When it comes to storing data on your electronic devices, such as smartphones, digital cameras, and tablets, the importance of selecting the right memory card cannot be overstated. The capacity, speed, and compatibility of the memory card can significantly impact the performance and functionality of your device.
Here’s a comprehensive compatibility chart to help you choose the right memory card for different devices based on your requirements like 4K video, HD video, and general storage needs:
| Device | Recommended Card Type | Class/Speed Rating | Capacity | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phone | microSD, microSDXC | Class 10, UHS-I or UHS-II | 64GB–1TB | Check device compatibility for microSDXC and maximum capacity support. |
| Action Camera | microSDXC | UHS-I U3, V30/V60 (for 4K) | 128GB–512GB | Use cards with high write speeds for smooth 4K/HD recording. |
| Drone | microSDXC | UHS-I U3, V30/V60 (for 4K) | 64GB–512GB | Opt for weather-resistant cards due to exposure to outdoor conditions. |
| Mirrorless Camera | SDXC | UHS-II U3, V60/V90 (for 4K) | 64GB–1TB | For burst photography and 4K, ensure high write speeds and UHS-II compatibility. |
| CCTV | microSD, SDXC | Class 10, UHS-I | 32GB–256GB | Use endurance-rated cards to handle constant read/write cycles. |
| Audio Recorder | SD, microSD | Class 10 or UHS-I | 16GB–128GB | High capacity isn’t usually necessary unless recording long, uncompressed audio sessions. |
| HD Video | SDHC, SDXC | Class 10, UHS-I | 32GB–256GB | Ensure adequate speed for HD video; V10 or V30 cards are ideal for stability. |
| DSLR Camera | SDHC, SDXC, CFexpress | UHS-I or UHS-II, V30/V60 (for 4K) | 32GB–1TB | For professional-grade performance, CFexpress or UHS-II cards offer the best speed and capacity. |
| 4K Video Recording | SDXC, microSDXC | UHS-II U3, V30/V60/V90 | 64GB–1TB | High-speed cards (V60 or V90) ensure seamless 4K capture. |
Card Classes and Speed Ratings
- Class 10: Minimum write speed of 10 MB/s; suitable for HD video.
- UHS-I & UHS-II: Ultra-High Speed; UHS-II offers faster write speeds.
- V30/V60/V90: Video Speed Class for 4K and 8K recording.
- Endurance Cards: Designed for continuous recording in devices like CCTV cameras.
Pro Tips
- Device Manual: Always check your device’s manual to confirm supported card types and maximum capacities.
- 4K & Burst: For 4K video or high-burst photography, prioritize cards with faster write speeds (V30 or higher).
- Durability: For outdoor devices like drones or action cameras, pick weatherproof, shockproof, and temperature-resistant cards.
- CCTV Use: Choose high-endurance cards to avoid premature failure due to constant overwriting.
