Understanding SD Card Formats: SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC

Understanding SD Card Formats: SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC

SD cards are essential for expanding storage in cameras, smartphones, laptops, and other devices. However, with multiple formats available—SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC—it can be challenging to determine which one best suits your needs. In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between these formats, their key features, and compatibility considerations.

What Are SD Cards?

SD (Secure Digital) cards are portable memory cards designed to store data such as photos, videos, and files. Over the years, the technology has evolved to support greater storage capacities and faster data transfer speeds, resulting in three main formats:

• SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity)
• SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity)
• SDUC (Secure Digital Ultra Capacity)

Each format builds upon the previous generation, offering higher storage limits and improved performance.

SDHC: Secure Digital High Capacity

Capacity: 4GB to 32GB
File System: FAT32
Maximum Speed: Up to 104 MB/s (varies by speed class)

SDHC cards are the second generation of SD cards, introduced to address the growing demand for higher storage capacities. These cards are commonly used in standard-definition and high-definition video recording, digital cameras, and some older smartphones.

Key Features:

• Affordable and widely available.
• Compatible with most devices manufactured after 2006.
• Limited to 32GB, which may be insufficient for high-resolution media.

Compatibility: SDHC cards are compatible with SDHC and SDXC-enabled devices. However, they cannot be used in older devices that only support standard SD cards (2GB or less).

SDXC: Secure Digital eXtended Capacity

Capacity: 64GB to 2TB
File System: exFAT
Maximum Speed: Up to 312 MB/s (UHS-II standard)

SDXC cards offer significantly larger storage capacities and faster data transfer speeds compared to SDHC. These features make them ideal for 4K video recording, professional photography, and storing large files.

Key Features:

• Supports high-capacity storage for UHD (Ultra High Definition) content.
• Faster read and write speeds for professional applications.
• Requires devices that support the exFAT file system.

Compatibility: SDXC cards are backward compatible with SDHC-enabled devices if the device supports the exFAT file system. However, they cannot be used in devices that only support SDHC or standard SD cards.

At TopSelect.ca, we offer a wide range of SanDisk SDXC cards to meet your storage needs. Explore our collection today!

SDUC: Secure Digital Ultra Capacity

Capacity: 2TB to 128TB
File System: exFAT
Maximum Speed: Up to 985 MB/s (SD Express standard)

SDUC is the latest generation of SD cards, designed to support massive storage capacities up to 128TB. These cards are suitable for data-intensive applications like 8K video recording, high-speed data transfer, and professional workflows.

Key Features:

• Industry-leading storage capacity for future-proofing.
• Utilizes SD Express technology for lightning-fast speeds.
• Primarily used in professional and industrial settings.

Compatibility: SDUC cards require devices that specifically support the SDUC standard. They are not compatible with SDHC or SDXC devices.

Choosing the Right Format

To select the best SD card for your needs, consider the following:

1. Device Compatibility: Check your device’s specifications to determine which formats it supports.
2. Storage Needs: Choose SDHC for smaller tasks, SDXC for 4K content, and SDUC for cutting-edge applications.
3. Speed Requirements: Higher performance tasks like UHD video recording or burst photography demand faster cards.

Summary of Key Differences

Format	Capacity	File System	Speed	Use Cases
SDHC	4GB to 32GB	FAT32	Up to 104 MB/s	Everyday photography, HD videos
SDXC	64GB to 2TB	exFAT	Up to 312 MB/s	4K video, professional photography
SDUC	2TB to 128TB	exFAT	Up to 985 MB/s	8K video, industrial applications

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC is crucial for maximizing the performance of your devices. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional, selecting the right SD card format ensures you’ll have the capacity and speed required for your tasks.

At TopSelect.ca, we offer a wide range of SanDisk SD cards to meet every need. Explore our collection today and find the perfect storage solution for your device!