Memory Card Buying Guide for 4K and Burst Shooting

Quick answer

For 4K video at 60fps or burst shooting, buy a V60 or faster UHS-II SD card if your camera supports UHS-II. If it only supports UHS-I, a V30 UHS-I card is sufficient for 4K at 30fps and moderate bursts. For high-bitrate 4K/120fps or long bursts, consider CFexpress Type A or B if your camera has that slot. Match the card to your camera's bus, not just the speed label.

Speed classes explained: what V30, V60, and V90 actually mean

The V number (Video Speed Class) guarantees a minimum sustained write speed: V30 = 30MB/s, V60 = 60MB/s, V90 = 90MB/s. This matters for video because a card that writes too slowly will cause dropped frames or stop recording entirely. For 4K at 30fps, most cameras need about 30–40MB/s, so V30 is the minimum. For 4K at 60fps or higher bitrates, V60 is safer. V90 is for 8K or high-bitrate 4K/120fps.

UHS Speed Class (U1, U3) is older and only tells you the minimum write speed for UHS-I cards. U3 means at least 30MB/s. It does not guarantee UHS-II speeds. Always check the V rating for video and the bus type (UHS-I vs UHS-II) for burst clearing.

UHS-I vs UHS-II: the bus matters more than the label

UHS-II cards have a second row of pins and can reach write speeds of 150–300MB/s, but only if your camera has a UHS-II slot. In a UHS-I slot, a UHS-II card will fall back to UHS-I speeds. So buying a UHS-II card for a UHS-I camera wastes money unless you plan to upgrade. Conversely, putting a UHS-I card in a UHS-II camera limits burst depth and buffer clearing.

Check your camera manual for the card slot specification. If it says UHS-II, buy UHS-II. If it says UHS-I, a high-quality UHS-I card with a V30 or V60 rating is enough. For CFexpress, the slot is physically different and only available on newer cameras.

V30 vs V60: which one do you need for 4K?

V30 cards are cheaper and work for 4K at 24/30fps and 1080p at higher frame rates. They also handle burst shooting if you shoot short bursts (under 2 seconds) and don't mind waiting for the buffer to clear. V60 cards write twice as fast, so they clear the buffer quicker and handle 4K at 60fps or 4K with high bitrates (100Mbps+). If you shoot action or wildlife in bursts, V60 reduces the chance of missing the next shot.

For most hobbyists shooting 4K at 30fps, V30 is fine. For professionals or anyone shooting 4K at 60fps or 10-bit log, V60 is the safer minimum. V90 is overkill unless you shoot 8K or high-speed 4K.

CFexpress: when you need it and when you don't

CFexpress Type A and Type B cards are much faster than SD cards, with write speeds often exceeding 700MB/s. They are necessary for 8K video, high-frame-rate 4K (120fps), and long bursts of RAW photos. However, CFexpress cards are more expensive and require a compatible camera. If your camera has both SD and CFexpress slots, you can use CFexpress for video and bursts, and SD for backup or stills.

CFexpress Type B is larger and used in many full-frame mirrorless cameras. Type A is smaller and used in some Sony models. Always check which type your camera accepts. Do not buy a CFexpress card unless your camera has the matching slot.

Capacity and reliability: how much do you need?

For 4K video, estimate 1GB per minute at 100Mbps. A 64GB card gives about an hour of 4K footage. For burst shooting, RAW files can be 30–50MB each, so a 128GB card holds roughly 2,500–4,000 RAW images. Buy at least two cards: one for active shooting and one as backup. Rotate them to avoid wearing out a single card.

Reliability matters more than speed for many shooters. Stick to reputable brands and buy from authorized sellers to avoid counterfeit cards. Format cards in-camera, not on your computer, and avoid filling them to 100%—leave 10–15% free to maintain performance.

Decision rules for buying a memory card

• If your camera only supports UHS-I: Buy a V30 UHS-I card from a reputable brand. It handles 4K at 30fps and moderate bursts. Do not pay extra for UHS-II. Save money and avoid compatibility confusion.
• If your camera supports UHS-II and you shoot 4K 60fps or bursts: Buy a V60 or V90 UHS-II card. V60 is enough for most 4K 60fps; V90 if you shoot 8K or high-bitrate 4K 120fps. Match the card's bus to your camera's slot to avoid bottlenecks.
• If your camera has a CFexpress slot and you shoot 8K or long RAW bursts: Buy a CFexpress Type A or B card (check your camera's type). Use it for video and bursts; keep an SD card for backup. CFexpress is expensive but necessary for the highest data rates.
• If you are unsure about your camera's requirements: Check the manual for the card slot specification (UHS-I, UHS-II, CFexpress Type A/B) and the maximum write speed. Then choose a card that meets or exceeds the camera's maximum write speed for video. A card faster than your camera's bus won't improve performance, but a slower card will cause dropped frames.

Product facts

• K&F 37mm Classic Blue coat MCUV Lens Filter: K&F 37mm Classic Blue coat MCUV Lens Filter – 1 Year Warranty, FREE UK DELIVERY, Brand New Stock, price USD 11.84 (compare USD 16.00). A UV filter protects your lens and reduces haze, but it does not affect memory card performance. If you are buying a card for a specific lens, ensure the filter size matches your lens thread.
• Canon Extender RF 2x: Canon Extender RF 2x – In stock, 1 Year Warranty, FREE UK DELIVERY, Brand New Stock, price USD 438.59 (compare USD 719.00). Using a 2x extender reduces light and may require higher ISO, but it does not change your memory card needs. However, if you shoot bursts with a teleconverter, a faster card helps clear the buffer sooner.

Who should buy which card

Best for

• Hobbyist photographers shooting 4K at 30fps and occasional bursts: V30 UHS-I card.
• Enthusiasts and professionals shooting 4K at 60fps, 10-bit log, or frequent bursts: V60 UHS-II card.
• Professionals shooting 8K, 4K 120fps, or long RAW bursts: CFexpress Type A or B card (if camera supports it).

Not for

• Cameras with only UHS-I slots: do not buy UHS-II or CFexpress cards; they won't reach full speed.
• Budget shooters who only record 1080p: a V30 UHS-I card is more than enough; skip the premium.
• Anyone who hasn't checked their camera's card slot type: buying the wrong format wastes money.