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The function of any trail camera relies on the power of a small chip inserted inside of it- an SD card. SD cards hold the camera’s memory and storage capacity. There is an array of card models available on the market. If you are a trail camera owner choosing an SD card, the following review is for you. It begins by laying out the most essential elements to consider so that the card you buy is right for your needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Trail Camera SD Cards
- OUR TOP PICK: Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSD EVO
- TOP RATED ON AMAZON: SanDisk 32GB Ultra Class 10 SDHC UHS-I Memory Card
- BEST SD CARD FOR MOULTRIE TRAIL CAMERA: SanDisk Ultra 64GB microSDXC UHS-I card with Adapter
Comparison of the Best Trail Camera SD Cards
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How to Choose a Trail Camera SD Card
The top ranking SD cards have the following popular features:
- High-Speed Class
- Compatibility
- Durability
High-Speed Class
Speed class rankings differ based on the make and model of an SD card. Manufacturers classify cards as 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10, representing the minimum write speed. A higher class means higher sustainable rates of recording rapid succession shots and video. The most popular cards are in the high-speed class.
Compatibility
It is vital to choose an SD card that will physically fit into your device. There are three available sizes of SD cards: standard SD, SDHC, or SDXC. These types may determine their compatibility in various trail cameras. Standard SD cards fit into almost any device, while SDHC and SDXC cards are not always backward compatible. Some of the following cards are popular for their adaptability.
Durability
An effective trail camera must be able to withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoors; the same is true for a camera’s SD card. Durable qualities of the following cards are a favorite customer features.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
Class Rating: This is the minimum speed (at megabits/second) at which a card can write information onto an SD card. There are speed class, UHS speed class, and video speed class ratings and are indicated by a number in a circle, “U”, or “V” symbol.
Type: The type corresponds to the physical size of the card. Sizing ranges include microSD, miniSD, or standardSD.
Write Speed/Read Speed: The megabits per second reading and/or writing capability of the card.
Storage Capacity: The amount of information (measured in MB, GB, or TB) the card can hold. These generally range from 4GB to 2TB.
Temperature and Water Resistance Levels: Whether the card has any hot or cold temperature or water resistance. Waterproof ratings contain an “X” such as IPX7.
Review of the Best Trail Camera SD Cards
We have reviewed the top five SD cards for trail cameras. This review highlights their main features, pros, and cons. We hope this information helps you in your quest to find an ideal SD card.
Best Overall:
Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSD EVO
PROS
CONS
Review
This Samsung microSD card is the #1 favorite among trail camera owners. Its immense storage capacity of 128GB is impressive given the card’s small physical dimensions. With a speed class of 10, it captures images very quickly and has proven durable outdoors. This particular microSD card also includes an adapter.
For maximum compatibility with your devices, the adapter transforms it into a standard size card. Customer concerns include the card heating up when under heavy-duty strain. While some reviews have expressed frustration with “dud” cards that stopped functioning, the majority of customers revere this card as an all-time favorite.
Bottom Line
The storage capacity and speed of this Samsung micro SD card make it a customer favorite. Its adapter allows this card compatibility beyond the trail camera. The microSD has proven its durability in the harsh conditions of the great outdoors. While the card’s lifespan has received mixed reviews, trail camera owners recognize the card’s exceptional quality.
Product Specs
Class Rating:
10
Type:
MicroSDXC
Write Speed/Read Speed (mb/s):
90 mb/s write, 100 mb/s read
Storage Capacity:
128 GB
Temperature and Water Resistance Levels:
Temperature and waterproof with IPX7 rating
Top Rated on Amazon:
SanDisk 32GB Ultra Class 10 SDHC UHS-I Memory Card
PROS
CONS
Review
This SanDisk SDHC card has proven effective for trail camera users, with its incredible speed and memory capacity. Top-rated on Amazon, this card’s 32GB of storage is complemented by a class speed of 10. “Ultra speed” means that it can capture and transfer files quickly and efficiently.
As durable as its competitors, this card is resistant to damage by water, shock, and temperatures. Occasional customer reviews caution against card defects, but the majority of buyers express high satisfaction with this SDHC card. Again, check for your camera’s compatibility with SDHC before purchasing this Amazon favorite.
Bottom Line
This SanDisk card captures media at a remarkable speed. It has adequate memory space of 32GB for a trail camera and is designed to endure outdoor conditions. but users have reportedly experienced glitches in its function. While this SDHC card can provide a high quality, efficient user experience, your trail camera must be compatible with this type of card.
Product Specs
Class Rating:
10
Type:
SDHC
Write Speed/Read Speed (mb/s):
80 mb/s read
Storage Capacity:
32 GB
Temperature and Water Resistance Levels:
Temperature proof and waterproof
Best SD Card for Moultrie Trail Camera:
SanDisk Ultra 64GB microSDXC UHS-I card with Adapter
PROS
CONS
Review
If you are the owner of a Moultrie Trail Camera, this SanDisk microSDXC card is the most reliable and effective choice for your device. With 64GB of storage and a class speed of 10, this card records photos/video quickly and has ample space for it. While this MicroSDXC card is smaller than the standard, it is able to capture footage at the highest quality.
It includes an SD adapter for compatibility with other devices. It has proven durable inside trail cameras exposed to harsh outdoor conditions. Some reviews question the longevity of this card, with reports that it stopped functioning after a period of use. However, the general consensus is that this SD card is durable, quick, and generally reliable. The SanDisk micro SDXC is the ideal choice for your Moultrie.
Bottom Line
Overall, the resilient and reliable qualities of this SDXC card make it the best fit for your Moultrie Trail Camera. With plenty of storage to hold your media, this 16GB card operates quickly and is adaptable to fit in other devices too.
Product Specs
Class Rating:
10
Type:
MicroSDXC
Write Speed/Read Speed (mb/s):
100 mb/s read
Storage Capacity:
64 GB
Temperature and Water Resistance Levels:
Temperature proof and waterproof
Best SD Card for Browning Trail Camera:
Kingston Canvas Select 16GB SDHC Class 10 SD Memory Card
PROS
CONS
Review
If you own a Browning Trail Camera, the most effective SD card for your device is the Kingston Canvas SDHC card. Despite a relatively lower storage capacity of 16GB, it has a speed class of 10 for the fastest possible processing of your media.
This card supports high-resolution images and has been designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. For a trail camera, these resilient card qualities are crucial. Many customers stress the reliability of this SDHC card and praise its compatibility with the Browning Trail Camera.
Bottom Line
For a Browning Trail Camera, this class 10 Kingston Canvas SD card is the best choice. For the average trail camera user, 16GB is sufficient storage and any media on the card processes at incredibly quick speeds. It is durable, supports high-quality media, and is compatible with the Browning Trail Camera. The Kingston Canvas SD is the ideal card for this particular camera.
Product Specs
Class Rating:
10
Type:
SDHC
Write Speed/Read Speed (mb/s):
10 mb/s write, 80 mb/s read
Storage Capacity:
128 GB
Temperature and Water Resistance Levels:
Temperature proof and waterproof
5. SanDisk 16GB Class 4 SDHC Memory Card
PROS
CONS
Review
This SanDisk SDHC card is the runner-up in our review. Customers love it for its 16GB of storage space and durability in harsh outdoor conditions. With a speed class of 4, it writes slower in contrast to a higher class speed. However, the writable label makes it is easy to keep track of for optimal organization among your other cards.
Customer reviews reiterate the importance of purchasing a card that fits in your trail camera. While SDHC cards are compatible with most camera models, remember to check for compatibility before purchasing this well-loved SD card.
Bottom Line
The 16GB SanDisk SDHC card is practical and durable according to the majority of customer reviews. While it is not the fastest card on the market, its ease of use appeals to trail camera owners whose devices are compatible with SDHC cards. At the end of the day, this SD card gets the job done.
Product Specs
Class Rating:
4
Type:
SDHC
Storage Capacity:
16 GB
Temperature and Water Resistance Levels:
Temperature proof and waterproof
Benefits of Investing in a Great SD Card for Your Trail Camera
If you have already invested in a trail camera, it may be hard to imagine spending additional funds on a great SD card. However, investing in a high-quality SD card is essential; it is truly an investment in the quality of your trail camera footage. Before opting for a cheaper option, consider the following benefits you gain from a high-quality trail camera SD card:
- Effective Operation
- Higher Storage Capacity
- Increased Durability
Effectiveness
Oftentimes, the price of a card has a positive correlation with features like speed class. The higher the speed class, the quicker the SD card functions in taking pictures and video. Investing in a high-quality card can increase the likelihood of its effectiveness and efficiency. There may be drawbacks in reliability if you were to settle for a cheaper, slower model.Higher Storage
Capacity
It is common to find that cards with more storage space are more expensive than cards with less. When it comes to choosing the right SD card for your trail camera, it is safer to have too much storage than not enough to hold your footage. Investing in a sufficient amount of card storage ensures that you will be able to capture all your desired media.Increased
Durability
Cards that have been specifically designed for resilience in harsh weather may cost more than cards that have not. Some cheaper cards have not been designed for the wear and tear of the outdoors. Durability is not a quality worth sacrificing for a cheaper option. A cheaper card may not fare well outside in a trail camera and would then require the cost of replacing.
Conclusion
This review of the best SD cards highlighted the most vital qualities to consider when choosing the right card for your trail camera. As a reminder, the most popular models are favorites for their:
- High-Speed Class
- Compatibility
- Durability
Settling for a cheaply made SD card may compromise the benefits of these nicer models. The reviews above lay out the features of five top-rated SD cards so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Your trail camera deserves an SD card that will capture its footage reliably and effectively.
People Also Ask
The following questions are commonly asked by trail camera owners looking for the best possible SD card. These answers are intended to offer further guidance for your selection process.
What Class SD Card for My Trail Camera?
Typically, trail camera manufacturers issue a recommendation for the make/model’s minimum speed class. If you are unsure, it is safer to have a higher speed class than one below your device’s minimum requirements. Class 10 cards are optimal for quick and reliable capturing, but such speed is not always necessary.
What Size SD Card for my Trail Camera?
Examining the SD card slot in your trail camera will clarify the size card it takes. Almost every device is compatible with a Standard SD card, and many miniSD and microSD cards come with adapters.
How to Format SD Card for my Trail Camera?
To format your SD card, insert it into your trail camera. Select the “formatting” option that appears and adjust the settings as needed. This ensures that the media you capture will be saved to this card.
