High Speed SD Card

High speed SD cards can provide some distinct advantages over standard memory cards.

First, they allow your device to write, as well as read, data much faster. This means for instance, that you may be able to take shots in rapid sequence if your camera has a burst mode. They may not shorten the time between most of your shots in typical shooting conditions, but if you use a burst mode or something similar, a high speed SD card should help get those action shots. You can learn more about this in this article.

Secondly it provides smoother results. For instance, if you are recording video, there will be less of a jittery look to your film when you're finished.

And finally, these high speed memory cards will speed up the process of transferring files to your computer. Moving your video, audio, or photos will take much less time.

Choosing a good high speed SD card is fairly simple, but you need to think about just a few things:

First, you want to be sure the card will be compatible with your device. You can check your owners manual if you are unsure what your camera, camcorder, or other device will accept. SD card types include: SD or Secure Digital which is the basic memory card, SDHC or Secure Digital High Capacity cards which hold more data, and SDXC or Secure Digital Extended Capacity which can hold the most data. A device that accepts SDXC cards will generally also accept SDHC and basic SD cards. A device that accepts SDHC cards will generally also accept basic SD cards.

Of course higher capacity cards cost more. Each memory card will be labeled as to it's capacity. For instance, it may store 2GB, 8GB, or 16GB. So if you want to save money, carefully consider how much capacity you want and need. For instance, most casual users don't need a 16GB card to take photos of birthday parties and so forth. The number of photos any SD memory card can hold depends in part upon the resolution or megapixels used. This handy chart can help give you an idea of how many photos or how much video and music these cards may hold.

Once you know the card is compatible and how much capacity you need, then you need to think about speed. The most simple way of looking at speed is to look at the rating of each of the high speed SD cards you're considering. A Class 2 card will have a minimum write speed of 2 MB/s, a Class 4 cardwill have a minimum write speed of 4 MB/s, and a Class 6 high speed SD card will have a minimu write speed of 6 MB/s.

Before you opt for the highest speed card available, be sure you know how fast your camera can transfer images to the memory card. The card you buy can't improve this speed, so don't waste your money. Check your owners manual before you make a choice. Again, high speed SD cards are most useful in creating smooth video and assisting those who take a lot of photos where they want to capture a rapid sequence of photos.