Memory cards in the Secure Digital (SD) format can be used with the Nikon D5500, which is one of the most popular mid-range DSLRs on the market today. The camera only has one slot for a memory card. Memory card speeds have been gradually increasing over the past few years, which is great news for consumers, especially given the fact that prices have been steadily decreasing.
The standard for memory cards is currently Class 10, which requires a minimum write speed of 10 megabytes per second. This helps to ensure that both still images and videos are shot without any hiccups, and the maximum read speed determines how quickly the files can be uploaded to your computer.
When it comes to storage, we advise getting 32GB for the D5500. This is especially true if you plan on shooting high-definition videos or photographs in the NEF format (Camera RAW). If you don’t take a lot of pictures or are prepared to upload and store them on your computer on a regular basis, 16 GB should be sufficient for your needs.
Best Nikon D5500 Memory Cards
![SanDisk Extreme 32GB UHS-I/U3 SDHC Memory Card Up To 60MB/s Read - SDSDXN-032G-G46 [Older Version]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51YIrUaUe6L._SL500_.jpg)
SanDisk Extreme 32GB UHS-I/U3 SDHC Memory Card Up To 60MB/s Read - SDSDXN-032G-G46 [Older Version]
- Up To 60MB/s Read; 40MB/s Write
- Error Correction for Enhanced Reliability
- Now at new U3 speeds, exceeding high-definition video recording performance requirement
- Extreme durability from deserts to glaciers, guaranteed
![SanDisk Extreme 32GB UHS-I/U3 SDHC Memory Card Up To 60MB/s Read - SDSDXN-032G-G46 [Older Version]](https://dslrcamerasdeal.com/wp-content/plugins/content-egg/res/logos/amazon-com.png)
SanDisk Extreme PRO 32GB UHS-I/U3 SDHC Flash Memory Card with up to 95MB/s- SDSDXPA-032G-AFFP
- Read Up To 95MB/s/ Write Up To 90MB/s
- 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p); Full HD (1920 x 1080p)
- Compatible with SDXC and SDXC-I (UHS-I) enabled host devices
- Shockproof, X-ray proof, and Waterproof
Free shipping
Lexar Professional 1000X 32GB SDHC Uhs-II Card
- High speed performance leverages UHS II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 1000x (150MB/s)
- Captures high quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p full HD, 3D, and 4K video with a DSLR camera, HD camcorder, or 3D camera
Transcend 16GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card Up to 45MB/s (TS16GSDU1E)
- Supports Ultra High Speed Class 1 specification (U1)
- Class 10 compliant
- Fully compatible with SD 3.01 standards
- Built-in Error Correcting Code (ECC) to detect and correct transfer errors
- Supports Content Protection for Recordable Media (CPRM)
The Best Memory Card All-Around
1. SanDisk Extreme 32GB
SanDisk Extreme 32GB UHS-I/U3 SDHC Memory Card Up To 60MB/s Read - SDSDXN-032G-G46 [Older Version]
- Up To 60MB/s Read; 40MB/s Write
- Error Correction for Enhanced Reliability
- Now at new U3 speeds, exceeding high-definition video recording performance requirement
- Extreme durability from deserts to glaciers, guaranteed
- Memory card made by SanDisk called the Extreme.
- Minimum Write Speed: 10 Megabytes per Second (Class 10)
- Maximum Writing Capacity: 40 MB per Second
- Maximum Reading Capacity: 60 MB/S
- Processing and downloading are best when they are reasonably quick.
The SanDisk Extreme is the memory card that we believe to be the greatest SD card overall. The newest version, which is actually more affordable than the earlier one, provides Class 3 U3 recording rates for high-resolution video and even 4K recording capabilities.
You also receive write rates of up to 40 MB per second and read speeds of up to 60 MB per second, both of which perform far better than cards that cost less money when it comes to larger files, videos, and downloads.
In addition, the SanDisk Extreme 16-64GB memory cards are able to function in temperatures ranging from -13 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit and are classified as being waterproof, shockproof, and X-ray proof. That’s a whole lot of features for a little bit more than twenty dollars. There is a 32GB version and a 64GB version of the Extreme available for purchase in addition to the 16GB model.
For Qualified Individuals Only
2. SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB
SanDisk Extreme PRO 32GB UHS-I/U3 SDHC Flash Memory Card with up to 95MB/s- SDSDXPA-032G-AFFP
- Read Up To 95MB/s/ Write Up To 90MB/s
- 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p); Full HD (1920 x 1080p)
- Compatible with SDXC and SDXC-I (UHS-I) enabled host devices
- Shockproof, X-ray proof, and Waterproof
Free shipping
- Memory card made by SanDisk called the Extreme Pro.
- Minimum Write Speed: 10 Megabytes per Second (Class 10)
- Maximum Writing Capacity: 90 MB per Second
- Maximum Reading Capacity: 95 MB/S
- The best option for high-definition video and speeds that are quicker than those offered by Extreme.
If you routinely shoot HD video, high-speed bursts, or transfer huge quantities of files, the SanDisk Extreme Pro is the ideal professional SD memory card for the Nikon D5500. You can get more information about this card here. It is the quickest SD memory card that SanDisk has ever produced, with write speeds of up to 90 MB per second.
The SanDisk Extreme Pro has a rugged construction that is waterproof, shockproof, and X-ray proof, and is rated for use in extremely high and low temperatures just like its predecessor, the SanDisk Extreme series. It is also certified U3 for high-resolution video and even 4K (while the Nikon 5500 does not shoot in 4K, this will allow you the flexibility to upgrade in the future if you so want).
The Lexar Professional below has a maximum read speed of up to 150 MB/s, but it does not give the same levels of durability as the other models. However, it is a more affordable option for professional speeds.
3. The Lexar Professional 1000x 32GB memory card
Lexar Professional 1000X 32GB SDHC Uhs-II Card
- High speed performance leverages UHS II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 1000x (150MB/s)
- Captures high quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p full HD, 3D, and 4K video with a DSLR camera, HD camcorder, or 3D camera
- SD memory card with the Lexar Professional 1000x brand
- Minimum Writing Capacity: 30 MB per Second (Class 10)
- Maximum Writing Capacity: 95 MB per Second
- Maximum Reading Capacity: 150 MB/S
- Ideal for: Professional videographers and burst photographers who do not require protection from the elements.
Memory cards that Lexar manufactures are of the highest quality and are aimed at professional photographers. The company’s Compact Flash (CF) series has been particularly successful in recent years. The Lexar Professional SD card has a minimum write speed of 30 MB/s and a maximum read speed of 150 MB/s, making it the fastest card in its class. It also has a class-leading capacity of 32 GB.
However, in contrast to the SanDisk cards discussed previously, the Lexar Professional 1000x is not rated to withstand adverse weather conditions or temperatures that are particularly high. In addition, several customers have reported experiencing technical difficulties after only brief durations of use, which is not something that occurs nearly as frequently with SanDisk products.
For serious photographers who intend to take a huge number of photos and transfer a large number of files, the Lexar Professional is the card that is going to offer the finest combination of features and price. However, we place a higher priority on the longevity and dependability that SanDisk cards provide rather than the increase in performance.
In Terms of Costs
4. Transcend Class 10 16GB memory card
Transcend 16GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card Up to 45MB/s (TS16GSDU1E)
- Supports Ultra High Speed Class 1 specification (U1)
- Class 10 compliant
- Fully compatible with SD 3.01 standards
- Built-in Error Correcting Code (ECC) to detect and correct transfer errors
- Supports Content Protection for Recordable Media (CPRM)
- SD memory card with a class rating of 10 from Transcend
- Minimum Write Speed: 10 Megabytes per Second (Class 10)
- Maximum Writing Capacity: 45 MB per Second
- Maximum Reading Capacity: 90 MB/S
- Best For Stills and videos on a budget.
Some of the most popular inexpensive SD memory cards on the market today are from the Transcend Class 10 series. You will experience a minimum write speed of 10 MB per second, which is more than twice as fast as the previous SanDisk Standard Class 4 model. In addition, the price has dropped slightly, which is an unmistakable indication that Class 4 cards are becoming obsolete.
The Transcend card is a few dollars less expensive than the SanDisk Extreme card that was discussed earlier. However, the Transcend card does not provide the same level of protection from the elements or the same level of speed.
If neither of those attributes is significant to you, then you should consider picking up this card for less than ten dollars. Spending extra money is something that we would advocate doing if you want greater speed, more storage space, and more peace of mind.
What type of memory card and what capacity should I get?
When SD memory cards were more expensive a few years ago, we used to suggest 16GB cards for still photographers and 32GB or 64GB cards for video and DSLR RAW shooters as the optimal storage capacities for their equipment.
However, the cost of these cards has decreased to the point where you can now purchase a 32GB SanDisk Extreme for just more than $20. Because the value increases with the size of the card, we now recommend that nearly everyone get a card with 32 gigabytes of storage or more.
This way, you won’t have to worry about taking the time to erase your photos and videos or rushing to a computer to upload and save them, so you’ll have more freedom to take pictures and movies.
There are approximately 2,000 photographs that can be stored on a 32 GB memory card in the JPEG fine big format and 4,000 photos that can be stored in the JPEG fine standard format.
Since NEF files (camera RAW files) consume significantly more memory—roughly five to ten times as much—photographers who shoot video or in RAW may want to consider purchasing a card with a capacity of 64 GB or 128 GB, or perhaps multiple cards.
Those on a tighter budget shouldn’t have any problems with 16GB, despite the fact that it is slightly less convenient and the Nikon D5500 only has one slot.
