Choosing the right memory card is a critical, yet often overlooked, part of photography. A slow or unreliable SD card can mean missing the perfect shot or dealing with corrupted video files. For many photographers, a 32GB capacity offers a sweet spot, providing ample space for hundreds of high-resolution photos or significant 4K video footage without breaking the bank.
This roundup focuses on finding the best 32GB SD card for your specific needs, whether you are a casual shooter, a wildlife camera enthusiast, or a serious videographer. We have compiled a list of ten standout options from trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, and PNY, comparing their speeds, durability, and value to help you make an informed decision for your camera gear.
Our Top Picks for 32GB SD Cards
- 32GB Ultra 100MBs Sandisk SDHC Memory Card
- GIGASTONE 32GB SD Card 5-Pack UHS-I U1 Class 10 SDHC
- SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO SDHC UHS-I Memory Card
- PNY 32GB Elite Class 10 U1 V10 SDHC Flash Memory Card
- SanDisk 32GB Ultra SD Memory Card (10 Pack) Bundle
- INLAND 32GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card (2 Pack)
- INDMEM SD Card 32GB, 10-Pack UHS-I Class 10 MLC Flash
- SanDisk 32GB Ultra SD Memory Card (4 Pack) Bundle
- Lexar 32GB (3-Pack) High-Performance 800x PRO SD Card
- SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO SDHC UHS-I Memory Card
32GB Ultra 100MBs Sandisk SDHC Memory Card
As a foundational option from a leading brand, the SanDisk Ultra SDHC card is a reliable choice for everyday photography. It offers a solid performance that is well-suited for point-and-shoot cameras and entry-level DSLRs. The Class 10 and UHS-I ratings ensure you can capture full HD video without frustrating dropouts.
With read speeds up to 100MB/s, you can expect quick file transfers to your computer, saving you time after a photoshoot. This card balances the trusted SanDisk quality with an accessible performance level, making it a dependable workhorse for hobbyists and casual photographers.
GIGASTONE 32GB SD Card 5-Pack
For users who operate multiple devices or require frequent card swaps, this five-pack from GIGASTONE presents exceptional value. It is an ideal solution for trail camera users, wildlife monitors, or anyone who needs to keep several cards on hand for extended shoots. Each card is designed for consistent performance with Full HD video recording.
The inclusion of five mini protective cases is a significant benefit, helping you stay organized and safeguarding your cards from physical damage and dust when not in use. With a transfer speed of up to 80 MB/s, these cards handle continuous recording tasks reliably, making them a practical and cost-effective bulk storage solution.
SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO SDHC UHS-I Memory Card
When your photography demands top-tier speed and reliability, the SanDisk Extreme PRO is engineered to deliver. It boasts impressive write speeds up to 90MB/s, which is crucial for capturing rapid burst-mode shots without the buffer slowing you down. This card is built for handling demanding workflows.
It meets the high standards required for 4K UHD video, supported by its U3 and V30 ratings that ensure a sustained recording performance. For photographers and videographers working with high-resolution content, this card offers the performance headroom needed for professional results and a fast 100MB/s read speed for efficient data offloading.
PNY 32GB Elite Class 10 U1 V10 SDHC Flash Memory Card
PNY’s Elite 5-pack provides a reliable and affordable storage option for a variety of devices. These cards are well-suited for digital cameras, camcorders, and other devices that record in Full HD. The Class 10 and U1 ratings guarantee a minimum write speed for smooth video capture.
With a sequential read speed of up to 100MB/s, transferring your photos and videos to a computer is a quick process. The V10 video speed class further confirms its capability for uninterrupted HD video recording, making this pack a smart choice for budget-conscious users who need multiple cards without sacrificing essential performance.
SanDisk 32GB Ultra SD Memory Card (10 Pack)
This comprehensive bundle is designed for the user with extensive storage needs. Featuring ten SanDisk Ultra cards, it is perfect for managing a fleet of trail cameras or for photographers who never want to run out of space on location. The bundle also includes a versatile multi-slot card reader, simplifying the process of transferring files from various card types.
Each card delivers the trusted performance of the SanDisk Ultra line, with 100MB/s read speeds for efficient workflow. This package eliminates the need for separate purchases, providing a complete and convenient solution for high-volume storage requirements across multiple devices.
INLAND 32GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card (2 Pack)
INLAND offers a straightforward and reliable two-pack that is particularly well-matched for trail cameras and standard digital cameras. These cards provide a balanced performance with a read speed of 60MB/s, facilitating quick access to your captured images and videos.
The Class 10 speed rating ensures that the card can maintain the data flow necessary for recording full HD video without interruption. As a cost-effective dual pack from a reputable brand, it represents a practical purchase for users who need a couple of dependable cards for their primary and backup needs.
INDMEM SD Card 32GB, 10-Pack
INDMEM focuses on durability and long-term value with this extensive 10-pack. A key feature is the use of MLC (Multi-Level Cell) standard flash memory, which typically offers a longer lifespan and greater reliability compared to some other types of flash memory. This makes them a solid choice for devices that are in constant use.
Certified as Class 10 and UHS-I, these cards are built for stable and efficient data transmission. For small businesses, educational institutions, or anyone with a high demand for affordable and reliable storage, this large pack ensures you are always equipped with a spare card.
SanDisk 32GB Ultra SD Memory Card (4 Pack)
This four-pack bundle from SanDisk offers a performance upgrade with transfer rates up to 120MB/s, which is twice as fast as standard Ultra cards. This allows for significantly quicker photo capture and file transfers, improving your overall workflow efficiency.
The inclusion of a microfiber cloth is a thoughtful addition, enabling you to keep your camera lens and card surfaces clean from dust and smudges. It is an excellent value package for photographers who want faster speeds and a useful accessory, all while stocking up on quality storage from a brand they trust.
Lexar 32GB (3-Pack) High-Performance 800x PRO SD Card
Lexar’s Professional Series card is built for speed and quality. With impressive read speeds up to 150MB/s, it drastically reduces the time spent waiting to transfer photos and videos to your computer. This performance is ideal for photographers who shoot in rapid succession or work with large files.
Designed for point-and-shoot and mid-range DSLR cameras, this card also supports stunning 4K UHD video capture. The three-pack format provides a great balance, offering multiple high-performance cards for a primary device and backups, ensuring you are prepared for any shooting scenario.
SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO SDHC UHS-I Memory Card
As a repeat entry from the renowned Extreme PRO line, this card underscores its position as a top-tier choice for demanding photography and videography. It is engineered to handle the rigors of professional use, offering high write speeds that prevent buffering during continuous shooting modes.
The card’s robust construction and performance metrics make it suitable for capturing 4K video and high-resolution burst photography. For photographers who require consistent, high-speed performance and reliability from their equipment, the SanDisk Extreme PRO remains a benchmark in the memory card market.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 32GB SD Card for Your Camera
When I’m looking for a new 32GB SD card, my first stop is always the speed class ratings. This is the most critical factor for camera performance. You’ll see a confusing alphabet soup of symbols, but here’s the simple breakdown. The Speed Class (C2, C4, C6, C10) indicates a minimum write speed. For basic photography, a Class 10 (C10) is the absolute starting point. Then you have the UHS Speed Class, which is a U with a number inside. For filming Full HD or 4K video, you want a U3 rating, as it guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s. Finally, the Video Speed Class (V30, V60, V90) is the newest standard and is great for confirming a card’s capability for high-resolution video; V30 is a solid match for 4K.
Next, I check the actual read and write speeds advertised on the card. The write speed is what matters most for your camera, as it determines how quickly a photo is saved or a video frame is written to the card. A faster write speed means a shorter delay between shots in burst mode and a quicker clearing of your camera’s buffer. Read speed is how fast you can transfer files to your computer, which is a nice convenience. Don’t just look at the biggest number on the packaging; that’s usually the read speed. Dig a little to find the write speed.
Another thing I always consider is the type of card. Most modern cameras use SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) cards, which is what a 32GB card falls under. However, some newer, high-end cameras are starting to use the newer SD Express standard, which is much faster, but requires a compatible device. For the vast majority of us, a standard UHS-I card is perfect. Higher-end cameras might benefit from the faster bus interface of a UHS-II card, which has a second row of pins on the back, but your camera must support it to see the speed benefit.
Finally, I think about the brand and warranty. This isn’t the place to save a few dollars on a no-name brand. Your photos and videos are priceless, and a reliable card from a reputable manufacturer like SanDisk, Sony, or Lexar is a must. These companies rigorously test their cards and offer strong warranties. A 32GB SD card is a great size for a day of shooting, balancing capacity and cost effectively, making it a staple in my camera bag. I always make sure I’m getting a genuine product from an authorized seller to avoid counterfeits.
FAQ
Is a 32GB SD card enough for my camera?
It depends entirely on what you shoot. For a casual photographer shooting JPEGs, a 32GB card can hold thousands of photos and is a very practical size. If you shoot in RAW format, which creates much larger files, the capacity will fill up faster. For video, 32GB can be enough for short 4K clips, but for extended filming, you’ll likely find yourself running out of space quickly and may want to consider a larger capacity or carry multiple cards.
What is the difference between UHS-I and UHS-II?
The main difference is speed. UHS-I has a theoretical maximum bus speed of 104MB/s, while UHS-II can reach up to 312MB/s. You can identify a UHS-II card by the second row of pins on the back. The important thing to remember is that you only get the full speed benefit if your camera has a UHS-II compatible card slot. If it doesn’t, the card will just operate at UHS-I speeds.
Can I use any 32GB SD card for 4K video recording?
Not all of them, no. Recording 4K video requires a constant, high write speed to avoid dropped frames and recording errors. You should look for a card that has a UHS Speed Class of U3 or a Video Speed Class of V30 or higher. This guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s, which is the baseline for most 4K video formats.
Why does the same brand have different priced 32GB SD cards?
The price difference comes down to performance. A cheaper 32GB SD card from a good brand will have lower read and write speeds, suitable for basic point-and-shoot photography. The more expensive models from the same brand will have much higher speeds, often with U3 and V30 ratings, designed for professional-grade photography and high-resolution video. You’re paying for the performance and reliability at those higher speeds.
How can I check if my 32GB SD card is genuine?
Counterfeit cards are a real problem. First, buy from authorized and reputable retailers. When you get the card, check the packaging for misspellings and poor print quality. You can also use a free software tool like H2testw (for Windows) or F3 (for Mac/Linux) to write and verify data on the entire card. This will confirm both the actual capacity and the advertised speeds.
What should I do if my camera says the 32GB SD card is write-protected?
This is a common issue. First, check the small physical lock switch on the side of the SD card. Make sure it’s slid up into the unlocked position. If it’s already unlocked, try sliding it to locked and back again. If that doesn’t work, the issue could be with the card itself or the camera’s card reader. Try the card in a different device. If it works elsewhere, the problem may be with your camera’s reader.