With a camera in hand, don't just focus on the camera body and lens. For a camera, choosing the wrong memory card can cause minor issues like lagging and crashing, or even major problems like total data loss! As the "digital negative" that stores precious images, a reliable memory card is just as important as the camera itself. This guide will help you thoroughly understand the ins and outs of memory cards, so you can spend your money wisely and shoot without worries!
01 Memory Card Classification
SD Card (Most Commonly Used in Cameras): An SD card is like a "regular SIM card" in a mobile phone. It can be used in mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and point-and-shoot cameras. It's suitable for daily photography, shooting 4K videos (choose V30 speed class), and photography beginners on a budget.
Micro SD Card (Nail - sized, Turns into SD Card with Adapter): This card is the "standard" for drones, action cameras, and dashcams. However, when using an adapter to convert it to an SD card, poor contact is likely to occur, so it's recommended to buy a dedicated card reader directly.
CFexpress Card (Must - have for Enthusiasts): This card is equivalent to a "5G mobile phone" in the memory card world. It is divided into Type A (exclusively for Sony) and Type B (a favorite of Canon R5/Nikon Z9). It's suitable for shooting 8K videos, continuous shooting of sports events, and wedding follow - up shooting (you can copy the footage to the client directly after shooting without waiting for transcoding on the spot).
CF Card (An Old - generation Card, Rarely Used Now): Only old DSLRs (such as Canon 5D Mark II) can use it. Don't buy it for new cameras!
02 How to Know Which Card is Suitable for Your Camera?
Check the Official Website or Instruction Manual: On the camera's specification parameter page or memory card compatibility list, the supported card types (such as SD/SDHC/SDXC, CFexpress Type A/B, XQD) and recommended speed classes (such as requiring UHS - I U3/V30, or CFexpress VPG200) are clearly stated.
Check the Card Slot Markings: The cover of the camera's card slot or the area next to it is usually printed with icons of supported card types (SD, CFexpress, XQD). There may be a "II" mark next to the SD card slot, indicating that it supports UHS - II cards.
Consider Shooting Needs: If you mainly take photos (JPEG/ordinary RAW), a UHS - I U3/V30 card is usually sufficient. For high - speed continuous shooting (high - resolution RAW) and 4K videos below 60p, it's strongly recommended to use a UHS - II V60 card or a higher - level one. For high - bit - rate/high - frame - rate 4K, 6K/8K videos, and ultra - high - resolution high - speed continuous shooting (>20fps), a CFexpress card (Type A or B) is a must.
Check the Compatibility List: The official websites of memory card brands (SanDisk, Sony, Kingston, etc.) usually have detailed camera compatibility query tools. You can enter the camera model to get recommended compatible card types.
03 Precautions for Using Memory Cards
New cards must be "formatted by the camera": Never format them directly by inserting into a computer! Different devices have different protocols, which may cause the card to "brick" directly.
Stop shooting immediately when the battery is below 20%: When shooting with low battery, the data may not be completely written before the power is cut off, and the photos will be directly ruined (don't ask me how I know).
Don't treat the card as a "heirloom" and put it in the drawer: If you don't use it for a long time, power it on at least once a month; otherwise, the metal contacts will oxidize, and the card will be useless.
Be careful of high - temperature, humid, and strong magnetic environments: Don't leave the card in the car in summer, and dry it before putting it in the card case after shooting at the seaside.
Don't "cut" when exporting photos: Choose "copy + paste" when exporting photos. In case of transmission interruption, the photos on the original card are still there (otherwise, it will be too late to cry).
Don't delete photos in the camera!: Repeated reading and writing will shorten the card's service life. Export them to the computer and then delete them.
When buying a card, look for "three codes in one": The serial numbers on the packaging box, the card surface, and displayed in the system must be consistent to prevent buying expanded cards (the actual capacity is only 1/10 of the nominal capacity).
Look at the minimum writing speed for speed: The continuous writing speed (VXX class) is more important than the reading speed! Merchants often mark the reading speed to deceive people.
Brand is important: SanDisk, Sony, Samsung, Kingston, ProGrade Digital, and Lexar (high - end line) are reliable choices. Stay away from no - name brands and white - label products!
Be sure to back up: No matter how good the card is, it may break. For important shootings, use multiple cards alternately or back up with dual cards (if the camera supports it).
04 Recommended Memory Card Purchases
Limited budget / entry - level shooting (1080p, ordinary continuous shooting):
- SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS - I U3/V30 (A2): The king of cost - performance, stable and reliable. It's recommended to buy the 128GB version for about 150 yuan.
- Samsung PRO Plus UHS - I U3/V30 (A2): Stable performance and moderate price. The 128GB version is about 160 yuan.
- Mainstream advanced (4K 30/60p, high - speed continuous shooting):
- Sony TOUGH SF - M UHS - II V60: Super strong protection (anti - bending/dustproof and waterproof), excellent performance. The 128GB version is about 350 yuan.
- Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS - II V60: A cost - effective UHS - II choice. The 128GB version is about 300 yuan.
- SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS - I U3/V30 (A2) large - capacity version: If the camera only supports UHS - I, a large - capacity (256/512GB) one is more practical. The 256GB version is about 250 yuan.
- High - end professional (high - bit - rate 4K/6K/8K, RAW video, ultra - high - speed continuous shooting):
- Sony CFexpress Type A TOUGH: The only recommendation, with performance matching Sony's flagship cameras. The 80GB version starts at about 800 yuan.
- ProGrade Digital Cobalt / Gold: Top - notch performance and a good reputation for stability. The 325GB version starts at about 1000 yuan.
- Sony CFexpress Type B TOUGH: Ultimate protection, a perfect match for Sony cameras. The 128GB version starts at about 900 yuan.
- SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress: A well - established brand with reliable speed. The 128GB version starts at about 800 yuan.
The memory card is the cornerstone of the imaging workflow. Choosing the right card according to the camera's "needs" and shooting "requirements" can release its performance and ensure data security. Investing in a good card is investing in your precious light and shadow memories! Don't let it become a shortcoming in the creative chain!
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