SanDisk Memory Cards

As the originators of this technology, SanDisk SD cards offer multiple removable storage options for phones, cameras, and computers with capacities varying between 8GB and 256GB. These cards provide a secure way to increase memory capacity on phones and tablets as well as for recording photographic images and videos. Find the best flash memory cards and sticks for your digital appliances at Staples.

Types of SanDisk memory cards
Although there are many variants, memory cards primarily fall within two broad memory card families: secure digital (SD) and CompactFlash (CF). Digital devices like phones and tablets use an SD-type card, available in different form factors. Most consumer cameras use these cards, although high-end photographic equipment may also use the larger CF card that has greater storage capacity and faster writing speeds. The SD card family includes advanced SD high capacity (SDHC) and SD extended capacity (SDXC) cards that offer similar recording capabilities to CF cards while keeping the distinctive SD card shape. Although SD cards should work on any device, SDHC cards are not backward-compatible with SD readers and, similarly, SDXC cards won’t work on devices with SD or SDHC readers.

SanDisk SD card speed classes
The speed class of an SD card refers to its maximum writing speed. This factor is important when recording high definition (HD) and 4K video or performing high-speed shooting with a digital camera. Always choose a SanDisk card with a writing speed, or speed class, that meets or exceeds the camera’s specification. Common speed classes include Class 4 with a 4 megabyte per second (MB/s) writing speed, Class 10 and UHS Speed Class 1 at 10 MB/s, and UHS Speed Class 3 with a 30 MB/s writing speed. To make things easier, the class is shown on the card as a number surrounded by a circle or in the case of UHS cards by a U.

SanDisk SD card storage capacity
The storage capacity registers in gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB). Older SanDisk SD cards can store a maximum of 2GB, while SDHC cards can go to 32GB and SDXC cards right up to 2TB. It’s important to note that usable memory on digital devices is sometimes less due to device firmware restrictions, so check before buying large-capacity cards.

Why are there three different sizes of SanDisk SD cards?
As mobile devices became smaller, there’s less space for SD cards, so the SD Association introduced two smaller card formats. Smartphones and tablets usually need a microSD card, which is the smallest format available. Earlier devices used the miniSD card, which is slightly larger than the microSD, but still smaller than the standard SD card.

Can computers read SanDisk SD cards?
Yes, provided they have a compatible SD card reader, they can read standard-size SD cards. An adapter is necessary for reading micro and miniSD cards. In some instances, manufacturers include this adapter when supplying a microSD or miniSD card.

What type of SanDisk SD card is suitable for video photography?
It’s best to choose a large-capacity card such as a 32GB or 64GB card with a high writing speed when shooting HD and 4K video. As an approximate guide, HD video needs a write speed of between 6MB/s and 10MB/s (Class 6 to Class 10) while 4K needs a 30MB/s UHS Class 3 card. Because video formats and compression techniques vary, check camera specifications before choosing cards for shooting video.