The history of SD card development goes back more than 10 years. During this period, drives changed several generations, increased the maximum memory capacity, increased speed and became commonplace for the average technology user. Let's figure out how SDHC memory cards differ from SDXC and SD. We’ll also look at their characteristics and how to choose the right drive for your device.
SD drives are different from SDHC and SDXC.
The abbreviation SD stands for Secure Memory Card. This type of media has been produced since 1999. Of course, today no one uses cards in their original form for obvious reasons. Over time, the creators began to increase the characteristics and volume, releasing new generations, which will be discussed further.
The main difference, as mentioned above, is capacity. However, devices also differ in read/write speed and support across different devices (cameras, phones, etc.). There are 3 types in total:
- SD High Capacity;
Let's look at the differences between SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards in all characteristics separately.
Volume difference
The oldest and most unclaimed type is MicroSD. The first generation holds only up to 2 GB of information (version 1.0) and up to 4 GB in version 1.1. These figures are currently extremely small for the modern consumer, given the size of the high-quality videos and photos that new smartphones and cameras produce. Such media may only be useful for transferring small files. It makes no sense to specifically purchase such media. FAT16 is used as the file system.
The second type is SDHC cards. They differ from regular SD ones in the increased amount of space and file system. Now the maximum capacity is up to 32 GB, using the FAT32 file system.
The most modern type is SD eXtended Capacity. The standard was officially released in 2009 and remains in demand to this day. Compared to the previous generation, the SDXC standard, which differs in volume, can accommodate up to 2 TB of information. File system - exFAT with support for formatting in FAT32. 
Now you know the main difference between SDHC and SDXC memory cards, which is worth paying attention to when choosing a drive for your device.
Device and operating system support
As of 2017, the SD generation is supported by all devices that have the appropriate slot. All devices that only support the SD standard will not be able to read information from HC or XC media. Cameras and smartphones that support SD eXtended Capacity are compatible with all three generations. There is no backward compatibility.
SD can also differ from High Capacity and eXtended Capacity in terms of support by operating systems:
- Due to exFAT, SDXC drives are not supported by the Windows XP operating system without installing a special update;
- MacBook and Mac OS have support for SD eXtended Capacity since 2011;
- flagship Android devices support SD eXtended Capacity. For all other smartphones and tablets you will need a special driver from Samsung.
Difference between Micro and Mini
Now let’s figure out how MicroSD and MicroSDHC memory cards differ from their Mini counterparts. As you might guess, the main difference lies in size. For compact equipment, a Mini version has been created, which is usually supported in smartphones (usually installed on the second SIM card slot). The difference between MicroSDHC, SDXC and SD is that they connect to the card reader without an adapter, while the Mini version requires an adapter.
Speed difference
Now let’s look at the differences between all SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards in terms of information reading speed. Speed classes are marked on the case of each drive: 2 (from 2 MB/s), 4 (from 4 MB/s), 6 (from 6 MB/s), 10 (from 10 MB/s). The class designation indicates the minimum write speed, so in practice the performance of a single drive may be higher. Manufacturers indicate characteristics in Mb/s, and not according to the established classification. Also, SDHC and SDXC can support Ultra High Speed technology (up to 25 Mb/s).
When choosing a drive, pay attention to its type and capacity. SDHC and SDXC are relevant today. Also, before purchasing, check compatibility with the device for which you are purchasing the media to avoid incompatibility.
The amount of information required for work and entertainment is increasing every day. The quality of photographs and video files increases, and along with it their “weight” also increases. As a result, the built-in memory of our gadgets, especially those from the budget segment, is sorely lacking. This problem can be easily solved, especially in phones with a removable battery. Why in them, how to choose a memory card for a phone for any budget and many other issues will be discussed in this article.
Memory card. What is this?
Typically, the memory card is a small black rectangle, but sometimes the appearance is different. Depending on the model, it has a different amount of memory. Modern models of various gadgets use only one type of memory card - microSD, although there are quite a large number of them.
Previously, when mobile phones were just beginning to acquire additional memory, each manufacturer tried to invent its own format, different from the others. For example, the memory card of an LG phone could not be installed in a Nokia. Over time, this trend, as well as specific charging connectors, gradually faded away. This has its own advantage, because after changing your smartphone, you now don’t have to re-purchase this important accessory for it.
How much volume do I need?
When it comes to the required capacity of an SD Card, you should first ask yourself what files you work with most often. In order to get your bearings at least a little, you can take a look at the following list, showing the approximate size of the files we are used to:
- Melody or track - from 3 to 10 megabytes.
- Photo - from 1 to 5 megabytes.
- Film (depending on quality) from 700 megabytes to several gigabytes.
If you are used to using only high-quality content, then you will have to think about memory cards of 32 GB or more. If the card is needed only to store a small playlist and current photos, its volume can be easily calculated using the above information. We can definitely say that with large volumes of photos, there will not be enough internal space, and a memory card is required. A phone with 2 GB of memory is simply not capable of storing the number of videos and photos that modern youth are accustomed to taking.
Feature regarding the capacity of the new memory card
Probably everyone who has previously encountered memory cards or flash drives has noticed that there is a little less space on them than stated by the manufacturer. Why does this problem occur and can it be fixed?
In reality there is no problem. The reason lies in the principles of computing space by a computer or telephone. We are accustomed to multiplying all quantities by a thousand, as, for example, there are a thousand grams in one kilogram. However, in the computer world, calculations are done a little differently, and a number of 1024 is considered to be one. As a result, such an error arises on the missing 24 bytes for every thousand. Therefore, manufacturers should not be blamed for such a “shortage”, and an SD memory card with “cut down” memory is actually quite normal.
What is a memory card class
All memory cards are divided not only by capacity, but also by class. Therefore, when you decide how to choose a memory card for your phone, do not forget about this parameter. The class displays the speed at which any information is written to it. There are cards of various classes, but the most popular in our stores are 4, 10 and U1.
In fact, everything is clear with digital classes - a four is equal to a write speed of up to 4 MB/s, and a ten is equal to up to 10 MB/s, respectively. With the U1 class it is a little more interesting, since manufacturers promise speeds not up to, but from 10 MB/s, but what the maximum possible will be, you have to check on the spot. This class is considered a newer standard, and the SD memory card marked with it differs better from its predecessors.
In addition to the above, there are also digital classes SD Card 2 and 6, as well as the new generation class U3. Digital are no different from their predecessors, that is, they correspond in the same way to the maximum recording speed. Class U3 is currently considered the highest and allows you to write information at speeds of over 30 MB/s. But, despite the high level of development of smartphones, none of them need such a high speed yet, so we will not consider it in detail.
Which one do I need?
Let's look at what each class of memory card can be used for. This will be another step towards how to choose a memory card for your phone and not make a mistake.
- Class 2 memory cards are designed for data storage and are the slowest and cheapest option. You can record music and video files on them, but the recording process itself will be quite lengthy. Problems may occur when viewing high-definition videos.
- Class 4 memory cards are the most popular and common. Fully meet the speed needs of budget phones and smartphones related to multimedia files. Still, it’s better not to use it for games and programs.
- Class 6 memory cards can already be a replacement for the internal memory of some electronic devices and are designed for recording and storing any type of files.
- Class 10 memory cards are the fastest type of cards, the maximum capabilities of which can be used by any smartphone. Allows you to record video in high resolution and perform other tasks that require high-speed recording of information.
- U1 class memory cards are an improved class 10, with a slightly higher write speed and significantly faster reading, as a result of which they can be used for program files, since loading from them will be much faster.
- U3 class memory cards are used very rarely, since their characteristics are only needed when recording video in 4K resolution, and the cost is very high.
What is the maximum memory card capacity supported by the device?
Often, most manufacturers themselves indicate in the characteristics of a phone or smartphone what size memory card is recommended to be installed in the gadget. However, sometimes this information is not indicated directly, but using the coding of different types of cards. It's worth taking a look at the device specification and seeing which cards are supported. The following may be written there:
- microSD cards are an old standard that requires the installation of a phone micro memory card with a capacity of no more than 4 GB. Sometimes some Chinese manufacturers write that cards up to 8 GB are supported with the same marking, but no more.
- microSDHC cards are the most common format among budget phones and smartphones today. Provides the ability to expand memory with cards up to 32 GB, which is quite enough for most users.
- microSDXC cards are a new format that allows you to work with volumes up to 2 TB. Often, cards of this size can be very expensive, but a very popular, inexpensive, and functional solution would be to install additional memory of 64 or 128 GB.
How to decide on the manufacturer
In fact, there is not much difference between memory cards from different manufacturers. They are all quite reliable, so the final weighty argument when choosing can only be the price or attractive appearance. The speed of the card, as discussed above, depends only on its class.
Sometimes on older devices there is a situation where memory cards of the maximum capacity for the gadget do not work from all manufacturers. Even the developers of this or that gadget cannot answer what this is connected with. For example, a similar question was previously discussed on forums - I bought a regular memory card, I didn’t see it at close range, although it worked with other devices without problems. Therefore, when buying a memory card, it is best to take with you the device for which it is intended. This way you can avoid unnecessary stress associated with returning an incorrect accessory.
Instructions for installing a memory card
How exactly and where to place the card itself is often written in the user instructions for the device. However, another important point is often missed. Some devices can easily read data written to a card with a file system of one of the common formats. But after prolonged use, failures may occur, which can lead to the loss of important information.
To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that immediately after installation, while there is no data on the card, you format it directly using your phone or smartphone. Don’t be lazy to do this operation, because later it can protect you from unnecessary worries. This concludes the recommendations on how to choose a memory card for your phone. We hope you will not have any problems purchasing this accessory.
Make sure you select the correct memory card for your camera.
The vast majority of cameras - at least those aimed at beginner and amateur photographers - use SD memory cards to record photos and videos. Over the years they have evolved to meet the needs of increasingly advanced cameras, with increasing megapixel counts and 4K video recording speeds.
As a result, modern memory cards have many different metrics that determine their performance, which can be confusing to users unfamiliar with the terminology. This article, before we jump into ranking the best SD memory cards, provides a guide to clarify the process of choosing the best camera for your camera or laptop. Here's everything you need to know about SD memory cards.
Type and brand
The first thing to consider is whether your device is compatible with a particular card, and while laptops and other computers aren't too picky in this regard, SD card compatibility is important for stills and video cameras.
Assuming the camera uses SD cards, it should be compatible with the two main types of cards manufactured today, namely SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity).
Older cards that are labeled SD will most likely not work with modern cameras, although they are being produced more as the demands of the latest technology exceed their capabilities.
The best way to check whether your camera will work with an SD card is to check the camera's specifications in the manual (or the appropriate page on the manufacturer's website).
All SDHC and SDXC memory cards have a small tab on the side that protects the card's contents from being tampered with - if you move this tab down you won't be able to write anything or delete anything from the card, a useful way to protect your photos and videos, especially when the card is full. Sometimes this tab can get caught when you insert the card into the camera. If you see an error message when trying to take a photo, remove the card and check the tab to make sure it is "Unlocked."
Some MicroSD cards come with full-size SD adapters, so you can use them in phones and tablets, along with cameras and laptops.
Other types of SD cards come in small sizes, including microSDXC. They are usually used in smartphones, however, they are characterized by the presence of SD adapters, which allows the use of memory cards in cameras.
Lexar and Sandisk are the dominant players in the market, although Integral, Kingston and Transcend offer perfectly safe alternatives that may be cheaper, while there are also options from more established brands like Toshiba and Samsung. Regardless of the brand you choose, buy cards from a reputable seller; there are unscrupulous stores that sell counterfeit cards.
Capacity
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Memory cards come in a wide range of capacities, which is reflected in their prices. All memory cards with a capacity of 32 GB and below remain in the SDHC camp, while cards 64 GB and above are classified as SDXC. You can already buy cards with capacities of up to 1TB—the same as most hard drives—but these are well beyond what most people need (and can afford). The most common types of cards are 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB.
How big a map you need depends on what you intend to use it for. For a user of a compact camera with a 12-megapixel sensor, for example, a 16 GB SD card should be enough if he does not plan to take photographs all the time. If your camera has a large sensor, however, and you plan to store files in raw format, record video, or shoot photos in bursts, 16GB will very quickly become insufficient.
Avoid smaller capacity cards if you tend to use burst shooting to capture moving objects, they won't be enough.
Most people find that choosing several medium-sized cards is a better option than using one large-sized card. This makes sense from a security point of view - if something goes wrong, you won't lose all your photos and videos at once. This also allows you to organize your files properly. An increasing number of cameras today offer two SD card slots, which is another reason to buy multiple cards.
Speed and performance
Most marks on a memory card indicate its performance when it comes to data transfer speed. We will consider each notation in turn.
CardsSD: Speed Class
Most modern SDHC and SDXC cards are marked with a label shaped like 2, 4, 6 or 10 in an almost closed circle, this designation indicates the minimum stable write speed of that card. This mark is known as the Speed Class and allows you to evaluate whether your card is suitable for video recording.
The numbers indicate speed in MB/s. So a Class 2 card has a minimum sustained write speed of 2 MB/s, while a Class 4 bumps the speed up to 4 MB/s and so on. Generally, faster is better, although for standard HD video recording you don't need cards that are too fast.
Class 10 SD cards are ideal for recording Full HD video, but if your camera supports 4K recording, you should look for UHS Class cards.
CardsSD: Ultra High Speed (UHS) Class
SDHC and SDXC cards usually have the numbers 1 or 3 inside a U-shaped icon. If you see any numbers surrounded by a U, you can be sure that the card is compliant with the latest Ultra High Speed (UHS) standard.
Like the SD card grade, UHS gives you an idea of the minimum guaranteed continuous write speed. So, for example, a 1 inside U indicates a minimum sequential write speed of 10 MB/s, while a 3 indicates a speed of 30 MB/s. This type of card is faster than Class 10 cards and is better suited for data-heavy operations, including 4K video recording.
Trying to record high-resolution video on a slow card can cause the camera to stop recording, and this can happen after a few seconds, so you should have an idea of what format of video you'll be shooting before purchasing a new card.
Today, cards have appeared that comply with the UHS-I and UHS-II standards; you can determine which standard the selected SD card belongs to by checking the labeling; it will be marked with the Roman “I” or “II”. UHS-II cards also have an extra row of pins on the back to provide faster data transfer speeds than UHS-I, but purchasing such a fast card only makes sense if you're using a relatively new camera that supports this interface. .
Currently, most cameras support UHS-I, but only new ones support UHS-II. However, you can benefit from their speed by using a UHS-II card reader when transferring photos to your computer.
If you decide to buy one of these, you'll be glad to know that UHS-II cards are backwards compatible with cameras that only support UHS-I, although you'll lose the speed benefits inside the camera.
CardsSD:VideoSpeedClass
In addition to Speed Class and UHS Speed Class, there is a new Video Speed Class format.
This class of SD cards were designed for cameras with 8K resolution at high frame rates, so SD cards in this class are not needed by most users since 8K video recording is not yet found in consumer-level products. However, they will be available to the public very soon, so you should be aware of the new classification of SD memory cards.
The good news is that this class is as easy to figure out as the regular one: the SD card is marked V6, for example, which means a minimum sequential write speed of 6 MB/s. The cards are also available in V10 and V30 formats, which meet minimum 4K video recording requirements, as well as V60 and V90, designed for 8K resolution shooting.
NeedCompactFlash or alternative card?
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Not all cameras use SD cards. The CompactFlash format is still used by some professional DSLR cameras, and slots for the new CFast and XQD formats are already appearing on new models.
These cards are marked in a similar way to SDHC and SDXC cards and are typically marked for read speed in a similar way, although they do not use the same classes as Speed Class cards.
In terms of read and write speeds, the fastest CompactFlash memory cards currently available are labeled UDMA 7. Such cards have a maximum transfer speed of 167 MB/s, which is slightly faster than the 133 MB/s limit of the previous UDMA 6 format.
Other things to consider
Physical security
Some card manufacturers claim that they are water, shock and X-ray proof to a certain extent, and can operate in more extreme temperatures than standard cards. If you expect to be working in particularly challenging environments, or want extra peace of mind, you might consider them.
The more professional SD cards from each manufacturer tend to include all of these options as standard. Of course, if you're going to be using the camera in particularly harsh conditions, it's worth making sure that the camera, battery, and any other equipment you plan to use remain in working order.
File Recovery Software
It's all too easy to lose photos and videos, whether it's your decision or the result of file corruption. Some SD cards come with software that can potentially recover such files, although you could use third-party software for this purpose.
ReaderSD cards
Check to see if you need to use a specific card reader paired with your SD card to take advantage of the fastest reading speeds. Otherwise, a regular card reader - be it one built into a computer or laptop - will act as a bottleneck in any file transfer operation.
Best cardsSDXC: For 4K recording and burst shooting
We tested the read/write speeds of SD cards, both for recording photos and videos, and the average values assuming speed fluctuations that could result in dropped frames. All of these cards are UHS-I grade, with a single row of pins on the back panel. UHS-II SD cards have a second row of contacts, offering three times the theoretical speed, but they require a compatible camera.
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SanDisk's contender offered an excellent video recording speed of 83.3 MB/s, and it also recorded mixed files at 56.4 MB/s, with no speed dips, making the SD card one of the best on the market.
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The Pro+ SD cards had the fastest direct image write speed (58.2 MB/s), but were not without minor speed fluctuations. Read performance is flawless, however, as is video writing speed.
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Kingston's fastest SD card achieved a whopping 84.1 MB/s when recording video, although transferring a few photos returned a mediocre 42.8 MB/s, with plenty of speed fluctuations.
Hi all! I think that many of you are interested in the question of which class of memory card is best to choose for a camera, video camera, tablet, mobile phone or some other digital device that uses an SD card to store information. Surely you know that there are several generations of SD cards with speed classification and memory capacity. So, each type of memory card has its own specification, which directly affects the scope and compatibility mode with a particular device.
Many consumers, when choosing a drive for their digital device, completely in vain ignore the classes of SD memory cards, taking into account only the type and large volume for storing information. Recently, manufacturers themselves clearly and clearly indicate in the specifications for the device what class of memory card is needed to work together with the device. However, some consumers still find it difficult to understand the types, classes, capacities and compatibility of SD drives. In this article I will try to talk as simply and in detail as possible about a digital memory card in SD format.
Let me start with the fact that the SD format has replaced the MMC portable flash memory card ( MultiMedia Card) with which they physically have the same size (32x24x2.1 mm), but technically have a different design. The format in question has its own controller and a special protected area from unauthorized access, as well as a manual switch to prevent unintentional erasure or overwriting of existing information. Keep in mind that accidental erasure protection is not activated by the SD card itself, but by the device in which it is located, provided that it supports this function.
Volume and format of SD memory card.
There are several types of memory cards in SD (Secure Digital Memory Card) format, which I have listed below in order of backward compatibility. That is, the previous memory card format in the list is backward compatible with the following ones and is not interchangeable in reverse order.
SD (Secure Digital Memory Card) is the very first secure digital memory card format. This type is compatible with all digital devices that support all of the following formats (SD, SDHC, SDXC).
- Maximum memory: 4 GB;
- Initial file system: FAT16.
SDHC (SD High Capacity) is the next high capacity SD memory card. This format works a little differently than the previous representative and is not backward compatible with devices that support the SD format.
- Maximum memory: 32 GB;
- Information exchange speed: 12.5 MB/s;
- Initial file system: FAT32.
SDXC (SD Extended Capacity)— another descendant of the SD memory card with extended capacity. This format has a different file system and is therefore not backward compatible with digital devices that only work with SD. Many devices released after 2010 should be compatible with this format. To finally make sure that the memory card is compatible with the device, look for the SDXC logo on the card and the device. In addition, a card reader capable of working with a format no higher than SDHC will not be compatible with SDXC cards. This format is not supported by all operating systems.
- Maximum memory capacity: 2 TB;
- Information exchange speed: 25 MB/s;
- Initial file system: exFAT.
SDHC I, SDXC I, SDHC II, SDXC II— a card with one of these logos has an increased data exchange speed due to improvements in the UHS bus interface. In simple and understandable language, we can say that UHS (Ultra High Speed) is an addition to the original SD format interface, which is improved by developers from time to time. It should be said that the host device will receive the maximum possible UHS speed only if both the memory card and the receiving device support UHS, otherwise they will be able to access the slower speed provided in the SD format.
- UHS I - has two architectures for the fastest data transfer of 50 MB/s and 104 MB/s. Here the developers have redefined the purpose of some pins to implement four-bit data exchange.
- UHS II - the next improved generation also has two architectures for high-speed data transfer of 156 MB/s and 312 MB/s. A four-bit data exchange mode is also used.
The maximum possible data transfer speed for the interface is indicated here, and you can find out the supported data transfer speed for a particular memory card from the specifications on the manufacturer’s website or from the information sticker on the card packaging. Full compatibility of UHS cards with digital devices that do not have the high-speed UHS protocol.
Since this SD format is aimed mainly at portable devices, it consists of three types. Each type of card has its own size.
For example, the standard SD format has a size of 32x24x2.1 mm, and miniSD has a size of 21.5x20x1.4 mm. The small microSD format has the most compact size of 11x15x1 mm, and with the help of special adapters this type of memory card can be adapted to the desired slot form factor.
Classes of SD memory cards.
Now let's take a look at what a memory card class means and what meaning this information carries for the consumer. So, under the classes there is information about the minimum write speed to the memory card. In other words, the higher the class of the memory card, the faster you can record and save voluminous information, play large audio and video files without interruptions and sound clips.
And to make it easier for consumers to navigate the speed capabilities of memory cards, the international SD Card Association classified them according to speed characteristics (multiplier) along with digital devices that can work with them, called SD Speed Class. The speed on memory cards is indicated through a special multiplier called a rating.
This figure is constantly growing, but at the moment the SD card multiplier is from 6x to 633x. To make it clear, I will say that 1x = 150 KB/s. It turns out that entry-level cards have a speed of 6x = 900 KB/s, and top-level SD cards have comparable speeds of 633x = MB/s. According to the speed specification from the SD Card Association, all memory cards are divided according to the minimum recording speed characteristics as follows:
- SD Class 2: write speed of at least 2 MB/s - multiplier 13;
- SD Class 4: write speed of at least 4 MB/s - multiplier 26;
- SD Class 6: write speed of at least 6 MB/s - multiplier 40;
- SD Class 10: write speed of at least 10 MB/s - multiplier 66;
- SD Class 16: write speed of at least 16 MB/s - multiplier 106.
It is the class of the memory card that is one of the important parameters when choosing a removable SD drive. In a previous publication, I touched on the topic of unscrupulous manufacturers, and in this case the SD memory card was no exception.
Unfortunately, there are “honest” manufacturers who indicate on the map a multiplier that does not correspond to the actual speed. That is, the card may actually have the speed declared by the manufacturer, but in read mode and not write mode.
To determine the multiplier of an SD memory card, you can conduct your own independent test using a card reader and a specialized program (for example, for Windows - H2testw; Linux - F3), and then compare the results with the table. You can also see how we did it, which can also be used to test SD and MMC cards.
| Rating/Multiplier (X) | Speed (MB/s) | SDHC class |
|---|---|---|
| 6x | 0,9 | n/a |
| 13x | 2,0 | 2 |
| 26x | 4,0 | 4 |
| 32x | 4,8 | 5 |
| 40x | 6,0 | 6 |
| 66x | 10,0 | 10 |
| 100x | 15,0 | 15 |
| 133x | 20,0 | 20 |
| 150x | 22,5 | 22 |
| 200x | 30,0 | 30 |
| 266x | 40,0 | 40 |
| 300x | 45,0 | 45 |
| 400x | 60,0 | 60 |
| 600x | 90,0 | 90 |
The speed class rating plays an important role for HD video mode, because in this case the digital device is in a state of constantly saving a stream of data to the memory card. It is the resolution and format that influence the number of stable data streams. Therefore, be sure to check the instructions for the digital device for the minimum speed class requirements for HD video mode.
How to choose an SD card.
As a rule, the speed class of a memory card on a simple SD format nameplate is indicated by a number inside the letter C, and for the UHS standard, the speed class is indicated by a number inside the letter U. Scope of application of the classes and compatibility with devices.
| Class | Write speed | Purpose |
| Class 2 | at least 2 MB/s | Recording video data for standard definition television in SD format |
| Class 4 | at least 4 MB/s | For recording HD (high definition) video, as well as Full HD (high resolution from 720p to 1080p/1080i). Entry-level digital cameras, game consoles and other devices that support SDHC cards. |
| Class 6 | at least 6 MB/s | |
| Class 10 | at least 10 MB/s | For Full HD (1080p) video recording and sequential recording of HD stills (high-speed data bus) |
| UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) | at least 10 MB/s | Capture Full HD video, 3D video, High Definition (HD) photos, and real-time broadcast recording |
| UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) | at least 30 MB/s | Recording video files for 4K television - UHD television (UHS bus). D-SLR and D-SLM cameras and video cameras with 4K or 2K support. |
And finally, I’ll say a few more words about the SD card compatibility mode. SDHC memory cards are not compatible with those digital devices that are originally designed only to work with SD cards, but those host devices (camera, video camera, phone...) that can work with SDHC cards are fully compatible with SD cards.
SDXC format memory cards should only be used with SDXC devices, as they will not work with SD / SDHC devices, but digital SDXC devices can use and support SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. SDHC host devices support both SD and SDHC memory cards, and SDHC memory cards can be used with SDHC and SDXC digital devices.
I hope I was able to tell you about something complicated in a simple way and you can now choose an SD card for your camera, video camera, phone, tablet, reader, and so on. Subscribe to new articles, there will be a lot of interesting things ahead. If you can add to the material or express your opinion, then by all means do so in the comments.
2019-09-18T23:37:08+00:00
I recently bought a Samsung 256GB card for 15 bucks on Ali at a promotion... It arrived without packaging, just an adapter and a card in a box. The writing speed of large files is 10 Mbit/s, the software shows 22 Mbit/s writing, reading and here and there 4-5 Mbit/s. h2testw uploaded 238GB of files and read them, the whole procedure took about 20 hours. And it’s not clear, it seems like the capacity is real, but the speed is clearly not like U3? How else can you check whether it is fake or not?
2019-07-04T12:46:10+00:00
You should write the model of your tablet so that you can find out... Perhaps the manufacturer made a mistake, and not the author of the post.
2018-04-22T16:47:00+00:00
Sony usually uses MemoryStick cards
2017-06-01T22:14:44+00:00
Hello! please help me choose a memory card for the Prestigio MultiPad PMP5080CPRO tablet
2017-05-16T13:08:47+00:00
Is a memory card labeled “for action camera” suitable for a smartphone? For recording videos and photos
2017-05-10T10:19:35+00:00
Hello. I have an old Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W570 camera (2011). I would like to buy a 64 GB memory card. Our store has several attractive offers for SD cards with U1 class. But will such a class work on an old camera? Or look for grade 10 (C10)?
2017-05-01T14:35:35+00:00
Everything is relative. A quality item cannot be cheap. And sellers really sometimes surprise with their prices.
2017-05-01T10:18:41+00:00
The price of a memory card depends only on the arrogance of the seller! and not on quality! It is necessary to be able to check its quality on a computer using the h2testw program - this will be very reliable! There should also be a guarantee for the flash drive or a refund like on the aliexpress website. By the way, if you don’t want to overpay and buy cheaper than the sellers in your stores buy, use the function of returning the cost of purchases from the aliexpress website. Important! Read reviews before purchasing products on Ali!
2017-04-21T17:49:35+00:00
Which one and why? Do you think this will be more logical and convenient? P.S. The opinions of visitors are important to me.
2017-04-21T17:28:31+00:00
Place the table at the beginning of the article
2017-03-12T23:46:18+00:00
Please tell me what's the matter? I bought several different micro SD cards to try. The test is as follows: Turn off and turn on the MP3 player - only with the KingMax card the volume level and approximate position of the track are saved. The remaining cards are reset to the beginning and to the minimum volume - very inconvenient! How is KingMax different from others? The capacity is the same 2GB, the class is not indicated on any card.
2017-01-31T14:06:24+00:00
I've already seen a card with a multiplier of 1833x 275Mb/sec)) And if anyone plans to record 4K video, 64GB is not enough for an SD card, it gets clogged up pretty quickly))
2017-01-07T06:29:51+00:00
Cards with a capacity of 64 and higher come from the factory formatted in exFAT. Not all devices understand this format, so it didn’t work on the tablet initially. After reformatting to fat32 and ext4 (why ext4? Do you have an infinite number of rewrite cycles to keep a journaled FS on a flash drive? in this case - only ext2, only speed at the expense of excessive reliability) exFAT was screwed up and the device saw the familiar FS.
2016-10-27T18:18:28+00:00
The question is why the manufacturer writes that the tablet supports microSDHC cards up to 128 GB, although you write that this type of card has a capacity of up to 32 GB
2016-10-06T08:58:57+00:00
The record memory card is designed primarily for shooting 4K and 8K high-definition video, as well as panoramic videos, the files of which take up a lot of space. The world's first memory card with a capacity of 1 terabyte was released by SanDisk, but for now it remains a prototype. I think that soon it will be available in online stores.
2016-07-24T16:51:26+00:00
What kind of program can you tell me?
2016-06-26T18:01:02+00:00
View technical specifications. If you want help, please indicate your device model.
2016-06-25T10:07:37+00:00
Of course, I understand everything, but how can I find out what sizes of SD cards my smartphone supports?
2016-06-02T14:44:38+00:00
Hello! I bought a lumia 640 xl. What card do you recommend buying?
2016-04-04T11:37:48+00:00
Absolutely right... The class of the card affects the read and write speed. But before choosing an SD card, you should find out what maximum capacity your device supports.
2016-04-04T08:35:19+00:00
I managed to stuff first a smartphone, then an incompatible micro sd into the tablet! This is done very simply: I have a 64 GB card, class 10. Didn't work upon initial installation. Using a program (there is one), I divided Fat 32 and ext 4 into two sections. I inserted it and it worked! Then I rooted the device. I changed the USB drive from micro sd. So the cards don’t work not because of the class, but because of the volume!
2016-03-31T11:38:22+00:00
Good afternoon Samsung Galaxy 5 phone. I bought a micro sd 64 GB. put!!! I download it to my phone via utorrent. It downloads to the phone’s internal memory at a speed of 10 mbs, but to micro sd it doesn’t go above 1.5!! What can be done so that files can also download quickly to the micro SD!!! Thank you!
2016-03-31T02:34:27+00:00
which card is better CDXC or memory stik from SONY?
2016-03-16T10:06:17+00:00
Thank you for the article! Very informative, structured and simply written!
2016-03-04T12:20:48+00:00
Good afternoon Thank you for the article. Useful. In the article, write how to choose a card. I have a question. Let’s simulate the situation: if you have a smartphone that records or plays video from the card at a speed of 4 Mb/s, then there is no point in buying a class 6 CD card. Question: how can you determine the video transfer speed before purchasing a card? Thank you for your attention.
2016-02-07T22:19:36+00:00
Unfortunately, I do not have the opportunity to test all smartphones with SD cards for compatibility and speed. I think there won't be any problems.
2016-02-07T18:16:56+00:00
Hello!!! Please tell me a 32 GB flash drive for the Lenovo k3 w (aka Lenovo A6000), maybe I’ll put the thread somewhere else. So far I've looked at: MicroSD 32GB SanDisk Class 10 Extreme 90MB/s + SD adapter Manufacturer SanDisk Model SDSQXNE-032G-GN6MA What do you think? Will the phone work with it normally or something simpler?
Every person who constantly works on a computer urgently needs to have such an irreplaceable thing as a USB drive. This can be either a simple flash memory card or a larger multi-gigabyte drive that is needed to transfer information. Today we’ll try to decide which is the best USB flash card to choose for solving various problems.
Which flash drive to choose depends on the amount of information you are transferring. In fact, our drive has a lot of functions. First of all, it's volume. If you need to transfer small information, it is not necessary to buy a small flash drive. At the same time, the difference in price for 2 gigabytes, 4 gigabytes and 8 gigabytes will not be great. By choosing an 8 GB storage medium, you will benefit in both price and quality. Today, many drives write at good speed. The download speed is ten megabits/s, but they read on average in fifteen megabits/s.
Types and classes of flash memory cards
Of course, there are also very fast flash drives. That is, you need to pay attention to the specific model of the flash drive you are buying. If you find the words “ultra fast” or “hi-speed” on it, then this is a wonderful model with high writing and reading speeds. In general, all flash drives are divided into types and classes.
SD (Secure Digital) is a portable flat memory card standard designed for use in portable devices - cameras, cameras, etc. Classified into the following classes:
Since this storage format is very popular, an SD card, thanks to various adapters, can be used with almost any device, be it a computer, laptop or even a tablet - via a card reader or directly via USB.
miniSD and microSD (TransFlash) are types of SD cards that can be used to connect to an SD slot using a special adapter. Mini is also often used in cameras, while Micro is often used in smaller devices such as phones, tablets, and video recorders.
SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) is another more modern type of SD, characterized by greater speed. Outwardly, they do not differ from SD, but they can only work with those devices that specifically indicate support for cards of this type. Sometimes it happens that the device becomes able to work with SDHC after a firmware update. Such cards are available in capacities from 4 to 32 GB.
SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) are SD flash cards with extended capacity.
SD 3.0 – cards with a capacity of 64GB and a maximum speed of up to 90 MB/sec, which may be compatible with some existing SDHC devices
SD 4.0 speed is up to 300MB/sec, and the card capacity can be from 64GB to 2TB. They are not fully compatible with SDHC devices.
Which USB flash drive to choose?
Quality and reliability depend directly not only on the class, but also on the manufacturer you choose. Samsung, Transcend, SanDisk and Kingston are considered famous flash drives for their quality products. And besides, you can find good quality flash drives from companies such as PQI, Lexar, Pretec and Imation.
It also happens that brands that no one knows use other people’s devices in the production of cases with their logo. You shouldn’t refuse them either, since with the same components they are much cheaper, that is, you won’t overpay for the brand.
It is worth noting that the external size of a USB drive does not affect its actual capacity. You can also find very small flash drives that are similar in size to SIM cards. Here it’s a matter of each person’s taste – a small storage device or a large one, but in terms of price, small cards are more expensive and it’s also easier to lose them.
I hope the described points will help you choose a USB flash drive that will facilitate the fastest and most secure work on your computer. When choosing, we choose popular manufacturers, but do not forget about little-known companies with components from well-known companies - it is cheaper with the same quality.
Well, for a snack today – a video about how to find out the real size of your flash drive. Bye!
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