Best Memory Cards for Nikon Z5

Looking for the best SD memory cards for Nikon Z5? Here are our top recommended and fastest SD cards for Nikon Z5 mirrorless camera.

The Nikon Z5 has dual memory card slots that both support the ultra-fast UHS-II SD cards. Featuring most of the features from the Z6, as well as dual SD card slots in a lightweight magnesium-alloy body, the Nikon Z5 (B&HAdorama) is a highly capable and the most affordable Z-mount full-frame mirrorless camera introduced by Nikon to date. Featuring a 24.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor and an EXPEED 6 image processor, the Nikon Z5 supports wide sensitivity to ISO 51200, UHD 4K video at 30 fps (with a 1.7X crop) and Full HD recording at up to 60 fps, as well as 4.5 fps full-resolution continuous shooting. And the Nikon Z5 has 5-axis in-body image stabilization that can reduce shake by up to five stops and a hybrid autofocus system that has both human and animal detection. In addition, the Z5 comes with a high-resolution 3.6m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder allows for high-res eye-level viewing and a rear 3.2″ 1.04m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD accommodates working from high and low angles. With fast shutter speeds, 273-point autofocus system with eye-detection, and shallow depth-of-field control, the Nikon Z5 is perfectly suitable for landscape, street, travel as well as portrait photography and more.

As we mentioned above, the Nikon Z5 has 2x UHS-II-compatible SD memory card slots which allow you to segregate raw and JPEG files to different cards, save duplicate files to both cards, or simply double your storage space with overflow recording. So, in order to get the ultra high read speeds (transfer speed) and write speeds (fast buffer clearing time) to get the best out of your Nikon Z5 camera, here we list the top recommended and fastest SD cards for the Nikon Z5 mirrorless camera based on the speed and price. Just choose the one you like (we highly suggest picking two UHS-II SD cards from the list below)!

Recommended SD Cards for Nikon Z5

Here is a quick comparison table of our top recommended & fastest SD cards for Nikon Z5 mirrorless camera.

UHS-II SD CardsMax. Read SpeedMax. Write Speed
Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD Card (V90)300 MB/s260 MB/s
PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90)300 MB/s280 MB/s
Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card (V90)300 MB/s299 MB/s
SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Card (V90)300 MB/s260 MB/s
Wise Advanced SD-N UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)290 MB/s260 MB/s
ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)300 MB/s250 MB/s
Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)300 MB/s250 MB/s
Delkin Devices BLACK UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)300 MB/s250 MB/s
Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II SD Card (V90)300 MB/s260 MB/s
Hoodman Steel 2000x SDXC UHS-II Card300 MB/s260 MB/s
Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)280 MB/s260 MB/s
Transcend 700S UHS-II SD Card (V90)285 MB/s180 MB/s
Lexar Professional 1800x UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)270 MB/s180 MB/s
Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)277 MB/s150 MB/s
Sony SF-M UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)277 MB/s150 MB/s
Angelbird AV Pro MK2 UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)260 MB/s140 MB/s
ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)250 MB/s130 MB/s
Sony SF-E Series UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)270 MB/s120 MB/s
Lexar Professional 1667x UHS-II SD Card (V60)250 MB/s120 MB/s

All of these options make great choices, but if you need more detailed recommendations, you can find them below.

Best SD Memory Cards for Nikon Z5

1. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)

Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD Card Key Specifications:

  • Bus Speed: UHS-II
  • Video Speed Class: V90
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 260 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

If you’re searching for a fast, reliable, and affordable UHS-II SD card to meet your camera’s needs, then the Kingston Canvas React Plus is your best bet! It not only offers performance that’s on par with the Sony SF-G Tough cards, but it also costs about 40% less and comes in capacities up to 256GB – what more could you want? Highly recommended and a fantastic deal – this is the SD card for you!

The Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC card is the perfect partner for shooting 8K, 4K, and Full HD videos or capturing high-resolution photos with its incredible maximum read rates of 300 MB/s and maximum write speeds of 260 MB/s. It is built to withstand extreme temperatures, from -13°F to 185°F, and has a limited lifetime guarantee, as well as the V90 Video Speed Class rating that guarantees speeds of 90 MB/s or higher.

If you are on the lookout for an SD card with blazing fast reading and writing speeds, good value for money, and a lifetime guarantee, we heartily recommend the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD card!

Buy Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H, Adorama.

2. PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90)

PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90) Key Specifications:

  • Bus Speed: UHS-II
  • Video Speed Class: V90
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 280 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Capture 8K and 4K Video
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

The PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90) is a great option for 8K and 4K video, raw and sequential burst images, and more, offering blazing read rates of up to 300 MB/s and write speeds of up to 280 MB/s. The V90 speed class designation ensures that both reading and writing rates will never drop below 90 MB/s. And with a price point comparable to the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC card, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful and budget-friendly UHS-II SD card!

Buy PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90) at B&H, Adorama.

3. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card (V90)

Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card Key Specifications:

  • Bus Speed: UHS-II
  • Video Speed Class: V90
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 299 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB

This Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card is the pinnacle of speed and price, boasting read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and write speeds of up to 299 MB/s. It’s perfect for rapid-fire photography and high-resolution video recording – up to 8K, 6K, or 4K! Additionally, this card is constructed with a tough design, capable of withstanding drops up to 16.4′ / 5m, submersion in water up to 72 hours, and much more – including X-rays, magnets, UV light, and extreme temperatures from -13 to 185°F.

If you’re not concerned about the cost, you should invest in a Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card – it’s a great purchase that will never let you down!

Buy Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H, Adorama.

Buy Sony UHS-II SD Memory Card Reader at B&H, Adorama.

4. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Card (V90)

SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Card Key Specifications:

  • Bus Speed: UHS-II
  • Video Speed Class: V90
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 260 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

If you’re in the market for a UHS-II SD card, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-II SD card is an incredibly popular option. It’s ideal for capturing raw images and continuous shutter bursts, plus it can flawlessly record video in 8K, 4K, and Full HD at cinematic quality. And that’s not all: it’s resistant to x-rays, shocks, and water and even comes with a lifetime limited warranty. Simply put, this card is a reliable, feature-packed powerhouse.

Buy SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Cards at B&H, Adorama.

5. ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)

ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card Key Specifications:

  • Bus Speed: UHS-II
  • Video Speed Class: V90
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 250 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

The ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90) is an excellent pick for anyone wanting to capture high-quality 6K, 5K, 4K, UHD 4K, MPEG-4 video and raw photos, or fire off rapid-fire bursts. This card comes in a range of capacities, from 64GB to 512GB, offering users big capacity and speedy performance. A must-have for any shooter!

Buy ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90) at B&H, Adorama.

Buy ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60) at B&H, Adorama.

6. Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)

Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card Key Specifications:

  • Bus Speed: UHS-II
  • Video Speed Class: V90
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 250 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
  • Water / Shock / X-Ray Proof

Delkin Devices’ Power UHS-II SD card is a top-notch choice at an unbeatable price, with blazing transfer rates of up to 300 MB/s read and 250 MB/s write. This card also boasts an in-built mistake corrector, making it incredibly reliable, plus a lifetime warranty and a 48-hour replacement guarantee from the company.

Buy Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H, Adorama.

Buy Delkin Devices BLACK UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H.

7. Sony SF-M Tough Series UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)

  • UHS-II / V60 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 277 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 150 MB/s

If you’re looking for a great memory card that won’t break the bank, a slower V60 card should provide the necessary bitrate for the Nikon Z5 – and for the ultimate capacity, the Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card is the ideal pick!

Buy Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card at B&H, Adorama.

8. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I SD Card (V30)

  • UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 200 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 30 MB/s

We strongly urge you to choose from the two UHS-II SD cards listed above due to the slow speed of UHS-I SD cards. But if you must get a UHS-I SD card, the SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I SD card would be your best bet. Coming in sizes of 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, the SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I SD card boasts write speeds of up to 90 MB/s and read speeds of up to 200 MB/s – making it an ideal option for capturing Full HD, 3D, and 4K video, and taking raw and burst photographs. Plus, you’ll enjoy a lifetime limited warranty!

Buy SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I SD Card at B&H, Adorama.

Read more: Best Lenses for Nikon Z5.