Best Memory Card for Your Camera: Beginner's Guide

July 2, 2026

What Memory Card Do I Need for My Camera? (2026)

Yes — almost every digital camera requires a memory card to save your photos and videos. Unlike smartphones, which have built-in storage, most cameras have no internal memory (or only a tiny buffer that holds a handful of shots temporarily). Without a memory card inserted, many cameras will either refuse to shoot entirely or warn you that images cannot be saved. A small number of newer mirrorless cameras offer limited internal storage, but this is rarely enough for a full shooting session. If you've just bought a new camera, it almost certainly does not come with a memory card in the box — you'll need to purchase one separately before you can start saving images.

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.

Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B 256GB memory card

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. Not sure whether RAW is right for you in the first place? Read our guide What Is a Camera RAW Photo and When Should You Use It? before deciding on your card capacity.

What Size SD Card Should You Get for Your Camera?

If you're searching for the right size SD card for your camera, here's the short answer: 128GB is the best starting point for most photographers in 2026. It's large enough to shoot all day without running out of space, yet affordable enough that it won't stretch your budget.

Here's how to think about it practically:

Shooting JPEGs only? 64GB is workable, but 128GB gives you breathing room.
Shooting RAW files? Go straight to 128GB — RAW files are 3–5x larger than JPEGs.
Shooting 4K video? Start at 256GB. A single hour of 4K footage can consume 50GB or more.
Travel or event photography? 256GB or carry two 128GB cards.

Card capacity is cheap insurance — the few extra dollars between 64GB and 128GB are well spent.

Is 64GB Enough for a Camera SD Card?

For most beginners, 64GB is a workable starting point — but it depends heavily on how you shoot. If you're capturing JPEG images on a 24-megapixel camera, 64GB will comfortably hold 3,000–4,000 photos. Switch to RAW files and that number drops to around 1,500–2,000 shots. Add video into the mix and 64GB can fill up surprisingly fast — a single hour of 4K footage can consume 50GB or more depending on bitrate.

The honest answer: 128GB is the safer choice for most beginners. It gives you enough room to shoot all day without constantly checking how much space you have left. The price difference between 64GB and 128GB from the same brand is usually small — and the peace of mind is worth it. Save 64GB for a backup card rather than your primary.

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

Best SD Cards for Photography in 2026

If you want a straight answer on which specific cards are worth buying, here are the most reliable options available in Australia right now across three use cases:

Best for beginners (stills, Full HD video): SanDisk Extreme — UHS-I, U3, V30, available in 64GB–256GB. Fast enough for most entry-level cameras and well priced under $100 AUD for 128GB.
Best for enthusiasts (RAW burst, 4K video): Lexar Professional 2000x or SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II — V60 or V90 rated, with write speeds that keep up with continuous burst shooting on mid-range mirrorless bodies.
Best for travel photographers: Kingston Canvas React Plus — solid UHS-II V90 performance at a competitive price, and widely available through Australian retailers.

For any of these, 128GB is the recommended starting capacity — see the storage section above for a full breakdown.

How to Choose the Best SD Card for Photography (Not Just Any Card)

Photography places different demands on a memory card than general use does. When you're shooting a burst of RAW files, your camera writes data continuously — a card that can't keep up causes the buffer to stall, costing you the shot. Here's how to match the card to the type of photography you're doing:

Landscape and portrait photography: Shooting pace is slower, so a UHS-I U3 V30 card handles it comfortably. Prioritise capacity over raw speed — 128GB keeps you shooting all day.
Wildlife and sports photography: Continuous burst in RAW demands high sustained write speeds. Choose UHS-II V60 or V90 to keep pace with your camera's buffer.
Travel photography: Balance matters most — a 128GB or 256GB UHS-II card covers variety without constant card swaps.
Studio and product photography: Speed is rarely the bottleneck here; a reliable UHS-I card from SanDisk or Lexar is all you need.

The right card isn't always the fastest or most expensive — it's the one that matches how you actually shoot.

Best Memory Card for a DSLR Camera

For DSLR cameras, the SD card remains the most common format — brands like Canon and Nikon use it across their entire entry-level and mid-range DSLR lineups. The best memory card for a DSLR depends on how you shoot. Beginners shooting everyday photos or Full HD video will be well served by a reliable UHS-I card rated at 90–100MB/s read speed, such as the SanDisk Extreme or Lexar Professional 800x. If you shoot sports, wildlife, or continuous bursts in RAW format, look for a card with a higher minimum write speed — at least 60MB/s — to prevent your camera's buffer from filling and stalling between shots. Capacity-wise, 64GB or 128GB strikes the right balance between value and shooting freedom for most DSLR users.

If you're planning to shoot video with your DSLR, see our Beginner's Guide to Filming With a DSLR Camera to understand the video formats and bitrates that will influence which card speed you need.

What Size SD Card Does a Canon Camera Need?

Canon cameras — from the entry-level EOS Rebel series to mid-range DSLRs like the EOS 90D — all use standard SD cards. For format, any UHS-I or UHS-II SD card will fit. For speed, Canon recommends at minimum a U3 V30 card if you're shooting video; for burst-heavy RAW shooting, look for a card rated at 60MB/s write speed or higher.

For size: 128GB is the sweet spot for most Canon shooters. It holds a full day's worth of RAW files from cameras like the EOS R50 or EOS 90D without needing to swap cards mid-session. If you're shooting 4K video on a Canon EOS R or R5, bump up to 256GB and choose a UHS-II V60 or V90 card to handle the higher data rates without your camera buffering. When in doubt, check your camera's manual — Canon lists the compatible card speeds for each body.

Quick Buying Guide Summary

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

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

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.

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.

SanDisk High Endurance 128GB microSD U3 V30 memory card