One of many key selections you’ll need to make when capturing video footage is which reminiscence card is finest to your wants. On this purchaser’s information we’ll record what we consider are the perfect reminiscence playing cards for video, with choices for CFexpress, CFast, XQD, SD and microSD card customers. Even when these choices aren’t fairly best for you, by the top of this information you’ll discover ways to select and use reminiscence when movie-making.
Selecting the perfect reminiscence card for video
With a mind-boggling number of technical terminology resembling learn speeds, write speeds, UHS Velocity Lessons, XQD, SD, CF, V Class and lots of extra the world of selecting and utilizing reminiscence playing cards to seize video footage can simply look like complicated. To assist information you thru the elements concerned, we clarify what it’s essential know when selecting the perfect reminiscence playing cards for video capturing.
With lots of as we speak’s cameras – whether or not they be mirrorless, DSLRs or skilled digital cinema cameras – now providing video capturing at 4K resolutions and upwards the selection of which reminiscence playing cards to make use of is essential. Unsurprisingly, capturing video eats up way more reminiscence than capturing stills… so which playing cards you select to make use of is vital.
To offer you some steering on this information we’ll look at the professionals and cons of several types of reminiscence playing cards, what you must take into account when shopping for reminiscence playing cards for video tasks and our really useful finest buys.
- UHS-I or UHS-II: which reminiscence card is finest for you?
Which reminiscence playing cards can I exploit for video?
Traditionally, the 2 most typical reminiscence card codecs have been Safe Digital (SD) and CompactFlash (CF) playing cards. SD playing cards are utilized in all sorts of cameras – from point-and-shoot fashions to professional digital cinema cameras – with the smaller microSD playing cards now typically utilised in cameras resembling HD camcorders and aerial cameras. CF playing cards are extra strong and sturdy and are sometimes utilized in high-spec DSLRs and digital cinema cameras.
Many cameras that report digital video provide twin reminiscence card slots. For instance, Panasonic’s GH5S digital camera options two SD card slots however some cameras provide a mix of card codecs (possibly CF and SD) of their twin slots. The important thing advantage of twin card slots is that when one card is stuffed with information you’ll be able to proceed to report on the opposite one. To make sure this occurs easily study precisely how the twin card slots in your digital camera work.
Understanding learn vs write speeds
Reminiscence playing cards have each learn speeds and write speeds. Write speeds describe how shortly photos or video will be saved to a card. Learn speeds denote how briskly information will be retrieved from a card; for instance, when transferring your video footage to an exterior exhausting drive. Usually learn velocity is at all times quicker than write velocity, however write velocity is completely important for video as you’ll want your playing cards to have each the velocity and the capability to cope with recording giant quantities of digital video information.
Card velocity is proven by both a multiplication worth – every ‘x’ worth represents 0.15MB/sec, so 2000x multiplied by 0.15MB/sec denotes 300MB/sec – or a ‘Class’ ranking. Class scores denote the minimal write efficiency to report video – a Class 2 card can deal with sustained writing of information at 2MB/sec, a Class 4 card will deal with 4MB/sec, Class 6 at 6MB/sec and Class 10 is the quickest at 10MB/sec. You’ll want at the least a Class 4 card to report Full HD 1080p video, nevertheless it’s most likely finest to go for Class 10.
There’s additionally a V Class ranking, which was created by the SD Affiliation. The best V ranking is V90, which denotes a minimal sustained velocity of 90MB/sec. The opposite V Class scores are V60, V30, V10 and V6, wherein the numbers denote the MB/sec velocity.
For reminiscence playing cards it’s higher to work off what’s generally known as the ‘sustainable velocity’, reasonably than the ‘achievable velocity’. As a rule of thumb in the event you’re capturing 4K RAW you’ll want write speeds of at the least 75MB/sec for it to maintain up with out dropping frames.
UHS Velocity Lessons point out how shortly video content material will be transferred to a reminiscence card. UHS-I allows most switch speeds of 104MB/sec, whereas UHS-II allows speeds of as much as 312MB/sec. Throughout the UHS Velocity Class there are two designations, U1 and U3, which symbolize minimal write speeds of 10MB/sec and 30MB/sec respectively. For video it’s often finest to decide on a U3 designated card as this can address 4K video.
CFast 2.0 playing cards had been as soon as the leaders when it comes to velocity. The unique CFast 2.0 card, in 2013, promised learn speeds of 450MB/sec and write speeds of as much as 350MB/sec. CFast and XQD playing cards had been created by the CompactFlash Affiliation (CFA) to switch the CF card format because it had reached its most efficiency capabilities.
Of their present variations CFast playing cards have a theoretical restrict of 600MB/sec and XQD playing cards 1000MB/sec. They are perfect for capturing 4K video resolutions and past. XQD playing cards will not be appropriate with as many cameras as another card varieties however they do work with Nikon DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, the Sony FS7 and Panasonic’s LUMIX S1 and S1R full-frame cameras.
Each reminiscence card has its capability proven on it – for instance, from 4GB as much as 512GB. The capability values at all times double, so playing cards can have capacities of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and so forth. Naturally sufficient, the bigger the worth the extra capability a card has to retailer your video footage.
- Greatest reminiscence playing cards for the Sony A7 III
Reminiscence card codecs & slots defined
While there have been many variants of card varieties and codecs the 2 most typical card codecs have been Safe Digital (SD) and CompactFlash (CF) playing cards. SD playing cards are utilized in all sorts of cameras – from point-and-shoots to skilled digital cinema cameras – with the smaller microSD playing cards now typically utilised in cameras resembling HD camcorders and aerial cameras. CF playing cards are extra strong and sturdy and are sometimes utilized in pro-spec DSLRs and digital cinema cameras.
Many cameras that report digital video provide twin reminiscence card slots. For instance, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR contains one SD card slot and one CF card slot, while the Panasonic GH5S digital camera options two SD card slots.
The advantages of twin card slots are that when one card is stuffed with information you’ll be able to proceed to report on the opposite one and, in fact, you’ll be protected within the data that you haven’t missed any photographs. Do, nonetheless, get to know precisely how your twin card slots work in tandem so you’ll be able to arrange your digital camera to maximise how they work collectively.
CFast, XQD & CFexpress: what’s the distinction?
As you’ve little doubt gathered, velocity is of the essence for capturing video and CFast 2.0 playing cards had been as soon as the leaders when it comes to velocity. The unique CFast 2.0 card, launched in 2013, promised learn speeds of 450MB/sec and write speeds of as much as 350MB/sec.
CFast and XQD playing cards had been created by the CompactFlash Affiliation (CFA) to switch the CF card format because it had reached its most efficiency capabilities. Of their present variations CFast playing cards have a theoretical restrict of 600MB/sec and XQD playing cards 1000MB/sec. They are perfect for capturing 4K video resolutions and past.
The subsequent technology of excessive velocity, detachable storage is CFexpress, which merges the CFast 2.0 and XQD 2.0 requirements. The one downside for CFexpress playing cards is that, as but, they don’t seem to be appropriate with many cameras, however we’re already beginning to see this modification. Nikon’s Z6, Z6 II, Z7 and Z7 II, for example, now use CFexpress playing cards due to firmware updates. The Canon EOS R5 does, as properly. Learn our information to search out out which cameras use CFexpress playing cards.
Understanding reminiscence card learn/write speeds & Class scores
The velocity of a reminiscence card pertains to each its learn velocity and its write velocity. Write speeds describe how shortly photos or video will be saved to a card. The learn velocity denotes how briskly information will be retrieved from a card – for instance, when transferring your video footage to a pc or exhausting drive.
Usually learn velocity is at all times quicker than write velocity however write velocity is completely important for video as you have to your playing cards to have each the velocity and the capability to cope with recording giant quantities of digital video information.
The velocity of a card is proven with both a multiplication worth – every ‘x’ worth represents .15MB/sec, so 2000x multiplied by 0.15MB/sec denotes 300MB/sec – or the newer ‘Class’ ranking.
The velocity Class ranking was based mostly on requests from film and video corporations, as video recording in numerous codecs and resolutions requires sure write speeds when recording to a card.
The Class scores denote the minimal write efficiency to report video – a Class 2 card can deal with sustained writing of information at 2MB/sec, a Class 4 card will deal with 4MB/sec, Class 6 at 6MB/sec and Class 10 is the quickest at 10MB/sec. As a common rule of thumb you’ll want at the least a Class 4 card to report Full HD video nevertheless it’s most likely finest to go for Class 10 for many makes use of.
To cater for the massive quantities of information required for capturing 4K, 360 levels and 8K video there’s now a V Class ranking, which was created by the SD Affiliation. The best V ranking is V90, which denotes a minimal sustained velocity of 90MB/sec. The opposite V Class scores are V60, V30, V10 and V6, wherein the numbers denote the MB/sec velocity.
On take a look at benches playing cards can obtain quicker speeds nevertheless it’s higher to work off the ‘sustainable velocity’ reasonably than the ‘achievable velocity’. It’s a bit like automobiles that declare 60mpg efficiency beneath take a look at situations when the truth might be nearer to 40mpg. As a rule of thumb in the event you’re capturing 4K RAW you’ll want write speeds of at the least 75MB/sec for it to maintain up with out dropping frames.
UHS Velocity Lessons defined
The so-called UHS Velocity Lessons point out how shortly video content material will be transferred to a reminiscence card. UHS-I allows most switch speeds of 104MB/sec, whereas UHS-II allows speeds of as much as 312MB/sec.
Throughout the UHS Velocity Class there are two designations, U1 and U3, which symbolize minimal write speeds of 10MB/sec and 30MB/sec respectively. For video shoots it’s often finest to decide on a U3 designated card as this can address 4K video.
Card capability
The selection of reminiscence playing cards will be baffling. For instance, inside the SD card variants the so-called SDXC (Safe Digital ‘Xtra Capability’) playing cards have a lot larger capacities and processing speeds than the unique SD playing cards, however you need to be sure your card selection works together with your digital camera.
Each reminiscence card can have its capability proven on it – for instance, from 4GB as much as 512GB. The capability values at all times double, so playing cards can have capacities of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and so forth. Naturally sufficient, the bigger the worth the extra capability a card has to retailer photos and/or video.
Suggestions for getting the perfect reminiscence card to your video wants
Reminiscence card decisions will be baffling however you need to concentrate on the quickest card velocity that your digital camera helps. Verify the instruction guide or producer’s web site to make sure that your most well-liked card matches what the digital camera is able to dealing with.
Ask your self how lengthy you intend to shoot for and what number of playing cards you’ll want to take action? You’ll be able to shortly make calculations based mostly on the period of time you intend to shoot for and the decision you’ll be capturing at. Be sure to have sufficient storage capability to cowl your shoot and at all times carry at the least one additional card over above your estimated required capability.
On the whole, it’s safer to stay to high-capacity playing cards from manufacturers resembling Lexar, Kingston, SanDisk, Sony and Transcend. They’re often quicker, extra dependable, extra strong and can present extra back-up measures to your work.
The way to decide the write velocity you want
For write speeds reminiscence card maker SanDisk recommends Class 2 playing cards for normal video, Class 4 for HD Video, Class 6 and upwards for Full HD video, UHS U1 for Full HD video supporting actual time video recording and U3 for Full HD and 4K Video supporting actual time video recording. Think about what decision of video you’ll be capturing and select the Class accordingly.
Go above your most capability
Ask your self how lengthy you intend to shoot for and what number of playing cards you’ll want to take action? You’ll be able to fairly shortly make easy mathematical calculations based mostly on the period of time you intend to shoot for and the decision you’ll be capturing at.
Be sure to have sufficient storage capability to cowl your shoot. You by no means wish to be caught wanting storage when capturing, so at all times carry at the least one additional card over and above your estimated pre-shoot capability!
Play it protected
Chances are you’ll be fortunate and have discovered a price range card that works properly to your workflow however, generally, it’s safer to stay to high-capacity playing cards from well-known manufacturers resembling SanDisk, Sony and Kingston.
They’re often quicker, extra dependable, extra strong and can present extra back-up measures to your work. In all circumstances be sure you have performed your homework earlier than shopping for your playing cards. For instance, Nikon’s DSLRs use the XQD card format.
The most effective reminiscence playing cards for video you should buy as we speak
Greatest CFexpress playing cards for video
Developed to satisfy the info necessities of 4K uncooked video, CFexpress playing cards utilise what’s referred to as a PCIe interface with as much as eight lanes through which information will be transferred. Every lane offers 1GB per second of information, which means CFexpress playing cards can allow a theoretical sequential velocity of as much as 8GB/s.
Lexar Skilled CFexpress Sort B Gold Collection
Specification
- Capability: 64GB – 512GB
- Type issue: CFexpress Sort B
- Interface: PCIe Gen3x2
- Switch speeds: 64GB — 512GB As much as 1750MB/s learn, as much as 1000MB/s write
- Working temperature: -10° C to 70° C (14°F to 158°F)
- Storage temperature: -40° C to 85° C (-40°F to 185°F)
- Dimensions: 29.60 x 38.50 x 3.80 mm / 1.16” x 1.51” x 0.14”
- Weight: 7.65 g / 0.016 lbs
The Lexar 128GB CFexpress options next-generation know-how that exceeds the switch speeds required by most mirrorless and DSLR cameras. The Lexar 128GB CFexpress is accessible in 64, 128, 256, and 512GB capacities and all capacities are Sort B.
It might be on account of CFExpress being a comparatively new format and corporations attempting to impress, nevertheless it does appear that the construct high quality of those next-generation reminiscence playing cards is great throughout the board. With the Lexar 128GB CFExpress that high quality is immediately obvious from its steel casing and stable construct.
The robustness of design most likely has one thing to do with the necessity to maintain issues cool, however nonetheless, after utilizing SD for thus lengthy, these items simply really feel stable. Construct high quality is nice, nevertheless it’s these speeds that make this 128GB CFExpress card essential for the most recent technology of cameras.
Learn our Lexar Skilled CFexpress Sort B Gold Collection Assessment
Value when reviewed
£224
$199 Verify present value
For
- Quick learn/write occasions
- Future proof know-how
In opposition to
- Costly
- Restricted digital camera compatibility
SanDisk Excessive Professional CFexpress Card Sort B
Specification
- Write Velocity: 1400MB/s
- Learn Velocity: 1700MB/s
- XQD Compatibility: Backwards appropriate with XQD cameras
Promising write speeds of 1400MB/s and costs ranging from £165, the SanDisk Excessive Professional CFexpress Card Sort B is without doubt one of the finest CFexpress playing cards you will get in case your digital camera makes use of the extra ubiquitous Sort B possibility.
The SanDisk Excessive Professional CFexpress Card Sort B is now out there in capacities of 64GB (value: £175), 128GB (value £294), 256GB (value £494) and 512GB (£692).
Designed for recording 4K video, the brand new SanDisk Excessive Professional CFExpress playing cards promise write speeds of as much as 1400MB/s and browse speeds of 1700MB/s.
SanDisk’s CFexpress playing cards are additionally backwards-compatible with cameras that use XQD playing cards, supplied these cameras are up to date with new firmware. Nikon, for example, up to date its Z6 and Z7 cameras to help the CFexpress card format.
Learn our SanDisk Excessive Professional CFexpress playing cards listed on Amazon
Value when reviewed
£165
$99 Verify present value
For
- Nice for capturing 4K video
- Rugged, sturdy design
- Backwards appropriate with XQD cameras
Manfrotto Skilled 128GB CFexpress Sort B
Specification
- Capability: 128GB, 256GB
- Learn Velocity: 1730MB/s
- Write Velocity: 1540MB/s
- Working temperature: -20° to 70° C
- Weight: 5g
Whereas higher identified for its tripods, Manfrotto’s new CFExpress playing cards, 128GB and 256GB, mark a pure development for the corporate.
The brand new Manfrotto Skilled 128GB CFexpress Sort B has been designed with the most recent cameras in thoughts and slotting right into a Nikon Z6, with a firmware replace, the cardboard retains up with each demand positioned on it.
All through our assessments, the cardboard’s construct high quality and design had been stable sufficient, and the efficiency out and in of the digital camera met the corporate’s claims.
From 4K decision video to quick capturing, there was seemingly no delay within the velocity of the digital camera or Manfrotto Skilled 128GB CFexpress Sort B storage.
Value when reviewed
£189
$199 Verify present value
For
- Excessive Capability
- Extremely-fast Velocity
- Effectively made
In opposition to
- Very Costly
Greatest XQD reminiscence playing cards for video
Developed earlier within the 2010s as a successor to CompactFlash playing cards, XQD playing cards are designed for skilled makes use of, resembling recording video. XQD playing cards provide the entire package deal of quick learn and write speeds along with excessive storage capacities.
XQD playing cards are already beginning to be overtaken by the brand new CFexpress format, however many cameras nonetheless use XQD and the playing cards are nonetheless available. For those who shoot video, or in the event you {photograph} sports activities, information or different fast-moving occasions, XQD is the reminiscence card format for you.
Sony Skilled XQD G Collection
Specification
- Write Speeds: 400MB/s
- Learn Speeds: 440MB/s
- Working Temperature: -25 – +65°C
- Dimensions: 29.6 x 38.5 x 3.8mm
XQD reminiscence playing cards aren’t as extensively appropriate as different present card codecs however one take a look at the learn and write speeds of this card provides you an thought of its potential for video. Write velocity is as much as 400MB/s and browse velocity is as much as 440MB/s with a most capability model of 256GB.
The speeds lend themselves to recording and dealing with 4K video footage and will catch the eyes of customers of Nikon mirrorless or DSLR cameras, in addition to these of you who could have already invested in a LUMIX S1 or S1R full-frame mirrorless mannequin. One different factor to notice is that Sony pioneered this card format, so it presently makes the perfect XQD playing cards in the marketplace.
You should buy Sony’s XQD G collection playing cards at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Greatest XQD playing cards to your digital camera in 2021
Value when reviewed
£95
$116 Verify present value
For
- Quick write speeds
- Sturdy construct
- Affordably priced
In opposition to
- CFexpress overtaking XQD
Greatest SD playing cards for video
Though some new codecs like XQD and CFexpress have come alongside, the SD reminiscence card format is probably the most generally utilized in cameras. It’s additionally appropriate with the reminiscence card readers which might be generally constructed into laptops and computer systems. SDXC playing cards will be made in capacities from 32GB to 2TB, making them extraordinarily versatile for recording video.
Kingston Canvas React Plus SDXC
Specification
- Product kind: SDXC Reminiscence card
- Velocity class: UHS-II, U3, V90
- Most learn velocity: 300MB/s
- Most write velocity: 260MB/s
- Capacities: 64, 128 and 256GB
During the last yr, we’ve examined all the brand new mirrorless cameras, together with the Canon EOS R5 and R6, the Sony A7S III and the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II, the Kingston Canvas React Plus SDXC carried out completely with all of them when capturing stills at excessive body charges and video at excessive decision.
We haven’t been in a position to get the claimed most switch speeds when shifting information onto a 2019 iMac, however the card is not any slouch both and we haven’t been stored ready for lengthy. The cardboard is accessible in a spread of capacities however the 64GB and 128GB playing cards provide probably the most enticing steadiness between capability and value. Our opinions editor Angela has a couple of 64GB playing cards and he or she appreciated the additional capability of the 128GB card, particularly when capturing 4K video.
Learn our Kingston Canvas React Plus SDXC Assessment
Value when reviewed
£44
$59.99 / £78.88 / $108.99 / £187.47 / $237.99 Verify present value
For
- Appropriate for 4K and 8K video recording
- Frequent format
- Provided with the Kingston MobileLite Plus SD Reader
In opposition to
- Excessive value for the most important capability
Lexar Skilled 2000x SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Playing cards
Specification
- Max Learn Velocity: 300MB/s
- Max Write Velocity: 260MB/s
- Customary Lessons: Class 10, UHS-II, U3, V90
- Working temperature: 0°C – 70ºC
- Storage temperature: -25ºC – 85ºC
The Lexar® Skilled 2000x SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Playing cards card reveals there’s loads of life left within the UHS-II SD format. The cardboard options switch speeds which might be greater than able to maintaining with the most recent picture and video seize calls for. The cardboard additionally provides a comparatively inexpensive selection per GB in contrast with the newer CFExpress and CFast choices.
In use, the cardboard performs properly with no warnings from both the Sony A7 III or Blackmagic Designs Pocket Cinema 6K Professional. Again within the studio, obtain occasions had been equally spectacular.
For those who want a high efficiency SD card to your 40mp+ stills or 4K+ video seize, then the Lexar® Skilled 2000x SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Card received’t allow you to down.
Value when reviewed
£79
$86 Verify present value
For
- Quick learn/write occasions
- Excessive Capability
- Sturdy
In opposition to
- No label to put in writing data
- Quick, however not as quick as CFast and CFExpress
Manfrotto Professional Rugged UHS-II SD Card Assessment
Specification
- Video Velocity Class Ranking: V90
- Learn Velocity: 280MB/s
- Write Velocity: 250MB/s
- Extremely Excessive Velocity: II
- Waterproofing: As much as 72 Hours
- Minimal Working Temperature: -25º
- Most Working Temperature: 85º
- Weight: 0.02 kg
The most recent UHS-II playing cards provide speeds of as much as 312MB/s, which, sure, could also be lower than half the velocity of CFExpress playing cards, nevertheless it’s nonetheless greater than sufficient for almost all of as we speak’s cameras.
Cameras such because the Canon EOS R5 provide each SD and CFExpress playing cards slots; that is absolutely recognition that many photographers will have already got stacks of SD playing cards, and the extra price of CFExpress may deter adopters of the brand new R collection digital camera if that was the one format on provide.
UHS-II playing cards will suffice in capability and velocity for most individuals’s wants, and the format can also be far cheaper. Manfrotto’s newest Professional Rugged 64GB SDXC V90II UHS-II proves very efficient, maintaining with the calls for of the Sony Alpha 7R II and seven III in our assessments when capturing stills and 4K Video.
For each the learn and write outcomes, the small card carried out exceptionally properly. No points with the switch speeds and the at 253MB/s learn and 219MB/s write that places it on the high of the board with regards to SD UHS-II velocity.
From being a typical ultra-fast SD card resolution for video and stills, there’s little to fault particularly if you take a look at the value of the Manfrotto card in opposition to that of the SanDisk Excessive Professional.
Learn our Manfrotto Professional Rugged UHS-II SD Card Assessment
Value when reviewed
£99
$99 Verify present value
For
- Quick learn/write occasions
- Powerful strengthened design
- Waterproof
