Everything You Need to Know About SD Cards: Formats, Speeds & Buying Guide (2025)
Share
Introduction
Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, gamer, or everyday user, the right SD card can make or break your workflow. These tiny storage devices may look similar, but not all SD cards are created equal. From speed ratings to capacity types, choosing the right one is essential for performance, reliability, and device compatibility.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about SD cards—including their types, speed classes, capacity ranges, and the best options available in Canada for 2025.
👉 At TopSelect, we provide authentic, high-performance SanDisk SD cards that meet the needs of professionals and everyday users alike.
What is an SD Card?
An SD (Secure Digital) card is a portable storage device used to save photos, videos, applications, and files. They’re widely used in:
- Digital cameras & DSLRs
- Smartphones & tablets
- Gaming consoles
- Drones & action cameras
- Laptops & computers (with card readers)
Types of SD Cards
| SD Card Type | Capacity Range | Best Use Case | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDSC (Standard Capacity) | Up to 2GB | Legacy devices, basic storage | Rare today |
| SDHC (High Capacity) | 2GB – 32GB | Point-and-shoot cameras, smartphones | SanDisk SDHC 32GB |
| SDXC (Extended Capacity) | 32GB – 2TB | DSLR cameras, drones, 4K video | SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC 128GB |
| SDUC (Ultra Capacity) | 2TB – 128TB | Professional filmmaking, future-ready storage | Emerging format |
Speed Classes Explained
Speed matters—especially if you’re capturing 4K video, burst photography, or gaming data.
- Speed Class (C2, C4, C6, C10): Minimum write speed (C10 = 10MB/s).
- UHS Speed Class (U1, U3): For faster 4K-ready performance (U3 = 30MB/s).
- Video Speed Class (V6 to V90): Ensures smooth 4K/8K recording (V30+ recommended for 4K).
- Application Performance (A1, A2): Optimized for mobile apps and faster random read/write.
👉 Pro Tip: Always choose an SD card that matches or exceeds your device’s requirements for best performance.
How to Choose the Right SD Card
- Check device compatibility – DSLR, drone, or phone may require specific formats.
- Match capacity to usage – Casual users can work with 32–64GB, while professionals may need 256GB+.
- Speed class for content type – Choose UHS-I U3 or V30+ for 4K video.
- Buy from trusted suppliers – Counterfeit SD cards are common. Stick to authorized SanDisk distributors like TopSelect Canada.
Popular SanDisk SD Cards in Canada (2025)
- SanDisk Ultra SDHC 32GB – Best budget option for everyday users.
- SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC 128GB – Ideal for professional photographers & videographers.
- SanDisk Extreme SDXC 256GB – Perfect balance for drone and action camera users.
- SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC 512GB – For 4K/8K video creators and filmmakers.
👉 Browse all SanDisk SD Cards on TopSelect
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About SD Cards
Q1: What’s the difference between SDHC and SDXC cards?
- SDHC cards range from 2GB to 32GB, while SDXC cards offer 32GB up to 2TB, making them better for professional use.
Q2: Which SD card is best for 4K video?
- Look for SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I or UHS-II with at least V30 rating for smooth 4K recording.
Q3: Can I use an SDXC card in an SDHC device?
- Not always. Older devices may not support SDXC. Always check compatibility.
Q4: How do I know if an SD card is genuine?
- Buy only from trusted retailers like TopSelect to avoid counterfeits.
Q5: What’s the lifespan of an SD card?
- Most SD cards last 5–10 years, depending on usage and storage conditions.