The Best SD Card for Photography in 2025

SD (Secure Digital) cards are the workhorse storage for cameras, tablets, drones, and more. Introduced in 1999 by SanDisk, Panasonic (Matsushita), and Kioxia (Toshiba) as a successor to the older MultiMediaCard format ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)), the SD card quickly became ubiquitous. It is a proprietary flash memory card format developed by the SD Association. SD cards come in three physical sizes – standard (full-size), miniSD (now rare), and microSD ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)) – but all share a compact form factor that has been widely adopted in digital cameras and camcorders ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)). In fact, today’s SD cards include features like a durable plastic casing and a slide lock switch (for write protection) aimed at photographers on the move ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)).

SD Card Types and Capacities

By 2025, SD cards are divided into capacity classes and formats:

• SD (Standard) – Up to 2 GB. (Rare now, legacy devices only.)
• SDHC (High Capacity) – 4 GB up to 32 GB.
• SDXC (eXtended Capacity) – 64 GB up to 2 TB.
• SDUC (Ultra Capacity) – 2 TB up to ~128 TB (theoretical maximum).

Most modern cameras use SDXC cards (often 64–256 GB) to store large RAW images or 4K/8K video clips. An SDXC card in 2025 can hold thousands of high-resolution RAW photos or hours of 4K video. Even bigger SDUC cards are now possible, though 128 GB to 512 GB remains the sweet spot for most photographers, balancing size with price. (Many pros even carry multiple smaller cards for backup rather than one giant card, to reduce risk of losing data.)

Speed Classes and Why They Matter

One of the most important factors for photographers is write speed. SD cards are rated by speed classes that guarantee minimum write performance. The older Speed Class ratings (Class 2, 4, 6, 10) guarantee 2–10 MB/s minimum write speeds. Newer cards use UHS (Ultra High Speed) and Video Speed Class ratings:

• UHS-I, II, III: UHS-I cards top out at 104 MB/s, UHS-II at 312 MB/s, and UHS-III at 624 MB/s ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)). (These are “read” speed limits; actual sustained write speeds are slightly lower.)
• UHS Speed Class: U1 (minimum 10 MB/s write) and U3 (minimum 30 MB/s write). U3 is recommended for high-bitrate video.
• Video Speed Class (V Class): V10, V30, V60, V90, guaranteeing 10, 30, 60, or 90 MB/s minimum sustained write. V60 and V90 cards are essential for 8K video recording or high-bitrate 4K burst shooting.

Moreover, a new SD Express standard (using PCIe/NVMe interface) has arrived by 2025, pushing theoretical speeds up to 3,940 MB/s ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)). This is far beyond what today’s cameras need, but it shows how SD technology keeps advancing.

In practical terms, a UHS-II V60/V90 card is overkill for casual shooters but invaluable for professionals. For example, a V90-rated UHS-II SD card can sustain 90 MB/s writes, letting high-end cameras shoot long RAW bursts or 8K video without dropping frames. For a beginner or casual photographer, a good UHS-I U3/V30 card (about 100 MB/s read, 60 MB/s write) is usually sufficient for 4K video and high-speed JPEG bursts.

Choosing the Right SD Card for Photography

When selecting an SD card for your camera in 2025, consider the following factors:

• Speed Requirements: Check your camera’s highest continuous shooting rate and video resolution. For high-speed burst or 4K/8K video, pick a card with UHS-II (or UHS-I U3/V30 at minimum). Remember that very high frame rate cameras (e.g. 30+ FPS with RAW) need the fastest cards to clear their buffer quickly. UHS-II/V60 or V90 cards can clear buffers and support 8K video ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)).
• Capacity: Modern cameras produce large files. A single 50MP RAW photo might be 50–100 MB. A 128 GB card can hold roughly 1,200 such images or 2–3 hours of 4K video. Many photographers use 64–256 GB cards. For travel, having two 128 GB cards offers flexibility and a backup if one fails.
• Reliability and Durability: Look for cards rated shock-proof, waterproof, and temperature-proof. Brands like SanDisk, Sony, and Lexar often build rugged cards (e.g. SanDisk Tough or Sony Tough series) that can survive spills, drops, or the X-ray scanner at airports.
• Brand and Warranty: Choose reputable manufacturers. SanDisk, Samsung, Sony, Lexar, and ProGrade are known for camera-quality cards. Many offer long warranties, which is nice-to-have for expensive high-capacity cards.

Photographers should also ensure their camera supports the card’s speed interface: many DSLR/mirrorless cameras by 2025 have at least one UHS-II card slot (with the two-pin row), but some cheaper models still only support UHS-I. An expensive UHS-II card in a UHS-I slot will just run at UHS-I speeds. Always match the card speed to your camera’s capabilities for the best buy.

Recommended SD Cards (2025 Picks)

Here are some top SD cards popular with photographers in 2025:

• SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC (UHS-II, V90) – A perennial favorite, this card offers up to ~260–300 MB/s read and 260 MB/s write speeds. It’s Class A2, V90-rated, and available up to 512 GB. It’s ideal for professional 4K/8K video and ultra-high-speed continuous shooting.
• Sony SF-G Tough Series (UHS-II, V60/V90) – Known for exceptional durability (bend-proof, waterproof), Sony’s Tough cards reach 300 MB/s. The V90 version sustains 90 MB/s write. Available up to 128 GB (as of 2025). Good for action shooters who need ruggedness.
• Lexar Professional 1066x SDXC (UHS-I, V30) – A more budget-friendly UHS-I option (up to ~160 MB/s read, 120 MB/s write). It’s V30-rated, making it fine for 4K video and gaming cameras. Available in 64–256 GB sizes. Great for amateur photographers shooting RAW/JPEG at moderate burst rates.
• Samsung PRO Plus microSDXC (UHS-I, V30) – If your gear or adapter requires microSD (certain drones, action cams), Samsung’s PRO Plus line delivers up to 160 MB/s read. It’s also V30-rated and comes in microSD format up to 512 GB. Pair it with a good SD adapter for DSLR use if needed.
• PNY Elite-X (UHS-I, V30) – A solid budget option priced lower than others. Up to 100 MB/s read, 90 MB/s write, and V30-rated. Comes in 128–512 GB. Good for everyday shooting where top-tier speed is not critical.

Tip: Always buy multiple cards of modest size rather than one huge card. If one card fails or gets lost, you have backups. Also, format and test new cards in your camera before trusting them in the field.

Conclusion

In 2025, the “best” SD card for your needs depends on your camera and shooting style. For high-end and future-proof performance, a UHS-II/V60 or V90 card from a top brand is ideal. For everyday use, UHS-I U3 (V30) cards are more affordable and still very capable ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)). Be sure to pick a card with sufficient write speed to match your camera’s burst/photo resolution and enough capacity to hold your photos or videos.

Whether you’re shooting 50MP wildlife bursts or 8K timelapse video, quality SD cards will safeguard your work. SanDisk Extreme PRO and Sony Tough remain reliable go-to choices, but other brands like Lexar and Samsung also make excellent cards. Ultimately, match the card’s speed class with your camera’s capability, and you’ll have the best SD card solution for photography in 2025.

Recommended action: Check your camera’s manual for the highest supported SD speed and capacity. Then buy the fastest card you can (UHS-II/V60+ if your camera allows) from a reputable brand. That way, your memory card will never be the bottleneck in capturing the perfect shot ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)) ( (Source: en.wikipedia.org)).