo seriously 🙌🏻

[@badreality2]

For those of you whom ACTUALLY need faster micro SD cards, Lexar makes V90, and V60 micro SD cards. V90 64 GB Lexar micro SD card: www.kinjushop.com/products/lexar-professional-1800x-128gb-microsdxc-uhs-ii-card-lsdmi128cbna1800a V60 256 GB Lexar micro SD card: excellentphoto.ca/products/lexar-256gb-professional-1000x-uhs-ii-microsdxc-memory-card-with-sd-adapter

[@krzysztofkwolek5810]

Using Micro SD saved me from replacing cards a few times, because pins on adapter would wear, and card itself was untouched. Cheaper to buy adapter than entirely new card.

[@loui.e0241]

smart

[@JohnDlugosz]

How many insertions does a card handle?

[@MrPhilbautista]

Many content creators use action cameras and drones, most of which require micro sd cards to maintain their compact form factor, while also using mirrorless cameras that require sd cards, so this info could definitely be of some use to them. Maybe it's time to simplify inventory by sticking to just one type of card?

[@bookedsam]

MicroSD card is probably the best. Just put adapters in your normal SD cameras.

[@andersonboy620]

Quite a useful video, thumbs up!!

[@realisateurmea6422]

I’ve always used micro ones in mirrorless cameras because after time the regular ones break from taking them in and out of cam and computer. Whereas the micro ones are in an adapter so the adapter breaks and not the card so you can just change the adapter instead of having to buy a new card

[@luis-antoniogomez4094]

Yes.

[@cody.vagabond]

​@@luis-antoniogomez4094 Actually, most SD cards are just regular microSD cards slid into an adapter and the adapter just doesn't have the slit that would let you slide out the microSD. I had some SD cards break (worn down contacts) but I opened them and just slid out the hidden microSD, put that one in a new adapter and it was like nothing ever happened.

[@AustralianImage]

All I ever use are micro-SD cards in all of my stills and video cameras, and mobile phones (for stills and video). I tend to use the Samsung EVO Plus SDXC Class 3256GB and 512GB versions. They are usually well priced and in the years I've been using these, they have been the most reliable of memory cards yet.

[@badreality2]

Lexar is really reliable, as well.

[@astrochimpham]

The only benefit to a MicroSD is you can take it out of your camera and pop it right in your phone if it has a slot for that and then upload to your phone directly.

[@JJtoob]

Unless it's an iPhone lol.

[@chrisw5742]

There are plenty of others also. :-P

[@JJtoob]

I kid. You can still do that with iPhones, but you’ll need a card reader and the USB to lightning adapter. I think that works these days, I’ve never done it.

[@Towelie-]

@@JJtoob there is no Files app on iOS only iPadOS

[@okaro6595]

That is a clumsy way to do things as useful only if one suddenly ends in such a situation. Otherwise it is better to use WiFi or a card reader. Also who has a SIM tool with them. I used Micro-SD cards as I had old ones left from phones. However, I occasionally got card errors when the card was not tightly enough in the adapter. That is easily fixed but was enough to stop it. Now I use them only as spare cards.

[@pacoreguenga]

I just discovered your chanel because of this video came to my feed, and its a great channel! Congratulations! Now, I've been using exclusively microSD cards on adapters with all my gear, from GoPros to DJI Drones (phantoms with 4k cameras) CAnon DSLRs and finally my beloved Lumix GH4 and never had a problem with my memories. Not a single problem. And I've been reusing them for years now, including for 4 low budget full feature movies I shot last year. They all are Sandisk Extreme and Ultra (not Pro) and I even have some Adata Premier cards that normally I use only for low bitrate 1080p (50mbps) but even on those i've been able to record 100 mbps (short clips to avoid burning my camera) and havent had a problem either. Anyway, I only use confidently Sandisk branded memory cards to be sure everything goes ok. Thanks for your video, it confirmed my assumptions about the matter. Great content!

[@ClaudioDesideriFilms]

Best ending ever with your dog approaching to say hi to everyone with you! Ahaha so cute🐶

[@ChrisPollard]

I've done both. One advantage to microSD is if your computer only has a built-in microSD slot (yes, for some reason they even make big honkin' 17" laptops with MICROsd slots) it keeps you from having to use a USB reader to import files. If you have GoPros and the like in your mix, it's easier to stock up on microSD and use the adapter instead of buying more cards in both formats. At the end of the day, you just REALLY (no matter the format) pay attention to the listed read/write speeds on the cards themselves. They are not all equal ... not by a long shot.

[@barzinlotfabadi]

Finally, videos on all the important questions!

[@user-bp8yg3ko1r]

Very useful test. Thank you, Dave! ^^

[@kazukinakamura1110]

Great review. The problem with SD cards, in my case, is that the teeth often break. Specifically, the plastic near the teeth. And on a few occasions, the card was stuck in my camera. The advantage of the microSD card is that even if the teeth breaks in the adapter, just get a new adapter. microSD is a stronger form factor IMO. And in fact, I recommend the industrial temp rage or a ruggedized version if you are shooting in cold weather or drought with your gear.

[@cody.vagabond]

Actually, most SD cards are just regular microSD cards slid into an adapter and the adapter just doesn't have the slit that would let you slide out the microSD. I had some SD cards break (worn down contacts) but I opened them and just slid out the hidden microSD, put that one in a new adapter and it was like nothing ever happened.

[@karlrichards]

For the last 3 years I've been doing this experiment and I've never had any of the cards fail or have any differences in performance.

[@frankfeng2701]

Same here. Versatility is key. I also predict that the internal of camera will get more cramped that a smaller card would save space.

[@JJtoob]

Mine even had better performance than the previous regular sized SD card that was in it. I think I bought the cards as backup for my dashcams, but forgot about them, then found them when I needed a blank card for my camera right before a trip. Took longer to start buffering, so I was happy.

[@badreality2]

For those of you whom ACTUALLY need faster micro SD cards, Lexar makes V90, and V60 micro SD cards. V90 64 GB Lexar micro SD card: www.kinjushop.com/products/lexar-professional-1800x-128gb-microsdxc-uhs-ii-card-lsdmi128cbna1800a V60 256 GB Lexar micro SD card: excellentphoto.ca/products/lexar-256gb-professional-1000x-uhs-ii-microsdxc-memory-card-with-sd-adapter

[@Lauren_C]

I’ve used MicroSD cards simply because they’re the fastest thing I’ve found at the local Wal-Mart.

[@zuberaspirit]

I tend to advocate for regular SD cards. I always worry that micro SD will get dislodged from the adaptor so it increases the chance of errors while working. Especially with video. And you're right in how slippery the micro SDs are so you might lose one before you get the chance to create backups. Both of them are unnecessary risks. (And stupid stuff like forgetting the adapter)

[@Drizien]

As someone getting into photography and videography as a hobby (Ordered a Sony a7c yesterday) and I have 3 128GB Sandisk Extreme U3 A2 v30 microSD cards that I have for my Yi 4k+, I definitely appreciate this video as this means I can get started with these cards. Though I will consider getting normal size SD cards in the future.

[@MN12BIRD]

I'd assume they're the same die inside. Like same controller chip, nand, same size etc and there's just a lot of wasted space inside the SD card. But the idea of the adapter and an extra set of contacts to get dirty and cause issues is really the thing to consider!

[@cody.vagabond]

Actually, most SD cards are just regular microSD cards slid into an adapter and the adapter just doesn't have the slit that would let you slide out the microSD. I had some SD cards break (worn down contacts) but I opened them and just slid out the hidden microSD, put that one in a new adapter and it was like nothing ever happened. There's literally no difference, same amount of contacts on both. Just that the on let's you access the microSD to put it into a device that only has microSD slot, like a small drone or action camera. I've seen an exception though, sometimes it's not a microSD inside, it's a wider but also shorter card that has big contacts on it's long side which go directly outside as usual SD contacts. So it's really a card with it's contacts directly to the device! 3/4 of those SD's are still empty space though. And maybe heat is a bigger problem as the actual card will be deeper inside the device.

[@Altcine]

People talking about "another point of failure" . I'd rather have the adaptor break than the full size SD. I always try to buy micro SD SanDisk Extreme Pro as the large cards seem to break on me. Been using 400GB micro SD in my bmpcc4k for a year now.

[@cody.vagabond]

Actually, most SD cards are just regular microSD cards slid into an adapter and the adapter just doesn't have the slit that would let you slide out the microSD. I had some SD cards break (worn down contacts) but I opened them and just slid out the hidden microSD, put that one in a new adapter and it was like nothing ever happened. I'm not sure why SD's are a thing.

[@charleshacker765]

Wow! First time watching your channel. A good question I have always wondered about. Thanks so much.

[@outputcoupler7819]

With regard to performance with an adapter, I'd be surprised if there were a difference. Micro SD is literally just a smaller physical form factor of SD card, they are electrically identical. Same pins, same voltages, same interface to connect/read/write. So adapters are entirely passive. They just connect the pin on the Micro SD card to the corresponding pin on the adapter, and that's it. Performance should be identical unless something's broken.

[@hyuunikitsune163]

hi i want to ask u something, i have old digicam it's canon ixus 155,i'm using micro sd card with adapter for memory card and it works fine,but what i want to ask is right now i'm using 4GB and 8GB micro sd card for my digicam,i search on google to know what the limit but i don't find it,and does 64 GB micro sd works fine too if i want to use it for my ixus 155? sorry for my bad english

[@BackcountryTripper]

Thank you so much, you answered my question exactly!!! Cheers, Dave

[@shankhanilsarkar2161]

Happy to watch the results are similar to my experience with Canon camera... I bought exactly this SanDisk Extreme pro micro SD few days back and it's very powerful Micro SD. 😀😀

[@realthoprivate]

Funny thing. Try to take them apart. The memory chip inside the cards are identical. The contact points and internal wiring is spread out further in the SD, otherwise no difference. The SD is of course more sturdy as it is made from more plastic.

[@cody.vagabond]

Well, the SD is just a permanent adapter for a microSD. And the microSD isn't soldered in place either, you can just slide it out if you open the SD. I didn't notice myself the difference in the internal wiring though.

[@jean-emmanuelrotzetter6030]

Thanks for confirming impressions I had when replacing SD by microSD cards (now all SanDisk). I now use microSD in cameras, phones - but not for longer term storage (have at home servers with RAID-1 subsystems that are backed up for externals storage to slow high capacity hard disks now partially replaced by SSD systems

[@MichaelManolagas]

Great topic to dig into! I thought as you did for quite a while. But as the speeds, capacities and prices became indistinguishable they became even in my opinion. Given that, I would always choose the microSD and I recommend it to others. There's a couple of additional of important things to consider that give the MicroSD the edge. First, if you do remove the card from the camera to offload your images, the teeth of the memory card itself get no wear each time you do this. They estimate that the average life-span of an SD card is 10 years, however, I had been finding that 3-5 years was the max before the contacts wore thin. The other advantage is that your cards can be used in MicroSD device if the situation comes up. And one last thing! The Sony A7iii was released in 2018. The prevailing cards available at the time were 64gb capacity with a 95mbs write time. Now, it's difficult to find SD cards under 128gb with at least 130 mbs. This is pretty much true for most "new" cameras sold now other than the high-end pro models. The mew, faster class SDs will get to market way faster than new cameras do (if they make it at all these days).

[@eduardosanchez2381]

Love the dog!!, very useful info, thanks & congrats!!!

[@princeding2114]

I have used microSD cards always in my camera. If your device has an embedded microSD card reader, you might consider using microSD cards. (Mine is a Surface Pro) Meanwhile, all your other devices is likely to use microSD cards. Like drones, action cameras and dash cams. Smaller cards means they are easier to carry around for trips. As a person who travels, I just wish to carry less than more.

[@DaveReasonsSr]

I've been using Micro SD cards (w/adapter) for the past couple of years. No problems encountered at all. I'm shooting a Canon 6DMKII. The one I use most is a 128GB Extreme micro SD.

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

Thank you so much for sharing this job of comparison!!! I have been using this exact SD Card for a while and, always had this doubt in my mind. In my case, once I own a G7X Mark III and a Hero 5 Session, the bundle "Micro SD + Adapter" can handle both cameras with (now) the same performance, being the best solution for me. Keep Cool, be safe, see ya 🤙

[@Shadowfax1804]

Great video, thank you. For me that makes microSD cards very attractive as my laptop and tablet have microSD card slots included (so no need for an adaptor on that side) and more of my devices take micro-SD so, more compatability from that side.

[@tricamel]

The adaptors are passive so the Micro SD card will bench test at the same speed as a standard SD (Same make and spec of course). There are 2 considerations apart from ergonomics, which you mention:, Do you want to future proof your estate, if you do then Micro SD all the way. The next is the technical capability of the card, the larger the card capacity the faster the card will go, although this is marginal. The reason for this is that there are data lanes inside the card and the higher capacity the card, the more data lanes. The more data lanes the more concurrent writes a card can perform..... so faster. As for the fiddly adaptor aspect, every Micro SD card I have bought has an adaptor, so just keep them in the adaptor. Conclusion, buy cheaper micro SD cards and use the price difference to buy higher capacity cards. Good video though with a personally valid conclusion. Thanks Dave.

[@cody.vagabond]

Actually, most SD cards are just regular microSD cards slid into an adapter and the adapter just doesn't have the slit that would let you slide out the microSD. I had some SD cards break (worn down contacts) but I opened them and just slid out the hidden microSD, put that one in a new adapter and it was like nothing ever happened.

[@wrektum]

Get out of my head!! I was just thinking about this as I purchased an SD card literally four days ago. Thanks for the video, you have answered all of my questions. Wrektum approved

[@9023557141]

Great video bro really helpful

[@jackhkf1419]

I literally thought about that question yesterday when I was in the bus on my way home! Wtf?! Subscribed!

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Welcome to the channel :)

[@badreality2]

For those of you whom ACTUALLY need faster micro SD cards, Lexar makes V90, and V60 micro SD cards. V90 64 GB Lexar micro SD card: www.kinjushop.com/products/lexar-professional-1800x-128gb-microsdxc-uhs-ii-card-lsdmi128cbna1800a V60 256 GB Lexar micro SD card: excellentphoto.ca/products/lexar-256gb-professional-1000x-uhs-ii-microsdxc-memory-card-with-sd-adapter

[@sergiogomezphotography]

Thank you for the video, hope the Dog didn't mind you disturbing him. : )

[@Sutterjack]

Nice review and observations Dave. I use tons of SD and must use micro SD in some pieces of gear I have. One thing you didn’t mention. I was recording audio with a Zoom H6 recorder with a Sandisk 32Gb micro SD with an adapter. No problem in performance, but I knocked the recorder off a low stool it fell onto the ground during recording. That short drop (no damage to recorder) was enough to dislodge the micro SD from its adapter ever so slightly that it lost electrical contact and I lost my clip. I vowed from that day on NOT to use micro SD/adapter in any gear that might be subjected to shock. Very rare I know, but a painful experience for me.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

That's a very good point which I hadn't considered as I've never personally experienced that before

[@fleemwings207]

For many years, I have used micro SD and SD cards interchangeably. I used Apacer, Samsung, Sandisk and Kingston products and found no issues with performance nor reliability. So, it is a non-issue for me!

[@ThomasMurdach]

I always went with micro to prevent write-lock failures. Once I got my A7Siii I switched to standard sd due to needing much faster write speeds

[@SinaFarhat]

Thanks for the info! :)

[@johnashcroft-jones6091]

Thanks Dave, Tony (of the Northrup empire) whom I respect, did an excellent video on this as well. I have had only 2 failures I can recall, both were the flat pins de-laminating (?). I reason that I would prefer to sacrifice a mico-SD adapter to the wear and tear and keep my precious card protected. I use the same make of cards.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

I remember years ago having SD cards where the plastic strips going across the pins would often snap off, and in one instance the entire case fell apart. I then moved to cameras with CF cards for a few years but since returning to SD cards I've never had so much as a single piece of a card break. I definitely think quality has improved significantly in recent years - although I noticed the Sony UHS-II card I tested a few weeks back basically looks like a scaled up microSD, it had barely any plastic to it at all

[@jarrod7465]

Here's my 2 cents: a micro SD card in a Micro SD card adaptor is 'bad' purely because it adds one additional point of failure that doesn't need to be there (the adaptor). When you're working as a professional you want to avoid additional points of failure. It's the same rationale behind using native lenses vs adapted lenses, you're introducing an adaptor which is another point of failure.

[@MrPhilbautista]

Most of the people who care about this are hobbyists or casual photographers/videographers for whom the price factor is a serious consideration. I don't think any professional worth his salt would ever ask the opinion of a youtube creator about the viability of using micro sd cards over sd cards. On a personal note, I once adapted a micro sd card to a 5Dii (which takes CF) because I wanted wifi transmission (through the SD and CF adapter cards). Unfortunately, the magnesium frame of the 5Dii interfered with the signal so much that it wasn't feasible. But, as far as reading and writing speeds, I was never bothered by it.

[@xmlthegreat]

I've had 4 MicroSD cards of different brands fail on me, seeming to be in perfect shape but they suddenly just stopped working. I've also faced issues creating things like bootable media on MicroSD cards. I don't trust the format much. It seems like the manufacturers continue to use substandard memory controllers on even good brand name cards with high specifications.

[@nyambe]

Ironically it’s the opposite. Micro SD offer an additional safety layer. When I shot night clubs I used prefer micro SD. Connectors seemed to have highest wear an tear on SD cards.

[@MchalesNavy]

It's actually the direct opposite of this. SD cards are significantly more fragile than micro SD, they can split apart from wear far too easily and they have a locking mechanism which can fall out or refuse to stay locked in position rendering the card useless. If the same damage happens on a micro sd card adapter, you throw it away and get a $2 replacement.

[@nyambe]

@@MchalesNavy I can vouch for this. I have had SD cards split on me often. Granted I kept them in my pocket instead of in a safe place.

[@amermeleitor]

I only use microSD, because compatibility. Phone, camera, action camera, etc. Works with all my devices.

[@nick1635]

The same brand SD / SDXC likely uses the same DRAM chips with the same performance. I have had SD cards split and there is a load of empty space around the tiny chips.

[@nubbinthemonkey]

any physical wear and tear from using the micro card is transferred to the adapter, so this might be considered an extra layer of protection. The adapter can be changed at very low cost

[@BoiandonaPista]

Great video! Thank you :)

[@bhagyeshrane10]

Finally someone answered this question correctly!!

[@adamabele785]

The adaptor just provides electrical contacts, so it does not slow down the card. I had micro-sd-cards and let it stay in the adaptor all the time. Occasionally the micro-sd would not accept a photo and I had to remove it from the adaptor and wipe it clean, because over the time particles and dust can creep into the adaptor and cause bad connections. Also, when you are out there somewhere in the wild, and you replace the micro-sd, it just can slip out of your hand and fall in whatever crack there might be, and it can be hard to find it somewhere in the grass. So no, I don´t use it on a regular basis. The SD-Card is also big enough to mark it somehow, so you can distinguish different cards.

[@sibangjack]

Finally, our question has been answered. We can sleep well tonight.

[@rodbotic]

I have been shooting both for over a year now. The biggest issue I have isn't the microcard it's self, it's the USB to micro adapter. The adapter that comes with the sandisk microsd cards in the past couple months seems to suffer from misalignment. The adapter I got last year doesn't have alignment issues.

[@freaker126]

i read a blog yesterday the weak point of the micro sd card is the adapter. Today, I just got my p950 and went looking for an SD card. Couldn't find one, in the end, I got myself the MicroSD card at the camera shop. Saying to myself it's just to test my camera. I have many adapters from buying MicroSD cards for my phones and other devices. I can use them. I also just bought an SD card online. Now, that I've seen your test, and reading the comments, I might as well buy a micro sd card since, as others say, our laptop already has a MicroSD card reader. The funny thing is my Acer laptop has a MicroSD reader while my latest HP has an SD reader. Maybe, in the future, everyone will be using MicroSD cards as they're much smaller, save space, and faster. Also, when shops stop selling SDs. It might also help that camera manufacturer start changing to micro sd card. It's already 2021, I don't know why they still want people to use SD cards as storage.

[@AndreiVaida]

Useful video. I use SD cards because the adapter might (potentially) cause problems. But both are good options.

[@hermannel1310]

Technically, except for heat dissipation, there shouldn't be any difference between the two. The problem that I've run into is always the inferior connector inside the adaptor. I sometimes get a "no card" message which is fixed by reseating the micro card in the adaptor. I.m.o. the variations are the due to inferior adaptors. Sadly, I think they come from 3rd level suppliers who sells them by the 100s per box.

[@themanunleashed]

I've been using a microSD forever. But I was curious to see if I was missing out on any speeds. I normally never take out the card out of the adapter unless I'm transferring photos to my surface pro, which has a built in micro SD card slot. However, it's actually not that fast using the slot using an external reader. The computer is 8 years old and I'm guessing when they built it, they didn't have a fast reader on it for some reason.

[@muratbasc8302]

One important point I think is that manufacturers give less time warranty to adapters than micro sd cards itself. This situtation pushes me to not to trust adapters and I choose regular SD for cameras and micro SD for specific devices, phones etc.

[@Miketz]

I have been using micro-SD cards + adaptors for a couple of years because I can use the cards in multiple hardware, and have found the adaptor is the weak link. I had one adaptor just fail - no hassle, I just used the other card for that shoot. But I have had a couple of cases shooting with Sony where mid-shoot the camera would complain that the card was corrupted, which is not a quick fix when there is stuff happening that you should be shooting instead of stuffing around with your camera. I have narrowed that down to the adaptor, so I may have to spring for full-sized SD cards for reliability.

[@jdonalds2001]

I've never had an adapter fail, or an sd card either.

[@jetfu400]

wow you answered my question! thanks

[@lordmashie]

only reason im looking at this because i'm looking into getting a new laptop and laptop companies these days seem to be allergic to including full size card slots (especially in slightly more budget friendly ones) and don't want to carry around a dongle

[@MrLittlecat123]

Thanks a lot. It seem to be doesn't really matter to my old Nex 5N. I will just get a any newer class 10 micro SD card.

[@chipchapchopreturns]

FYI Ive been using sandisk 256g micro sd card and adapter in Nikon D90 and D3300 works just fine, needs formatting each in camera. 16k + shots it displays.

[@Stevesmith-yw7cr]

Go with the micro if you have a drone. Then you have cards for a regular camera and a drone camera with the micro card.

[@DhruveelDave]

I use it from years, works great for photography and 1080 video recording on 6dm2. It works very well without failure. Infact regular sd cards failed more than micro sd ones.

[@elevatedfilm]

Personally I like micro SD cards. They have more uses, you can make a micro SD the same size and work like a regular SD. This does not work the other way around. Another thing is that a micro SD card is less likely to be damaged when it's within it's adapter compared to a regular SD card.

[@donaldklopper]

Yeah great video. Long time reliability in my experience is not great with the microSD cards, with top spec brands and models too.

[@ilovethismightyfineplace]

After reading through the comments, I see that this is one of those things that come down to personal preference. Like using a UV filter on the lens for protection.

[@stew8584]

Fair comparison, although some cameras maybe just older ones have different/limited write speeds from camera to card, but I'd say it won't matter which card you use SD or micro anyway. My A6000 and the 6300/6500 all seem to have a internal write speed of 30mb/s and the A7III is about 130mb/s. So maybe I should upgrade LoL, Good vid, now I have to save for newer camera and glass, Cheers.

[@h8GW]

Apparently, most of the space in full-sized SD cards is empty plastic, like NES cartridges, so the heat performance tests would be negligible. I really would like you to cut open a full SD card to confirm, though. I imagine microSD cards can be more fiddly, because the contacts of the extra layer of electrical traces inside an adapter can get gunked up in the real world.

[@cody.vagabond]

Actually, most SD cards are just regular microSD cards slid into an adapter and the adapter just doesn't have the slit that would let you slide out the microSD. I had some SD cards break (worn down contacts) but I opened them and just slid out the hidden microSD, put that one in a new adapter and it was like nothing ever happened. Both are literally the same with the same extra set of contacts and wiring inside. The one, the adapter one, having a tiny bit higher of a chance to get exposed to the elements. Why is no one really trying to understand the subject? No one's even opening up these tiny cards to maybe be enlightened? SD slots still exist cause there are other chips for like WIFI or GPS that actually need all the space in the SD slot. For memory, microSD is big enough these days and we just adapt them to the big SD slots cause those are still relevant.

[@ilya.b]

Just by a coincidence I was at a shoot in the beginning of May with another photographer/videographer, who happens to be using a microSD cards with an adaptor in her camera. I was shooting photos, she was shooting videos, interviews. I had already finished my part and was packing my camera as she approached me and asked to use it because there was something with her camera. We set up my camera and continued shooting, but as we were setting up my camera she explained that the memory card in her camera was full and she tried to change it, but couldn't get it out. She pulled it anyway and the adaptor broke and left a little piece of plastic corner inside the camera. She tried to insert a new card and it wouldn't go all the way and fix in the position. I looked at the adaptor and it was a little bit loose on one side, like it's side cover, where all the labeling and branding is, sort if peeled off. I don't know whether it is a problem of faulty adaptor or whether it was like that before and should not be used at all, or perhaps it somehow broke inside the camera. She had to have her camera repaired and I believe managed to recover the footage from this broken MicroSD card, but it is a rather stressful situation for sure. Personally, it was never a question for me, I just happen to bump into this video in my recommendations. I am of a mindset that if a camera designed to work with SD cards - use an SD cards and those of good quality (there are A LOT of counterfeit ones, which I'd try to avoid at any cost!). I think MicroSD were designed to be used in phones, action cameras, dashcams, etc and adaptors needed only to transfer files from those devices to your laptop/PC as they tend to have an SD card readers mostly. I don't see the point saving £5 and risking your expensive camera being damaged and potentially your footage being lost/destroyed/corrupted.

[@penkatadrums]

If you have a lot of other gear that uses micro, it makes sense to go for it, like GoPro's and drones... or in your case the audio recorder. At least that's what I plan to do, since I have a GoPro, I plan on going with the micros.

[@JimBailey]

Thank you Mr McKeegan, Hi Rusty. I use the SD Card and not the Micro SD Card, the reason being, the Micro SD Card uses the adapter, this has twice as many pins/contacts to go thru during recording and downloading. Just twice the chance of something going wrong and I loose some of my photos. Great video Mr McKeegan. Thanks again.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

You're welcome Mr Bailey :)

[@rayfrancis3331]

I have a couple of Sony cameras and have tried both types of card. I had a lot of problems with the micro cards showing bad connections errors sometimes when inserting them and on occasions when switching on although the card had worked earlier. Had to take the micro card out and reinsert. I thought I had bad Camera connections till I tried standard size cards and the problems vanished.

[@halimvision]

Thank you ❤

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

I can only think that if you are shooting sports or a catalogue with live models and you don’t want to miss any shots it could be good. If it’s not a real job you can take your time and enjoy taking photos what’s your hurry! Nice discussion!

[@dkikac]

Good to know, I've been using micro SD with an adapter for quite a while, because all these modern laptops only have micro SD Slots and it's much convinient to pop a micro SD than fiddle with wires or card readers.

[@johannes8990]

same

[@frankfeng2701]

Same here. Versatility is key. I also predict that the internal of camera will also get more cramped that a smaller card would save space.

[@DaveMcKeegan]

Excellent point - although I don't imagine it'll be long before all mainstream cameras are using built in storage anyway

[@JJtoob]

Not me watching this video having had a microSD card in adapter in my DSLR for about a year wondering if it was a good/bad choice. Also, here's the thing. If you are worried about the adapter failing, then bring a spare, if you buy a bunch of microSD cards chances are you have almost one adapter for every one or two cards. Fiddling with the tiny cards is something you can't really help, but hey, you can probably store 4 times the amount of digital storage in the space of one big card, so all you need is to get a nice microSD card storage case. Found a nice $10 case that stores 24 microSD cards, plus 12 regular ones in a case smaller than a phone. If you store microSD cards in the adapters, you can potentially have 36 microSD cards, and 11 backup adapters at the ready lol. That'd be 2.3TB of storage if they are all 64GB each. Or hey, if you get all 128GB cards, it'd be 4.6TB of storage in a case you can put in your pocket.

[@shahabh2108]

7:19 I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me and I was like now I'm gonna break it under the next step I take before finding it!

[@ivo2]

I broke 3 adapters, luckily the mirco SD cards and the information on them was fine. So in case you don't buy super durable cards this can actually save you. And then you can still use them with another adapter or even 2 with 1 if your device need only micro SD.

[@dimitrimoonlight]

Ok, thank for your testing results. I go with microSD. It's so versatile.

[@HowYouMove]

I’m a new beginner and I had picked up a like new Sony NEX 7 and I wanted to know what is the best quality memory card that I should buy ? Because I’m only using the camera for video vlogging on KZbin plus I have a MacBook Pro Mid 2012

[@lesliefranklin1870]

It's very likely that the components in the SD and micro-SD cards are identical and the adapter just changes the form factor from one to the other.

[@dmims2779]

nice comparison

[@paulwyand6204]

My guess is that if you cracked both open they are likely the same inside. The standard sd card shell is likely mostly empty. Would make sense to utilize the same components.

[@cody.vagabond]

Yup, most SD cards are just regular microSD cards slid into an adapter and the adapter just doesn't have the slit that would let you slide out the microSD. I had some SD cards break (worn down contacts) but I opened them and just slid out the hidden microSD, put that one in a new adapter and it was like nothing ever happened. SD slots still exist cause there are other chips for like WIFI or GPS that actually need all the space in the SD slot.

[@wh0tube]

Thank you very much. Finally I found a real world comparison. There are so many opinions on this being published as facts!

[@MrHrkhan]

Where I live in Trinidad, micro SD cards with the adapters are the only choice available in most stores.

[@tysons6972]

keep in mind a lot of new laptops are going to micro sd card readers or extra storage

[@davidpowell5437]

Thats a really useful study! I share your conclusions - but guess what? I happen to have a couple of adaptors kicking about from microSD card kits purchased for other devices, so its quite handy to find out that the little 'un will do if I'm ever unable to get the big 'un. Do you reckon your findings will be robust across different camera models and brands?

[@DaveMcKeegan]

I see no reason why the results would vary across camera models, these cards should always perform equal to each other. I couldn't comment on what performance of different brand cards would be like, they vary even among the same type of card

[@bliiblaablue]

The reason why you'd use a microSD with an adapter is if you have lots of equipment that needs both cards, you don't have to buy double the amount. I've been using (samsung) microSD cards with and adapter for photo and video for years and haven't had any issues, also haven't seen any real differences compared to the regular SD's.

[@natmarelnam4871]

Technology takes time to work out - when they shrink things, they usually stretch to make it work and that's bad for performance but over time they get competent at making it smaller and the quality averages out, or even exceeds the prior form factor because big size is counter to efficiency. TLDR - every emerging tech looks weak before it has time to mature.

[@cody.vagabond]

Actually, most SD cards are just regular microSD cards slid into an adapter and the adapter just doesn't have the slit that would let you slide out the microSD. I had some SD cards break (worn down contacts) but I opened them and just slid out the hidden microSD, put that one in a new adapter and it was like nothing ever happened.

[@mojiburrahman3956]

Thanks man

[@tlewisAK]

I use the Micro in my camera more out of convenience. I often shoot with both my DSLR & my GoPro; and since my GoPro only uses the Micro, it helps to keep some on hand with me. No sense carrying around 2 different size cards,.

[@satyasohhampradhan8231]

Used MicroSD in situations where I ran out of storage on my sds .. took the microsd from my phone out used the adapter to get done with that event

[@paylnyles]

A lot of laptops now only have a Micro-SD slot or no SD slot and the quality of the inbuilt card reader worries me x.

[@vinzaputra]

I have been using micro SD only for more than 5 years. And here is my take. Just like you say, it's perform just as good as the regular SD. The reason why I only using micro SD only, because it's versatile, I can put it in my camera, phone, sound recorder or my drone. The second reason is because regular SD or prone to break, you know the small fin on the contact patch and the fiddly lock button. I have break so many regular SD in the past, that's why quit using them. The only downside using micro SD only is, I have to spare extra SD adapter. Because the adapter never last for so long. In my case 3 month top, and it will failed or will perform poorly and I have to change the adapter with the new one. But luckily the adapter is darn cheap.

[@tysonator5433]

I have used micro SD cards from my smartphones in my NEX5R and eos 7Dii and only the 7Dii is there a noticeable difference. However if it gets me out trouble with using a memory card for a shoot a micro SD will be fine to use.

[@beankurt]

Micro SD and SD card (same speed rating) is from the same chip, just that SD is fully protected with its plastic outer casing and Micro SD is "bare naked"

[@CampoEliasBelalcazarCastillo]

El problema reside en el adaptador para las micro, siempre se dañan rápido.

[@TheTechnoPilot]

So be clear, the adapter actually matters as well. There are UHS-II micros and UHS-II adapters. Those adapters are rare and still usually a special order item. I’ve used micros for years with little issue and the key I’ve seen since a bunch of my micros are UHS-II are these adapters. ONE VERY KEY NOTE: Canon cameras freak out and lockup if you remove the micro SD card without removing the adapter and will require a battery eject reset.

[@CharlieVN]

Only reason I use full SD is for UHSii v60 and v90 cards. A v30 micro SD goes in my A9, why pay more? Micro SD’s can stay in their housing forever

[@Rob_ot]

This is exactly what I do. I'm using only micro-SD from 128Gb to 512Gb for all my gear (mirorless camera, drone, audio recorder, tablet and phone). On the field, if I forgot a memory card, they are all usable on all my gear, and I can save files directly on my tablet without any adapter. Nowadays you can have enough writing speed on micro-SD cards to record 4k 120fps or 6k 60fps. You can even find UHS-II micro-SD cards. Expensive cards, but still less expensive than standard SD because of the market (everybody needs a micro-SD for his smartphone, and the prices drop). Last thing : your adaptater can break or be unusable with time, like any standard SD card, but you still have your functionnal micro-SD. Just replace the adaptater for 5€. Go micro. 👍

[@hedydd2]

Micro SD seem to last very well indeed recording continuously in a loop on dashcams. So I don't worry about it and use both full size and micro SD cards [in adapters] in my cameras. Indeed I have micro SD 128GB card in an adapter in my Sony A7iii's slower slot and a full size 64GB UHSII in the other, both V30. In an Olympus E-M1 Mk2 I have 128GB full size in each slot, the slower slot having a UHSI V30 and the other a UHSII V60 card. Quite frankly all of them are super-fast by any standard today.