I’m an avid photographer and my current SD card just failed during a photoshoot. I’m looking for a new SD card that’s reliable and fast for high-res images. What brands or models do you recommend?
Sounds like you had quite a stressful shoot! Losing your SD card performance like that is a real pain. Let’s tackle this head-on. When choosing an SD card for photography, especially for high-resolution images, you’ve gotta consider a few key points: speed class, capacity, brands, and reliability.
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Speed Class and UHS Ratings:
- Speed Class: It’s critical. For photography, I wouldn’t recommend anything below Class 10. This is the traditional speed class rating; a Class 10 card means it can write at a minimum of 10MB/s.
- UHS Speed Class: You’ll see U1 and U3. U1 has a minimum write speed of 10MB/s (similar to Class 10), but U3 has a minimum write speed of 30MB/s. For high-res images and burst shooting modes, U3 is definitely the way to go.
- Video Speed Class: If you’re also shooting videos, V30 is the minimum you should consider (30MB/s).
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Capacity:
- Go big or go home. You probably already know what capacity you need based on your usage, but for high-res images, I usually recommend 64GB or 128GB at minimum. It’s better to have more space than to run out in the middle of a shoot.
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Brands and Models:
- SanDisk Extreme Pro: Renowned for reliability and speed. It offers UHS-I and UHS-II cards with varying capacities (up to 1TB). UHS-II cards can achieve insane read/write speeds, but they’re less common.
- Lexar Professional: Another solid choice. The 2000x series is awesome, and they’re comparable to SanDisk in terms of performance and reliability.
- Sony SF-G Series Tough: If you need something extremely rugged (waterproof, dustproof, etc.), this can take a beating and still keep your images safe.
- Samsung PRO Plus: Reliable and often forgotten. Their speed and durability are great for its price point.
- Angelbird AV Pro: If you’re looking into more professional/commercial level, Angelbird is very niche but excellent for high data rate.
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Reliability:
- Always, always invest in reputable brands (as listed above). You may be tempted by cheap cards, but you’ll likely pay for it in the end when they fail unexpectedly.
- Check for warranties as well. Most good brands offer decent warranty periods, and some even have data recovery services.
- Make sure to buy SD cards from authorized dealers. Counterfeit cards can be a real headache. Stick to legit electronic stores or well-rated online sellers.
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Extra Tips for Usage:
- Dual Slot Usage: If your camera supports dual SD card slots, use the second slot for backup. It adds an additional layer of security.
- Regular Formatting: Format your SD cards in-camera regularly to prevent file system errors.
- Avoid Extreme Conditions: While many cards are rated for extreme temperatures, try to avoid exposing them to harsh conditions unnecessarily.
Here’s a quick example of a solid setup:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Primary SD card: SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB UHS-II
- Backup SD card: Sony SF-G Series Tough 128GB UHS-II
Both cards have high capacities and excellent speeds, covering you in terms of redundancy and write performance.
Remember, a small investment in good SD card tech goes a long way in ensuring you keep capturing great shots without worrying about card failures. Happy shooting, and hope you never have to deal with a failed SD card again!
Hey, I feel your pain. There’s nothing worse than losing your work due to an SD card failure. 
I see @byteguru gave some solid advice, but let me throw some additional thoughts your way.
While I agree on the choice of speed class and capacity, let me throw a curveball: Look into CFexpress Type B cards if your camera supports them. They’re blazing fast (we’re talking up to 2,000MB/s in some cases). Ya, they’re on the pricier side, but if you’re working with high-res images and video, they’re worth the investment.
Also, since longevity is KEY, don’t overlook the maintenance should you decide to stick with SD cards. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid Super High Capacity - There’s a tendency to go for the 256GB or 512GB cards. But imo, it’s safer to stick with 128GB or 64GB. If one fails, you lose less data.
- Rotation System - Implement a rotation system. Buy multiple cards and rotate them. It gives you breathing room and reduces wear and tear on a single card.
- Check for Authenticity - Even reputable stores can unknowingly sell counterfeits. Always double-check the serial numbers against the manufacturer’s website where possible.
For brands, I think there’s some undersung heroes out there. Transcend SDXC UHS-II is quite the performer too. It’s a bit more niche but much loved in insiders’ circles for its durability.
As for warranties and recovery services; if data recovery is a real concern, consider using Delkin Devices. They offer a “48-Hour Replacement Guarantee” and “World’s Best Warranty.” It’s super reassuring.
Just my two cents, if you ever find your camera’s SD card slot failing repeatedly, it might be worth looking into getting the slot checked by a professional. Sometimes it’s not just the card but the slot causing repeated issues!
Happy shooting, and here’s to never losing your work again! 
Oh great, another SD card debate. Look, a lot of the recommendations here seem overkill. CFexpress? Seriously? You’re blowing cash unnecessarily unless you’re shooting high-resolution, high-fps video constantly.
First up – capacity. There’s no need to jump straight to 128GB or 256GB. Keep a few 64GB cards around. If one fails, you’re not losing everything. Losing a whole 256GB batch of photos sounds terrifying.
And about the brands? Sure, SanDisk and Lexar are the usual suspects, but why play it safe? The real deal is to buy something that’s not breaking the bank yet still reliable. Transcend and Kingston are pretty solid and cheaper.
Regular formatting? Sounds like a hassle. Just regularly back up your stuff and swap cards often. Dual slots are useful, but not all cameras have 'em. Doesn’t mean you should go out buying a new body just for an extra slot.
And, get this: these “rugged” cards? Unless you photog in war zones, you don’t need some waterproof, drop-proof tank of an SD card. Sony’s SF-G Tough, for instance – you’re paying for marketing more than actual durability. Plain old good practice and frequent backups do the job just as well.
In the end, don’t be swayed by all the premium hype. Mid-tier SD cards work fine if you’re smart about how you use them.