Best Memory Cards for Video

1. SD Cards (Secure Digital)

• • Types: SD, SDHC, SDXC
    • SD: Typically up to 2GB storage.
    • SDHC: Storage between 4GB to 32GB.
    • SDXC: Storage up to 2TB.
  • Speed Classes:
    • Class 10: Minimum write speed of 10 MB/s (basic 1080p recording).
    • UHS-I: Faster write speeds, ideal for HD video.
    • UHS-II: Significantly faster, suited for 4K and beyond.
    • V30, V60, V90: Video speed classes designed specifically for video recording. V90 is ideal for 8K or high-bitrate 4K video.
  • Common Cameras: Most consumer and mid-range cameras (e.g., Canon EOS Rebel series, Sony Alpha A7 series, Panasonic Lumix GH5).
  • Recommended for: 1080p to 4K video recording.

2. CFexpress Cards

1. • Types: CFexpress Type A, Type B, Type C
     • CFexpress Type A: Smaller and used in compact mirrorless cameras (e.g., Sony Alpha 7S III).
     • CFexpress Type B: Larger, often found in full-frame mirrorless cameras (e.g., Sony Alpha 1, Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z9).
     • CFexpress Type C: Typically used in high-end video production cameras.
   • Speed: Extremely high read/write speeds (up to 1700 MB/s read, 1400 MB/s write in Type B).
   • Common Cameras: High-end mirrorless cameras (e.g., Canon EOS R5/R6, Sony Alpha 1, Nikon Z9, Panasonic Lumix S1H).
   • Recommended for: Professional 4K/8K video production, high-bitrate recording, slow-motion video, and continuous recording.

3. XQD Cards

1. • Description: A predecessor to CFexpress, XQD cards offer high-speed performance, especially for video.
   • Speed: Up to 440 MB/s write speed.
   • Common Cameras: Older professional models like the Nikon D5, Sony FS7, and some medium format cameras.
   • Recommended for: High-quality 4K video recording and burst shooting, though being gradually phased out in favour of CFexpress Type B.

4. CF (CompactFlash) Cards

1. • Types: CF, CFast
     • CF: Older card format, now largely replaced by faster options like CFexpress and CFast.
     • CFast: A modern version with faster speeds based on the SATA interface.
   • Speed: CFast cards can achieve speeds up to 550 MB/s write speed.
   • Common Cameras: High-end DSLR and cinema cameras (e.g., Canon EOS-1D X, Canon EOS C300, and older RED cameras).
   • Recommended for: Professional video production, especially when using older cameras that still support CF cards.

5. microSD Cards

1. • Types: microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
   • Speed Classes:
     • UHS-I: Up to 104 MB/s read/write speed.
     • UHS-II: Faster read/write speeds up to 300 MB/s.
     • V30, V60, V90: Video speed classes for higher-quality video.
   • Common Cameras: Action cameras (e.g., GoPro HERO10, DJI Osmo Action), drones, and mobile devices.
   • Recommended for: 1080p and 4K video recording, especially in compact or mobile devices.