Buying an SD card - you should pay attention to these points!

Buying an SD card sounds like an easier task than it actually is. Because there are different formats, a number of names and also different manufacturers or brands. So before you go to the next electronics store or one memory card ordered online, please read the following paragraphs first. If you already know whether you want to buy an SD, microSD, SDHC or SDXC card, but are still bothered by the labels, characters and numbers, then take a look at this guide: What are Class, SDHC, SDXC, UHS, I, A, V and Co.?

Which SD card to buy, SD or microSD?

The size of your SD card, SDHC or SDXC memory card should be in the instructions for use of the device in which you want to use the memory expansion. MicroSD cards are usually used in a smartphone. For larger devices such as DSLR cameras or an older MacBook, regular SD models can be inserted. So my tip: it's best to buy a microSD with an adapter for SD slots. That is not more expensive and makes your mobile storage flexible to use. Whether it's a drone, smartphone, laptop, camera or dictation machine - with a small memory card and an adapter for a larger format you are always well equipped.

How much memory should the memory card have?

Several factors come together to answer this question. Because on the one hand you should of course have enough memory on the chip so that you don't have to constantly change the memory cards. On the other hand, the memory card must also be compatible with the device in which it is used. So look again in the operating instructions or the manual PDF of the device whose memory you want to expand. Some devices can handle 512 GB or 1 TB; others don't even want 256 GB, but can only be expanded with 128 GB, 64 GB or 32 GB. Old devices maybe even only with 16 GB or 8 GB.

Photo, video and more: what speed do I need?

If you are still unfamiliar with terms like Class, UHS, A, V and so on, then I recommend the link given in the introduction. In the linked post I have explained all abbreviations and values ​​to you. Therefore, here are just a few small cornerstones for video devices (drone, smartphone, DSLR, camcorder, etc.):

• It is best to buy a memory card directly, the 4K resolution and 60 fps supports
• SD cards with Class U3 and / or V30 designation are suitable for this
• You need at least V30 or better V90 for 8K recordings

Which brand to buy SD card from?

I am relatively inflexible on this question: I only use SanDisk memory cards out of conviction. You can't go wrong with SanDisk, in my opinion, as you get decent quality for a reasonable price. I only buy SanDisk cards for all my devices, especially since I have a friend who had a breakdown during a photo job with a no-name SD card. Many of the photos could no longer be read at home and even a data recovery program couldn't get anything out. Sure, Lexar, Transcend, and Samsung cards aren't fake either, but personally I'll stick with it SanDisk.

Experience with SanDisk

Regardless of whether SD, microSDXC, other memory cards, USB sticks or external hard drives with SSD architecture - here in the blog there are now and then articles and test reports on SanDisk products. Here is a selection so that you can read about the high-quality articles:

• SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD Hard Drive in Tests and Reviews
• Which SD card is compatible with the Canon EOS M6?
• Which is the right SD card for the Raspberry Pi 1, 2 and 3?
• The right SD card for the Nintendo Switch
• SanDisk Ultra 256 GB microSD card with Application Performance Class Standard A1

Summary

Which memory card, which class and MB / s rate, which size in terms of SD, micro, SDHC or SDXC and how much memory you need from 4 GB to 128 GB to 1 TB can usually be found in the information on the device used . You now also know how to find the right memory card, what the individual names mean and that a small card with an adapter is probably the right one. With this post and the one linked above, you should have all the information you need. If you still have questions about buying an SD card, please leave a comment or write an email;)

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He acts as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with technical problems. In his spare time he rides electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with the iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions to current bugs.