The Unsung Hero of Wedding Photography: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect SD Card (2025 Edition)
As a wedding photographer, I spend more time with SD cards than with my own family (don’t tell them that!). These tiny slabs of plastic and silicon quietly hold all the tears, laughs and dance‑floor shenanigans that make my couples’ stories unforgettable. Choosing the right card isn’t about grabbing the cheapest one you see near the checkout – it’s about protecting memories. So let’s dive into the world of Secure Digital (SD) cards and make sure your photos are safe, fast and ready to wow.
## SD, SDHC and SDXC: What’s the difference?
The term **SD card** covers three capacity tiers:
- **SD (Standard Capacity)** – cards up to **2 GB**
- **SDHC (High Capacity)** – **4 GB** to **32 GB**
- **SDXC (Extended Capacity)** – **64 GB** to **1 TB**, with the specification allowing up to **2 TB**
For high‑resolution photos and all‑day weddings, SDXC is the only sensible choice. SDXC cards offer the space and speed to handle large RAW files, and they pair nicely with modern cameras that can shoot 4K video or 20 fps bursts. Avoid microSD cards with adapters unless your camera only accepts microSD – adapters introduce another potential failure point.
## Decoding the hieroglyphics on the label
Every SD card is covered in symbols. The most important ones tell you about **speed** – how fast the card can write data from your camera’s buffer. Faster cards clear the buffer quickly, so you can keep shooting without watching a “busy” light flashing.
### Speed classes and minimum write speeds
The SD Association defines several *speed classes*. Each class guarantees a minimum sustained write speed:
* **Speed Class (Class 2/4/6/10)** – Cards in this group guarantee minimum write speeds of **2 MB/s**, **4 MB/s**, **6 MB/s**, and **10 MB/s**. They suit older cameras or casual shooting. **Class 10** is the minimum for today’s Full HD video.
* **UHS Speed Class (U1/U3)** – **U1** cards promise **10 MB/s**, while **U3** cards promise **30 MB/s**. U3 is required for high‑bitrate Full HD and 4K video.
* **Video Speed Class (V6/V10/V30/V60/V90)** – These cards span sustained write rates from **6 MB/s** up to **90 MB/s**. **V30** cards handle 4K UHD video; **V60** or **V90** cards are needed for 6K/8K video or rapid‑fire RAW bursts.
On the label, a number inside a U-shaped symbol indicates the **UHS Speed Class**, while a **V** followed by a number marks the **Video Speed Class**. When shooting weddings, **V60** is a sensible sweet spot – it guarantees at least **60 MB/s** sustained writes, which is perfect for high‑resolution stills and occasional 4 K footage. For hybrid shooters or anyone dabbling in 8 K video, **V90** cards are a safer bet.
### UHS bus interface
UHS (Ultra High Speed) refers to the card’s bus interface – think of it as the width of the motorway your data travels on. **UHS‑I** cards cap out at **104 MB/s**; **UHS‑II** cards have an extra row of pins and support up to **312 MB/s**; **UHS‑III** and **SD Express** (currently rare) push speeds even further, with future **UHS‑III** offering 624 MB/s and SD Express cards promising PCIe speeds up to **985 MB/s** and beyond.
Your camera needs to support the same bus interface to benefit from these speeds – a UHS‑II card will work in a UHS‑I slot but will run at UHS‑I speeds. When in doubt, buy cards that match or exceed your camera’s capabilities.
## Capacity: bigger isn’t always better
RAW files are huge, and a single wedding can easily fill 100 GB of storage. I prefer several **128 GB** or **256 GB** cards rather than one giant **1 TB** card. Spreading images across multiple cards reduces the risk of catastrophic failure. It also ensures you can back up part of the day while still shooting – just swap cards during downtime.
Always leave **10 % free space** on your card; this helps the file system manage data efficiently and maintains write speed. Cards that are filled to the brim slow down or may throw up errors right when the couple starts cutting the cake.
## Reliability: why brand matters
Not all cards are created equal. Cheap, no‑name cards often use lower‑quality flash memory and lack adequate testing. **Imaging Resource** notes that while there are countless unknown brands online, many don’t meet camera standards and are more likely to fail, taking your photos with them. Investing in reputable brands is cheaper than losing a bride’s first dance.
Here are some cards I’ve used or trust for 2025:
- **Sony SF‑G Tough Series UHS‑II V90** – unbelievably rugged (drop‑ and water‑proof) with up to **300 MB/s** read and **299 MB/s** write speeds. Perfect for high‑frame‑rate stills and 8K footage.
- **Lexar Professional 2000x UHS‑II V90** – a long‑time favourite delivering reliable V90 speeds. Ideal for wedding photographers shooting RAW and occasional video.
- **SanDisk Extreme PRO (UHS‑I or UHS‑II)** – widely available, high endurance cards; the UHS‑I version is great value for stills, and the UHS‑II V90 version handles demanding video.
- **Kingston Canvas React Plus V60** – a cost‑effective V60 card that doesn’t skimp on durability.
- **ProGrade Digital SDXC V60 & V90** – built for professionals; these cards include data‑recovery software and are inspected for quality.
### Beware of fakes and too‑good‑to‑be‑true deals
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit cards often advertise capacities or speeds they can’t deliver, and they may corrupt data. Buy from authorized dealers and check the packaging for authenticity stickers.
## Caring for your cards
Treat your SD cards like the precious guests they are. Proper care extends their life and protects your images:
- **Format in camera** – before each shoot, format the card in the camera you’ll use. This reduces file system errors and tailors the card to your device.
- **Back up immediately** – memory cards are temporary storage. Follow the **3‑2‑1 rule** (three copies, two types of media, one off‑site) to safeguard your work.
- **Leave breathing room** – keep about **10 % free space** to maintain performance.
- **Update firmware** – update your camera and card reader firmware regularly to support the latest SD standards.
- **Clean and protect** – wipe contacts gently with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid bending, twisting or exposing cards to extreme temperatures, moisture or magnetic fields.
## Matching the card to your camera
Your camera’s resolution, frame rate and video capabilities dictate what card you need. Here’s a quick guide:
- **Entry‑level DSLR/mirrorless and basic video** – UHS‑I **V30** cards (e.g., SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS‑I) provide enough bandwidth for 24 MP stills and 4K/30 p video.
- **High‑resolution stills or 4K/60 p video** – UHS‑II **V60** cards (e.g., Kingston Canvas React Plus) ensure sustained write speeds for continuous burst shooting and high‑bitrate video.
- **Professional cinema or 6K/8K video** – UHS‑II **V90** cards (e.g., Sony SF‑G Tough, Lexar 2000x) deliver 90 MB/s minimum sustained writes.
- **Upcoming high‑end workflows** – keep an eye on **UHS‑III** and **SD Express** cards for future cameras. UHS‑III cards will support up to **624 MB/s**, and SD Express cards can reach **985 MB/s** and beyond.
## Final thoughts
Choosing the right SD card may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most important gear decisions you’ll make. A reliable, high‑speed card ensures that when Uncle Bob nails the perfect dab on the dance floor, you’re not stuck waiting for your camera buffer to clear. Invest in reputable brands, match the card to your camera’s needs, and show your cards a little love. Your clients will thank you, and your future self won’t be frantically shouting at a corrupted file at 1 am.
Feel free to drop me a message if you want a personalised recommendation or just want to chat about whether *Raid Shadow Legends* counts as card management (it doesn’t, but I’ll take the excuse).
