Last updated: June 12, 2025
First, the conclusion! A comparison table showing the types and features of SD cards at a glance
| Standard Name | Capacity | File system | Transfer speed | Main Applications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SD Card | ~2GB | FAT16 | Up to 25MB/s | Music player, old digital camera | Basic standards. There are many compatible devices, but they are rare now. |
| SDHC card | 4GB to 32GB | FAT32 | Up to 104MB/s | General digital camera, full HD video | Standard type. Emphasis on cost performance. |
| SDXC card | 32GB to 2TB | exFAT | Up to 312MB/s | 4K video, SLR, mirrorless | Large capacity and high-speed. The mainstream of high-quality photography. |
| SDUC Card | 2TB to 128TB | exFAT | Up to 624MB/s | 8K video, commercial and industrial use | The next generation ultra-large capacity standard. For professionals. |
| SD Express Card | Up to 128TB | exFAT | Up to 4GB/s | Professional 8K shooting and high-speed data processing | Ultra-high-speed transfer speeds comparable to SSD. |
[Important] Be sure to check before purchasing!
SD cards are not high-order compatible.
For example, you cannot use an SDXC card in a device that is SDHC compatible.
Please be sure to check the instruction manual or official website to see what standards your device supports.
[By standard] Types of SD cards and their differences
1. SD(SC) Card (Standard Capacity)
This is the basic standard that supported the early days.
- Capacity: up to 2GB
- File system: FAT16
- Features: Small capacity, hardly produced at present.
It is used in a very small number of legacy device, such as old digital cameras and portable audio players.
High compatibility recognized by a wide range of devices is the final bastion.
2. SDHC Card (High Capacity) - The best standard when you're not sure which one to choose!
"HC" stands for High Capacity. It has greatly improved the usability of SD cards and made them widely used.
- Capacity: 4GB to 32GB
- File system: FAT32
- Features: Has enough capacity and performance for everyday photo shooting and Full HD (1080p) video recording.
It has a good balance between price and performance, and is still used as standard in many devices today.
For general use, this SDHC card should be fine.
3. SDXC Card (Extended Capacity) - A must-have for 4K videos and high-quality photos
"XC" stands for Extended Capacity, a standard that has become mainstream with the spread of 4K video and high-pixel cameras.
- Capacity: 32GB to 2TB
- File system: exFAT
- Features: Uses the "exFAT" file system, which can handle large files such as 4K videos.
It supports high-speed transfer of large amounts of data, making it an essential choice for high-speed continuous shooting and high-quality video shooting with a SLR camera.
4. SDUC Card (Ultra Capacity) - A professional standard for the 8K era
"UC" stands for Ultra Capacity, a future standard aimed at professional and industrial use.
- Capacity: 2TB to 128TB
- File system: exFAT
- Features: It is intended to be used for long-term recording of 8K video and for server that handle huge amounts of data.
Compatible devices are still limited and very expensive, so it is rarely an option for average users.
5. SD Express Cards - Ultra high-speed transfer comparable to SSDs
This is a revolutionary standard that retains the shape of conventional SD cards but uses the same "PCIe/NVMe" data transfer mechanism (interface) as PC storage.
- Capacity: Up to 128TB (SDXC/SDUC compliant)
- File system: exFAT
- Features: Achieves incredible transfer speeds of up to nearly 4GB/s, just like an SSD.
It is expected that it will be useful for instant back up of data captured by professional 8K cameras, and as high-speed external storage for PCs.
For best performance a dedicated SD Express compatible slot is required.
It has also been adopted in recently released home game consoles, and is likely to become increasingly popular in the future.
[Important] How do you look at speed? Understanding speed classes
Along with capacity, transfer speed is also important. When shooting video, the minimum guaranteed speed is especially important, and the indicator for this is the Speed Class.
| Class Types | Example | Minimum guaranteed speed | Estimated use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Class | C10 | 10MB/s | Full HD video |
| UHS Speed Class | U1 / U3 | 10MB/s, 30MB/s | 4K video (U3 or higher recommended) |
| Video Speed Class | V10 to V90 | 10MB/s to 90MB/s | 8K Video |
| App Performance Class | A1 / A2 | − | Start the app and save data |
- For full HD video, Class 10 or U1/V10 or above.
- If you want to shoot 4K videos, it's best to choose U3/V30 or above.
- If you are using it with a smartphone, it is comfortable to use one labeled A1 or A2.
[By purpose] How to choose the best SD card for you
| Applications | Recommended Standards | Capacity Estimate | Speed Class | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General photo | SDHC/SDXC | 16GB to 64GB | Class10/U1 | 1,000 to 3,000 yen |
| 4K video and continuous shooting | SDXC | 64GB to 256GB | U3/V30 | 3,000 to 15,000 yen |
| Smartphone | microSDXC | 64GB to 256GB | A1/A2 | 2,000 to 8,000 yen |
| Dash recorder | SDHC/SDXC | 32GB to 128GB | Class10/U1 | 2,500 to 10,000 yen |
| Professional (8K, etc.) | SDXC/SDUC/SD Express | From 256GB | V60/V90 | From 15,000 yen |
*Prices are only a guide.
Summary: Final checks for best performance
When choosing an SD card, it's all about checking two things: 1) what standard the device supports, and 2) what capacity and speed are appropriate for your needs.
-
First, check compatibility:
Be sure to check the instruction manuals for your camera, PC, or smartphone to see which standards they support (SDHC/SDXC, etc.). -
Next, consider the use:
The capacity and speed required will vary greatly depending on whether you just want to take photos or shoot 4K videos. -
When in doubt, go for a slightly higher spec:
If your budget allows, it would be wise to choose a card with a higher capacity and speed, taking future use into consideration.
Use this article to find the best SD card to make your digital life easier.
Please note that the AH4000 / AL4000 we sell only supports SD cards.
AL4000 Dot printing type
AL4000 Pen type
AH4000 Dot printing type
AH4000 Pen format
