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Memory & Storage

(19 products)

Keep the cards rolling. Browse SD, microSD, and CFexpress memory cards plus portable SSDs and card readers — fast, reliable storage for high-resolution photo and high-bitrate video.

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How to choose a memory card or storage drive

The wrong card can drop frames in 4K video or hit a buffer wall in burst shooting. The right one is invisible — it just works. A few specs to understand:

Card format depends on your camera

SD (full-size) is the default for most mirrorless and DSLR cameras. microSD is used in action cams, drones, and some compact cameras. CFexpress (Type A or Type B) is the high-end format in cameras like the Sony A1, Canon R5, and Nikon Z9 — required for 8K and high-bitrate 4K. Check your camera's manual for supported formats before buying.

Speed ratings are about minimum sustained write

The numbers that matter for video are V-ratings: V30 (30 MB/s minimum) for most 4K, V60 for high-bitrate 4K, V90 for 8K and high-frame-rate 4K. UHS-I vs UHS-II is the interface speed — UHS-II is much faster, but only if your camera supports it. For stills and burst shooting, look at the read speed and the camera's buffer.

How much capacity do you need?

Rough estimates per hour of footage: 4K at standard bitrate = 25–50 GB; 4K at high bitrate (Sony XAVC HS, Canon ALL-I) = 100+ GB; 8K = 250+ GB. Most shooters carry multiple smaller cards rather than one huge one — if a card fails, you don't lose everything.

Don't forget backup storage

Portable SSDs (Samsung T7/T9, SanDisk Extreme, etc.) are faster, more durable, and more reliable than spinning hard drives or USB sticks. For DIT work on set or backups on the road, a USB-C SSD is essential. Brand-name cards and drives also come with warranty and recovery support that off-brand options usually skip.

Frequently asked questions

Which memory card does my camera use?

Check the manual or specs page. Most mirrorless and DSLRs use SD (UHS-I or UHS-II). Higher-end bodies often have dual slots — sometimes one SD, one CFexpress. Tell us your camera model and we'll point you to the right format.

What do V30, V60, and V90 mean?

V-ratings are the guaranteed minimum sustained write speed. V30 = at least 30 MB/s, V60 = 60 MB/s, V90 = 90 MB/s. Match the V-rating to your camera's video recording requirements — V30 is fine for most 4K, V60 or V90 for high-bitrate or 8K.

Is CFexpress worth the extra cost?

Only if your camera requires or benefits from it. CFexpress Type A and Type B are dramatically faster than SD but several times more expensive. If you're shooting 8K, high-bitrate 4K, or extended burst photo, yes. For everyday shooting on a mid-range body, SD UHS-II is plenty.

How much storage do I need for an hour of 4K video?

Depends on bitrate: 25–50 GB at standard codecs (H.264/H.265), 100+ GB at high-quality codecs like XAVC HS or ProRes. 8K can hit 250+ GB per hour. Always carry more than you think you need.

UHS-I vs UHS-II — what's the difference?

UHS-II cards have an extra row of contacts and a much faster interface (up to ~300 MB/s vs ~100 MB/s). They only deliver the speed boost in UHS-II–compatible cameras and readers; in a UHS-I device, they fall back to UHS-I speeds.

Should I use a portable SSD or a USB drive for backups?

SSD, every time. USB sticks are slower, less reliable, and not built for sustained writes. A quality portable SSD (Samsung, SanDisk, LaCie, OWC) is the modern standard for backing up cards on location.

Local to Milwaukee? Visit our camera store in Oak Creek, WI — we'll match a card and capacity to your exact camera and shooting style.

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