What Are the Different Types of Memory Cards? A Complete Guide

In today’s digital era, memory cards are the unsung heroes powering many of our daily gadgets — from smartphones and cameras to gaming consoles and drones. These compact devices store vast amounts of data, including photos, videos, applications, and documents. However, with a variety of types, formats, and specifications available, choosing the right memory card can be a confusing task.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the various types of memory cards, their features, compatibility, and ideal use cases. Whether you're a professional photographer, a student with a smartphone, or a gamer, understanding memory cards is essential for optimising performance and ensuring data security.

Why Memory Cards Matter

Memory cards are vital for expanding device storage and facilitating quick data transfers. They are removable, portable, and often essential for backing up important files. Choosing the right type of memory card ensures:

• Faster read/write speeds

• Greater storage capacity

• Better compatibility with your device

• More efficient performance, especially for HD video and high-resolution images

1. SD (Secure Digital) Cards

SD cards are the most commonly used memory cards in digital cameras, laptops, and other portable devices.

Subtypes:

• SDSC (Standard Capacity): Ranges from 128 MB to 2 GB

• SDHC (High Capacity): Ranges from 4 GB to 32 GB

• SDXC (Extended Capacity): Ranges from 64 GB to 2 TB

• SDUC (Ultra Capacity): Up to 128 TB (rare and relatively new)

Key Features:

• Widely supported

• Varying speeds and sizes

• Affordable and easy to find in the UK market

Ideal For:

• Point-and-shoot cameras

• Handheld gaming consoles

• Dashcams

• Laptops with SD slots

2. MicroSD Cards

MicroSD cards are a smaller version of SD cards, often used in smartphones, tablets, action cameras, and drones.

Subtypes:

• MicroSDSC: Up to 2 GB

• MicroSDHC: 4 GB to 32 GB

• MicroSDXC: 64 GB to 2 TB

• MicroSDUC: Up to 128 TB

Key Features:

• Compact size (15 mm × 11 mm × 1 mm)

• Often sold with SD card adapters

• High performance with UHS (Ultra High Speed) classifications

Ideal For:

• Android smartphones

• GoPro and action cameras

• Drones

• Nintendo Switch

3. CF (CompactFlash) Cards

CompactFlash cards were popular in early digital SLR cameras and still have a loyal following among professional photographers.

Types:

• CF Type I: 3.3 mm thick

• CF Type II: 5 mm thick (includes Microdrives)

Key Features:

• Rugged and durable

• High read/write speeds

• Larger physical size

Ideal For:

• DSLR cameras

• Industrial equipment

Note: CF cards are gradually being replaced by faster and smaller formats like CFast and CFexpress.

4. CFast Cards

CFast (CompactFast) cards are designed for professional use, especially in high-end video production.

Key Features:

• SATA-based interface

• Much faster than traditional CF cards

• Excellent for 4K video recording

Ideal For:

• Professional video cameras

• High-end DSLRs

• Cinema cameras

5. CFexpress Cards

The CFexpress standard is the successor to both CompactFlash and CFast.

Types:

• Type A: Smaller, used in some Sony cameras

• Type B: Larger, used in Nikon and Canon cameras

Key Features:

• Utilises PCIe interface

• Very high transfer speeds (up to 2 GB/s)

• Supports RAW and 8K video capture

Ideal For:

• Professional cinematography

• Burst-mode photography

• Ultra HD content creation

6. Memory Stick (MS)

Developed by Sony, Memory Sticks are now largely obsolete but were once popular in Sony cameras and PlayStation consoles.

Variants:

• Memory Stick PRO

• Memory Stick Duo

• Memory Stick Micro (M2)

Key Features:

• Proprietary Sony format

• Replaced by SD and microSD cards in most devices

Ideal For:

• Legacy Sony devices

• PSP and older camcorders

7. xD-Picture Cards

Primarily used in Olympus and Fujifilm digital cameras, xD cards are now mostly obsolete.

Key Features:

• Small and lightweight

• Limited to older camera models

Ideal For:

• Legacy Olympus and Fujifilm digital cameras

8. XQD Cards

XQD cards were a transition between CF cards and CFexpress. Though no longer the cutting edge, they are still in use.

Key Features:

• PCIe interface

• Fast and durable

• Limited compatibility (used mainly in some Nikon models)

Ideal For:

• Professional Nikon cameras

• High-speed photography

9. UFS Cards (Universal Flash Storage)

A newer format aiming to replace microSD cards in smartphones and tablets.

Key Features:

• Higher transfer speeds than microSD

• Supports full-duplex (simultaneous read/write)

• Still emerging and not widely adopted

Ideal For:

• Next-generation mobile devices

• Potential replacement for microSD in flagship smartphones

Understanding Speed Ratings

Memory card speed is crucial, especially for 4K video or burst photography. Here’s what to look for:

• Class 2–10: Basic speed classes; Class 10 = 10MB/s minimum

• UHS-I, UHS-II, UHS-III: Ultra High-Speed classes (UHS-II = 312MB/s)

• V30, V60, V90: Video Speed Class (V90 = up to 90MB/s minimum for 8K)

• A1, A2: Application performance classes for smartphones and apps

Always check your device’s manual to find the recommended speed class.

Choosing the Right Card for Your Needs

For Photography:

• DSLRs: CFexpress, SDXC UHS-II

• Mirrorless: SDXC UHS-II or microSDXC UHS-I

• Casual use: SDHC or SDXC Class 10

For Video:

• 4K/8K filming: CFexpress, CFast, V90-rated SD cards

• Full HD: SDHC Class 10 or UHS-I

For Smartphones:

• microSDXC A2 UHS-I or UFS cards (if supported)

For Gaming:

• Nintendo Switch: microSDXC UHS-I

• PSP (legacy): Memory Stick Duo

For Drones:

• microSDXC V30 or above

Tips for Memory Card Care and Usage

• Format the card in your device before first use

• Avoid removing while writing data

• Store in a protective case

• Use reputable brands (e.g., SanDisk, Kingston, Samsung)

• Replace if showing signs of failure or corruption

Where to Buy Memory Cards in the UK

You can find memory cards online and in-store across the UK:

• Amazon UK

• Argos

• Currys

• John Lewis

• CameraWorld

• Jessops

• Scan.co.uk

Look for sales, bundles, and ensure you’re purchasing genuine cards—not counterfeits.

Conclusion

Memory cards are essential tools in our digital lives, yet their variety can be overwhelming. By understanding the different types, formats, and speed ratings, you can make a more informed decision and ensure you’re getting the best performance for your device.

Whether you’re shooting a wedding, flying a drone, or expanding your phone’s storage, there’s a memory card tailored to your needs. Stay informed, choose wisely, and your data will be safe and accessible wherever you go.