Figure 1: Different brands of SD cards.
To select the proper memory cards, storage, transfer speed, speed class, and price are all factors to consider. Here is a complete guide to determine these factors.
1. Types of Memory Cards
The common types of memory cards on the market are Micro SD card, SD card, Compact Flash (CF) card, and XQD card.
TransFlash (TF) card is also called Micro SD card. Nokia mobile phones basically have a TF card slot, and the appearance is the smallest. Most of the devices used now may be devices such as GoPro, drones, and switches. The TF card can also be inserted into the SD socket with the card sleeve of the SD card.
SD card is the most common type of memory card and can be used in the most devices, such as digital cameras, laptops, etc.
CF cards and CFast cards are basically only used by professional high-end cameras and other shooting equipment. The performance is very good, and the price will be higher. The price of CF card 64G is about US$89, and the price of CFast card 64G is more than US$148. The speed of the CFast card is faster than that of the CF card, and the volume will be larger. The transmission speed of the CF card can reach 160M/S, and the CFast card can reach more than 500M/S.
Figure 2: CF card for camera.
2. Tips for Memory Card Selection
To choose the proper memory card, you need to know your specific requirements for each parameter. Here are some tips for determine the parameters.
Figure 3: Parameters of SD card.
2.1 Storage Capacity
Usually, the following form is the first thing presented to you when you choose a memory card. It is suggested that you estimate the storage you need in advance, lest that the storage be not enough.
Figure 4: Choosing storage capacity.
2.2 Transfer Speed
Basically, this indicator will also be directly marked on the memory card. The faster the transfer speed, the faster the data can be obtained from the card. Try to choose the fastest transfer within your budget.
2.3 Speed Class
The memory access speed of a memory card is not marked in the form of x M/S, but in speed class. There are three types of speed classes, namely, Speed Class, Ultra High Speed (UHS) and Video Speed Class (VSC), the corresponding data of which are shown in the table below.
Figure 5: Speed class and corresponding speed value of memory cards.
3. Memory Card Brands Recommendation
Sandisk is a trusted SD card manufacturer. For high cost-effect, Sandisk Ultra Series are recommended; for stable transferring and high speed, Sandisk Extreme Series are great choices.
Besides, Lexar is recommended, too. It was founded in 1996. As a consumer storage brand, it has always created industry-leading storage products and solutions with innovative thinking. Lexar® Professional 2000x SDHC™/SDXC™ UHS-II Card GOLD Series feature large storage, high speed, and stable reading and writing.
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