SD cards have become an essential tool for photographers, videographers, and everyday users alike. Two popular types of SD cards you’ll often encounter are SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity).
But what exactly is the difference between SDHC vs SDXC, and how do you know which one is right for your needs? Let’s dive into the details and help you make an informed decision.
What are SDHC and SDXC Cards?
Before we compare SDHC and SDXC cards, let’s briefly explain what they are:
- SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity): Introduced in 2006, SDHC cards are an improvement over the original SD card format, offering higher storage capacities and faster data transfer speeds.
- SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity): Launched in 2009, SDXC cards further expand on the capabilities of SDHC, providing even greater storage capacities and potentially faster speeds.
Key Differences Between SDHC and SDXC
1. Storage Capacity
The most significant difference between SDHC and SDXC cards lies in their storage capacities:
- SDHC: These cards range from 4GB to 32GB in capacity.
- SDXC: These cards start at 64GB and can theoretically reach up to 2TB (although 1TB is currently the highest capacity widely available).
This substantial difference in storage capacity makes SDXC cards particularly appealing for professionals who need to store large amounts of high-resolution photos or 4K video footage.
2. File System
Another key difference is the file system used by each card type:
- SDHC: Uses the FAT32 file system.
- SDXC: Uses the exFAT file system.
The exFAT system used by SDXC cards allows for larger file sizes and improved performance when dealing with large amounts of data. However, this can also affect compatibility with older devices that may not support exFAT.
3. Speed Classes
Both SDHC and SDXC cards come in various speed classes, which indicate their minimum write speeds:
- Class 2: 2MB/s
- Class 4: 4MB/s
- Class 6: 6MB/s
- Class 10: 10MB/s
Additionally, there are UHS (Ultra High Speed) classes:
- UHS-I: Up to 104MB/s
- UHS-II: Up to 312MB/s
- UHS-III: Up to 624MB/s
While both SDHC and SDXC cards can support these speed classes, you’re more likely to find higher speed classes in SDXC cards, especially when looking at capacities above 32GB.
4. Compatibility
Compatibility is an important factor to consider:
- SDHC cards are compatible with SDHC and SDXC devices.
- SDXC cards are only compatible with SDXC devices.
This means that while an SDHC card will work in an SDXC-compatible device, an SDXC card won’t work in a device that only supports SDHC.
Choosing Between SDHC and SDXC: 5 Factors to Consider
Now that we’ve outlined the main differences, let’s look at how to choose between SDHC and SDXC cards based on your needs:
1. Device Compatibility
First and foremost, check what type of SD card your device supports. If your device only supports SDHC, then your decision is made for you. However, if your device supports SDXC, you have the option of choosing either type.
2. Storage Needs
Consider how much storage you typically need:
- If you rarely fill up 32GB cards, an SDHC card might be sufficient.
- If you frequently run out of space or work with large file sizes (like 4K video files), an SDXC card would be more suitable.
3. File Sizes
Think about the size of the files you’re working with:
- If you mainly deal with smaller files (like JPEG photos or MP3 files), SDHC cards with their FAT32 file system are fine.
- If you work with large files (like RAW photos or long video clips), SDXC cards with the exFAT file system are better suited.
4. Speed Requirements
Consider your speed needs:
- For basic photography or HD video recording, standard Class 10 SDHC cards are usually sufficient.
- For 4K video recording, burst photography, or quick data transfers, you’ll benefit from the faster UHS speed classes often found in SDXC cards.
5. Budget
Generally, SDHC cards are less expensive than SDXC cards of similar speed classes. If budget is a concern and you don’t need the extra capacity, an SDHC card might be the more economical choice.
Use Cases: When to Choose SDHC vs SDXC
To help you make the right choice, let’s look at some common use cases:
Casual Photography
If you’re a casual photographer using a point-and-shoot camera or an entry-level DSLR, an SDHC card is likely sufficient. A 16GB or 32GB card can store thousands of JPEG images, which is plenty for most casual shooters.
Professional Photography
Professional photographers, especially those shooting in RAW format or doing a lot of burst shooting, will benefit from SDXC cards. The higher capacities allow for more shots without changing cards, and the potential for faster write speeds ensures they can keep up with burst mode shooting.
Full HD Video Recording
For recording Full HD (1080p) video, a Class 10 SDHC card is usually adequate. A 32GB card can store several hours of Full HD footage, which is sufficient for many videographers.
4K Video Recording
If you’re recording in 4K, you’ll want to opt for an SDXC card with a high-speed class (like UHS-I or UHS-II). The larger file sizes of 4K video require both the capacity and speed that SDXC cards offer.
Drone Photography and Videography
Drone users, especially those capturing 4K footage, will benefit from microSDXC cards. The higher capacities allow for longer flying sessions without swapping cards, and the faster write speeds can keep up with the high data rates of aerial photography and videography.
Mobile Devices
For use in smartphones or tablets, SDHC cards are often sufficient unless you’re storing a large media library or shooting a lot of high-resolution content. However, always check your device’s compatibility first.
Our Recommendations
At Lexar, we offer a range of both SDHC and SDXC cards to meet various needs, with each series designed to cater to specific user segments:
- For casual users and capturing basic HD video: Our Lexar® High-Performance 800x PRO SDHC™/SDXC™ UHS-I Card BLUE Series offers reliable performance at an affordable price point. These cards are perfect for everyday photography and Full HD video recording, ideal for content creators just starting out or tech enthusiasts looking for dependable storage solutions.
- For enthusiast photographers and Full HD video: Consider our Lexar® Professional SILVER PRO SDXC™ UHS-II Card. These cards offer a great balance of speed and capacity, particularly suited for more demanding content creators, such as YouTubers and streamers, who need faster write speeds for high-quality video recording.
- For professional photographers and 4K video: Our Lexar® Professional 2000x SDHC™/SDXC™ UHS-II Card GOLD Series, with read speeds up to 300MB/s and write speeds up to 260MB/s, are ideal for demanding professional use. These cards are perfect for 4K and even 8K video recording, catering to professional photographers, videographers, and filmmakers who require top-tier performance and reliability.
All of our SD cards are designed with backward compatibility in mind, ensuring they work seamlessly with a wide range of devices. This feature is particularly valuable for users who work with various camera models or other devices that may not support the latest SD card standards.
Remember, all our SD cards come with a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring you can trust your valuable data to our storage solutions. Whether you’re a content creator, a gaming enthusiast, or a tech-savvy professional, we have a storage solution designed to meet your specific needs and enhance your digital experiences.
SDHC vs SDXC: Making the Right Choice for Your Storage Needs
Choosing between SDHC and SDXC cards doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering your device’s compatibility, your storage needs, the file sizes you work with, and your speed requirements, you can make an informed decision.
SDHC cards are great for casual users and those with basic storage needs, offering capacities up to 32GB and speeds sufficient for most everyday uses. SDXC cards, with their higher capacities and potential for faster speeds, are ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who need to store and quickly transfer large amounts of data.
Whichever you choose, make sure to invest in quality cards from reputable brands to ensure the safety and integrity of your valuable data. And remember, as your needs evolve, you can always upgrade to a higher capacity or faster card to keep pace with your creative endeavors.
With Lexar’s range of SDHC and SDXC cards, you can find the perfect storage solution that balances performance, capacity, and value for your specific use case. Whether you’re capturing life’s everyday moments, creating professional-grade content, or enhancing your gaming experience, there’s a Lexar SD card designed to support your digital lifestyle.