SD Cards Explained: They’re Not all the Same (VIDEO)

So you’re shopping for a new SD card and confused by all the options. These memory cards are available in various capacities, and read/write speeds and other specs differ widely. And what about the difference between SD, SDHC, SCHX, and SDUC cards?

The 11-minute video below from our friends at Adorama TV answers all the pertinent questions, and will help you decide which SD card is best for you. Key considerations to keep in mind while watching the tutorial include the camera you use, and whether you shoot video or fast action stills in continuous drive mode.

This is the latest episode of the popular Ask David Bergman series, hosted by the NY-based sports and celebrity photographer. While most of today’s cameras are designed for one of the SD variants, other formats are available.

This information is not only important for users of older cameras, but for those of you who own a modern model with two slots for different types of cards. Bergman says, “There are so many different cards, speeds and specs.” This is important to understand if you want to make the most of your camera and the images or videos you shoot.

Card capacity is easy to understand, and this consideration is pretty much the same as when choosing an external drive to archive your images. The difference between the different types of SD cards is a little more involved, and Bergman runs you through the differences between the various options available. Pay close attention to this, because some new SD formats may be inappropriate for use with the camera you own.

Backwards compatibility is another key topic, and Bergman covers what you need to know. He also discusses read/write speeds, and explains when it makes sense to spend the extra cash for a faster card.

Bergman also makes sense of all the confusing nomenclature, explaining how to interpret “Speed Class,” ‘Bus Speed Class,” and other important specs typically printed on cards. Then you can make an informed purchasing decision with confidence.

There is much more to see on the Adorama TV YouTube channel, so be sure to take a look and subscribe.

You may also want to visit the Ask David Bergman website to see how he responded to earlier common questions, or even make an inquiry of your own.

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