What Memory Card Do I Need for My Camera? A Beginner's Buying Guide

If you've just unboxed a new camera and are wondering what memory card you need, you're not alone. Memory cards are one of the most confusing accessories in photography — there are different formats, mysterious speed ratings, and a bewildering array of brands all promising the best performance. The good news? Once you understand a few key concepts, choosing the right card is straightforward. This beginner's buying guide breaks it all down so you can get shooting with confidence.

Why Your Memory Card Choice Actually Matters

A memory card isn't just a place to store photos — it directly affects how your camera performs. Choose a card that's too slow and you'll find your camera struggling to write data quickly enough, causing it to freeze mid-burst or take forever to save a RAW file. Choose the wrong format and the card simply won't fit. Getting the right card from the start means fewer frustrations and better results from your gear.

Step One: Check Your Camera's Compatibility

Before anything else, check your camera's manual or manufacturer website to find out which memory card format it supports. Modern cameras typically use one of the following:

• SD (Secure Digital) — the most common format, used in most entry-level and mid-range cameras from brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm.
• CFexpress Type A — found in newer Sony mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7 IV and A7R V.
• CFexpress Type B — used in high-end cameras like the Nikon Z9, Canon EOS R3, and Canon EOS R5.
• XQD — an older professional format, largely replaced by CFexpress Type B but still found in older Nikon bodies.
• microSD — used in some action cameras, drones, and smartphones, occasionally with an SD adapter.

If you're shooting with a mirrorless camera or a DSLR, SD cards cover the vast majority of beginner and enthusiast bodies. Higher-end professional cameras are increasingly moving toward CFexpress formats for faster speeds.

Understanding SD Card Speed Ratings

Once you know your format, the next step is understanding speed — and this is where most beginners get confused. SD cards display their speeds in a few different ways:

• Speed Class (Class 2, 4, 6, 10) — older minimum write speed ratings. Class 10 = 10MB/s minimum. Avoid anything below Class 10 for modern cameras.
• UHS Speed Class (U1 or U3) — U1 offers at least 10MB/s write speed; U3 offers at least 30MB/s. For shooting video or continuous burst photography, always choose U3.
• Video Speed Class (V30, V60, V90) — designed specifically for video recording. V30 = 30MB/s minimum; V60 = 60MB/s; V90 = 90MB/s. If you're shooting 4K video, V60 or V90 is recommended.
• UHS Bus Interface (UHS-I vs UHS-II) — UHS-I cards max out around 104MB/s; UHS-II cards can reach up to 312MB/s. UHS-II cards are faster but require a camera that supports UHS-II to take full advantage.

As a practical rule of thumb: for most beginners shooting stills, a UHS-I, U3, V30 card from a reputable brand is more than sufficient. For 4K video shooters or photographers using fast burst modes, step up to a UHS-II V60 or V90 card.

SD Card vs CFexpress: Which Do You Need?

The SD card vs CFexpress debate comes down to your camera and your shooting style. SD cards are more affordable, widely available, and perfectly capable for most photographers. CFexpress cards — whether Type A or Type B — offer dramatically faster read and write speeds, which matters when you're shooting high-resolution burst sequences, 8K video, or working with large RAW files that need to be written to the card in real time.

The Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B is one of the fastest cards available, ideal for 8K RAW and high-speed burst shooting.

If your camera supports CFexpress and you're pushing it hard (think sports, wildlife, or professional video), investing in CFexpress is worthwhile. Not sure which CFexpress card is right for your specific body? Our guide to choosing the right CFexpress Type B card for your camera walks through exactly what to look for. And once you've picked your card, our CFexpress Type B setup and speed tips guide covers everything from first-time formatting to getting the fastest possible transfer speeds. If you're just starting out with a mid-range mirrorless or DSLR body, a quality SD card will serve you extremely well.

How Much Storage Do You Actually Need?

Storage capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB). Here's a rough guide to help you decide:

• 32GB — suitable for casual shooters taking JPEGs on a day out. Not recommended if you shoot RAW.
• 64GB — a solid entry point for beginners shooting a mix of RAW and JPEG files.
• 128GB — recommended for most enthusiasts, travel photographers, and those shooting video.
• 256GB or more — ideal for professionals, event photographers, or anyone shooting high-resolution video formats like 4K or 6K.

It's worth noting that many professional photographers prefer carrying multiple smaller cards rather than one large card — if a card fails, you don't lose everything. It's a smart habit to develop early.

Which Brands Should You Trust?

Stick to reputable, well-tested brands when buying memory cards. Cheap, no-name cards from unknown manufacturers are a false economy — slow speeds, unreliable performance, and the risk of data loss aren't worth saving a few dollars. Trusted brands include:

• SanDisk — one of the most popular and reliable brands across all price points
• Sony — excellent cards, particularly for Sony camera bodies and CFexpress Type A
• Lexar — strong performance at competitive prices
• ProGrade Digital — professional-grade CFexpress and SD options
• Kingston — reliable and widely available

Quick Buying Guide Summary

Still not sure what memory card you need? Use this simple checklist:

1. Check your camera manual for compatible card formats (SD, CFexpress Type A, CFexpress Type B)
2. For SD cards: choose UHS-I U3 V30 as a minimum; UHS-II V60 or V90 for 4K video or fast burst shooting
3. Choose at least 64GB — 128GB is the sweet spot for most photographers
4. Buy from a reputable brand like SanDisk, Sony, or Lexar
5. Consider buying two cards rather than one large card for added security

Shop Memory Cards at Ted's Cameras

Ready to pick the right card for your camera? Ted's Cameras stocks a wide range of SD cards, CFexpress Type A and Type B cards, and microSD cards from the world's leading brands. Whether you're just getting started with a mirrorless camera or upgrading your kit with a new telephoto lens, our team of photography experts is here to help you find exactly what you need.

The SanDisk High Endurance 128GB microSD is a great choice for action cameras and drones.

Shop all memory cards at Ted's Cameras →

Frequently Asked Questions

What memory card do I need for a Canon mirrorless camera?

Most Canon mirrorless cameras — including the Canon EOS R50, R8, and R10 — use standard SD cards (UHS-II compatible). Higher-end bodies like the Canon EOS R5 and R3 use CFexpress Type B cards. Always check your specific camera model's manual to confirm compatibility.

What memory card do I need for a Sony mirrorless camera?

Entry-level Sony cameras like the Sony ZV-E10 use standard SD cards. Mid-range and professional Sony Alpha bodies such as the Sony A7 IV and A7R V accept both SD (UHS-II) and CFexpress Type A cards. CFexpress Type A offers significantly faster speeds if your camera supports it.

Is a faster memory card always better?

Not necessarily — a faster card is only beneficial if your camera can actually take advantage of the higher speeds. Check your camera's maximum write speed specs before spending extra on a high-speed card. For most beginners, a UHS-I U3 V30 card is perfectly adequate.

Can I use a microSD card in my camera with an adapter?

Some cameras accept microSD cards via an SD adapter, but this is generally not recommended for serious photography use. MicroSD cards are typically slower and less reliable than full-size SD cards, and adapters can cause connection issues. Use a full-size SD card where possible.

How do I know if my SD card is genuine?

Always buy memory cards from authorised retailers like Ted's Cameras to avoid counterfeit products. Counterfeit cards are common online and can result in data loss or significantly slower performance than advertised. Look for the manufacturer's security features and purchase from a trusted source.

How many photos can a 128GB SD card hold?

It depends on your camera and file format. A 128GB card can typically hold around 3,000–5,000 high-resolution RAW files from a 24-megapixel camera, or several thousand more if you're shooting JPEG. For video, 128GB holds approximately 1–2 hours of 4K footage depending on the bitrate.