Best Memory Cards for Nikon Z50

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Best SD memory cards for Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera. Here is our full list of top recommended SD cards for Nikon Z50.

Unlike the Nikon Z7 & Z6, the Nikon Z50 DX-format mirrorless camera has a single SD card slot that supports UHS-I SD cards. Capable in both stills and video realms, the Nikon Z50 (Amazon, B&H, Adorama) features a 20.9MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 image processor, which enables fast performance up to 11 fps, a reliable 209-point hybrid AF system with eye detection, and notable low-light performance to ISO 51200. For video shooters, UHD 4K is supported up to 30 fps along with Full HD recording at up to 120 fps for slow-motion playback. Simply put, the Nikon Z50 is a great mirrorless camera for travellers, vloggers and anyone looking for a more portable version of their Nikon DX-format DSLR.

Want to get the best memory cards for the Nikon Z50? In this post, we are going to go through absolutely everything you need to know before buying the best memory card for the Nikon Z50.

First off… What kind of memory card do you need?

Before buying a memory card, make sure it complies with your Nikon Z50 camera. This is what Nikon Z50 requires:

  • Memory Card Slot: 1 x SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • Memory Card Type: SD Card
  • Memory Card Speed: UHS-I
  • Recommended Capacity: 32GB-256GB (SD/SDHC/SDXC)

So, the Nikon Z50 has a single SD card slot that supports the UHS-I SD cards. That means you don’t need to pay extra money on the fast UHS-II cards unless you really need fast read speeds (which enables you to transfer files to your computer quicker).

Why Do You Need a High-Speed SD Card?

Not every memory card will work well with your Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera. If the card is too slow, you may have to wait longer for the buffer to clear or end up with recording errors and loose all your footage. So, buying a fast card is always worth it:

  • Fast write speed provides fast buffer clearing time between burst shots optimizing your shooting experience.
  • Fast read speed can let large files such as 4K video or a bunch of high-resolution images by continuous shooting transfer to PC in seconds.

Reminder: if you plan to shoot videos, stick to 64GB (or larger) SDXC cards for the best video codex.

So, what’s the best SD card for Nikon Z50?

The Nikon Z50 supports up to 11 fps burst shooting and UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p video recording. This requires a fast SD card at least U3 or V30 (writing speed of 30MB/s). UHS stands for “Ultra High Speed”. The chart below can help you figure out what speed class you need for each video format.

Graphic via SD Association

Best SD Memory Cards for Nikon Z50

If you just want to cut to the chase, here are my top 4 recommended SD memory cards for Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera.

  1. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Card 170 MB/s (V30, U3)
  2. SanDisk Extreme UHS-I SDXC Card (V30, U3)
  3. Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II Card (150 MB/s, V60)
  4. Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II Card (250 MB/s, V60)

Any of these make for a good choice. If you’d like more detailed recommendations, you can find them below.

1. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I Card 170 MB/s (V30, U3)

 

  • UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 170 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 90 MB/s

Highly recommended! The SanDisk Extreme Pro 170MB/s UHS-I card is the fastest UHS-I SD card and the most popular card out there, and is almost always one of my top recommended SD card, especially for consumer UHS-I cameras. With write speeds of up to 90 MB/s and read speeds of up to 170 MB/s, the SanDisk Extreme Pro 170MB/s UHS-I card is perfect for shooting 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography. In addition, SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I cards feature a speed class rating of V30 and U3 standard, which guarantees minimum write speeds of 30 MB/s. Available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB sizes, the SanDisk Extreme Pro 170 MB/s UHS-I cards are ideal for professionals recording extreme sports and other fast-action activities.

Buy SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I 170 MB/s (V30, U3) at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

2. SanDisk Extreme UHS-I SDXC Card (V30, U3)

 

  • UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 150 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 70 MB/s

Great value! If you are really on a very tight budget and just want to save some money, this is the card for you! The SanDisk Extreme UHS-I SDXC Card (V30, U3) supports extremely fast read speeds of up to 150MB/s and write speeds of up to 70MB/s, making it an ideal choice for fast-action or continuous burst mode photography, as well as full HD and 4K video recording – available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB sizes. A built-in write-protect switch helps to safeguard against the accidental erasure of card data.

Buy SanDisk Extreme UHS-I SDXC Card (V30, U3): at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

3. Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II Card (150 MB/s, V60)

 

 

  • UHS-II / V60 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 150 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 90 MB/s

Excellent UHS-II SD Card with affordable price. The Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II SDXC Card can achieve maximum read speeds of up to 150 MB/s and maximum write speeds of up to 90 MB/s, making it is well-suited for continuous shutter bursts and rapid shooting, as well as 4K and Full HD video. For versatility, the cards also work with UHS-I devices at UHS-I speeds. Whether you’re a professional photographer, videographer, or enthusiast, Lexar Professional 1000x SDHC/SDXC UHS-II cards provide performance you can trust. Great value!

Buy Lexar Professional 1000x UHS-II SD Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

4. Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II SD Card (250 MB/s, V60)

  • UHS-II / V60 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 250 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 90 MB/s

Affordable UHS-II card with excellent performance. The Nikon Z50 can’t take advantage of those extra write speeds with the UHS-II cards, but if you are seeking the ultra high read speeds to transfer your images and videos much quicker, a fast UHS-II card will be the first choice. With maximum read speeds of up to 250 MB/s and maximum write speeds of up to 90 MB/s, the Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II card is great for fast burst shooting and 4K & full HD video recording! This card offers excellent performance with a similar price of UHS-I cards. Great value!

Buy Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II SD Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.