Numerous electronic devices use SD (Secure Digital) cards to store information – from smartphones to DSLR cameras.
These memory cards use flash technology to store data. In recent years, SD cards have become invaluable storage devices because they can hold anything from pictures, apps, programming data, and videos.
However, not all SD cards are created equal. Some have higher read and write speeds, some have higher storage capacities, and some are bigger in size. As such, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to shop for the best ones.
To simplify your search we have created this in-depth review and included a buyer’s guide to help you understand the different features you need to look for when buying the best SD cards for 4k video recording.
7 Best SD Cards for 4K Video Recording
1. Lexar Professional 2000X
If you are looking for a card that will provide you rapid-fire use, reliable and consistent for all your recording, you shouldn’t look any farther.
Lexar Professional 2000X SDXC UHS-II Card is designed to introduce a spark of excellence in your job. It has high speeds that allows you to transfer files pretty fast. Lexar has up to 300MB/s, 260MB/s read speed and write speed respectively. This guarantees that you can capture every moment without missing even the tiniest details.
Additionally, it has high capacity storage of up to 128GB, which makes it suitable for both videos including 4K and photography. The package also has an SD UHS-II card reader for secure card to computer transfer and high-speed performance.
The SD Card also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which is a satisfaction that it will serve you longer. The warranty also assures you that you get a quality product hence value for your money.
2. Transcend SDXC/SDHC 700S
If you are enthusiast about capturing flawless/raw files using your camera and enjoy quality imagery, Transcend’s SDXC/SDHC 700S might be what you need.
This SD is designed to bring you ultra-high quality 2K, 4K, and Full HD videos regardless of the surrounding setting. The card is compatible with today’s camcorders and DSLRs. Therefore, it guarantees that you will get quality raw images with every click.
Additionally, the card operates with high read and write speeds to ensure that you save time through the process. With 285MB/s and 180MB/s read and write speeds, you are sure that your outdoor experience will count.
It has up to 64GB memory capacity assuring you that you can capture every moment. However, the blisteringly swift reading and writing speeds enhance the low memory storage allowing you room to capture more raw moments.
3. SanDisk Extreme SDXC UHS-I Card
When working on a budget, it still feels good to have a gadget that will work smart and provide you with quality 4K videos.
SanDisk Extreme SD card is the ultimate device that will ensure you get all that without breaking or stressing your bank account. Therefore, you don’t have to keep struggling with low quality video and photography due to lack of finances.
The card comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which assures your consistency and excellence through your adventures. The card is also compatible with UHS class recording, which makes it suitable for modern cameras.
It has a reasonable read and write speeds of 90MB/s and 40MB/s respectively. Therefore, it allows you to transfer files at a convenient speed for enhanced performance.
It has water, X-ray, temperature, and shockproof design, giving you an assurance that your videos are safe through all challenges.
4. SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I
Extreme PRO SDXC card is the perfect choice for persons with extreme enthusiasm for photography and videography. It allows you to capture raw files while on the run while still maintaining high-end quality and professionalism.
Although it has run on low read and write speeds of up to 90MB/s and 95MB/s respectively, it runs 16GB capacity to a whopping 512GB. The card’s operating speeds guarantees that you can transfer files faster to your computer comfortably.
Additionally, it has a compatible design that guarantees it’s a perfect fit for your modern camera assuring you that all your memories will be flawless and cherished for generations.
It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty allowing you the confidence of usage through different conditions.
5. SanDisk Extreme PRO CompactFlash
If you have a history of photography, then you will be happy to have a taste of the past in your camera.
This extreme PRO CompactFlash SanDisk is designed with the old technique but guarantees exceptional results with recent DSLRs. It has a slightly long tooth, but that is not a limitation to what it can do when placed in action.
It has a high capacity of up to 256GB assuring you that you can store all your outdoor memories safely.
Additionally, it allows you to transfer files on high speed of up to 160MB/s, and 150MB/s read and write speeds. Therefore, you will not have to spend the entire day transferring files to your computer.
6. Lexar Professional 633x SDHC / SDXC UHS-I
When you want to shoot high-resolution video, the first step is to ensure you have sufficient storage space.
No better SD card on the market can bring you that than Lexar professional 633x SDXC. It offers you exceptional storage of up to 512 GB and high-speed operation of up to 95MB/s to guarantee that every moment counts and makes a difference.
With this SD card you can capture high quality HD and 4K videos and stunning images with any DSLR or 3D camera. The device is an excellent investment for anyone aspiring to venture into professional photography/videography.
It comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which allows you the freedom to take the card into extreme performances.
7. Transcend CompactFlash 1000
This is one of the greatest memory cards available on the market for you. It is specifically designed to fit your DSLRs, offering you exceptionally high performance all the time.
The company behind this manufacture is reputable in the industry hence assuring you that you will get quality with every purchase.
It has a storage capacity of 128GB and runs on a speed of 160MB/s, and 120MB/s read and write respectively. Therefore, you are sure that you will not experience limitations while transferring files to your computers. The device is also compatible with hand-held camcorders allowing you to take them to any outdoor adventure for a memorable experience.
Although it comes with a five-year limited warranty, it is highly durable and reliable. It also has an exceptional design that allows it to detect and correct any built-in errors during the transfer process.
Buying Guide
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best SD Card For 4k Video Recording
Types of Memory Cards
One of the main issues that people face when they are buying memory cards is looking through the many types available to find the one they need. So what is the difference between the types available?
- SD memory card: This is the basic format for the SD cards. It has standard dimensions of 32mm by 24mm by 2.1mm and often has a storage capacity of between 2GB and 256GB. Because they are basic, they do not have as high performance levels as most of the other types available.
- SDHC memory card: Secure Digital High Capacity memory cards were introduced to meet the ever-growing HD video, and high-resolution image recording, which is used in most SD enabled devices. These are the same shape and size as the standard SD, but they have new specifications. Any SD card that is above 4GB in capacity is categorized as an SDHC.
- SDXC memory card: Secure Digital Extended Capacity is a higher capacity SD card version that starts from 64GB in size and can grow up to 2TB.
- MicroSD memory card: These, like their names suggest, are smaller than the primary SD card.
Size
The second thing you need to consider is the capacity you need. How much storage space are you looking for? The volumes have increased remarkably over the years. It has made it easier for people to store large amounts of data without having to log in to their cloud accounts.
However, you must remember that the larger sizes come at an extra cost. For 4k video recording, we recommend that you use between 64 and 256GB.
Speed rating
The speed of the card is crucial in most applications. Speed indicates the data transfer speed of the memory card. When writing data for the 4k videos, you need high speed. These speeds are available in most devices, including mobile phones.
There are several speed classes which determine that rate at which writing and reading images to and from the card are done. The speeds are expressed in megabytes per second (MB/s). The speed classes available are generally 2, 4, 6, and 10. Some devices allow the UHS speed class, which gives 30MB/s.
Supported Write/Erase Cycles
It is not a matter of asking if the SD card will fail; it is a matter of when it will fail. The truth is, SD cards are not made to last forever. They have a limited number of times that data can be written and erased on them before they wear out. You, therefore, need to ensure you choose a card with a higher number of write/erase cycles. New cards from the best brands have 10,000 or so write/erase cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions about SD Cards
How safe is the data stored on memory cards?
As far as data safety is concerned, you must know that storing data in your memory card is much safer than storing it in other devices like CDs and hard disks. They are more shockproof than other devices. Another benefit is that they do not have any moving parts and thus are less prone to damage from movements, which is common in hard drives. Because they are so small, the highest risk to your data is losing the entire card.
Can I use the same card on other devices?
While the packaging suggests that SD cards are mainly for cameras, they are still great in other compatible devices like phones. So yes, you can use it in other devices but with some caveats. The other devices need to be able to take the same type of card and should freely use the same memory unit in those devices.
How do I transfer data from my memory card to my PC?
Yes, you can easily transfer data from your SD memory card to your PC. Most storage devices come with special cables that will link to your laptop or PC, allowing you to transfer images, videos, and other data that is stored in the memory card. Some many PCs and laptops have built-in card readers.
Wrapping Up
Selecting the best SD card for 4K video recording is not as easy as people presume. You cannot just go and pick one off the shelves. But, if you know the features that are most important to you, it will be easier for you to find one that will suit your needs. You are likely to find one that will give you the long reliable service you need.