Nikon Z5 SD Card Requirements
The Nikon Z5 is the company’s first full-frame mirrorless camera designed for beginners. The Z6 and Z7 models come before them in the hierarchy.
Memory cards of both SDHC and SDXC capacities can be inserted into its two SD card slots. In addition, those SD card slots are UHS-II compatible, which means that the device is able to make use of the additional speed gains that can be brought about by using UHS-II.
The Nikon Z5 can record video in 4K30 resolution and take photographs with 24 megapixels. The highest bit rate that can be achieved with 4K video is 144Mbps, which, although still quite high, is nothing near the 400Mbps that some of the most advanced cameras on the market are capable of shooting.
What this implies in terms of selecting SD cards for the Nikon Z5 is that it makes sense to obtain a fast UHS-II card to take advantage of all of the camera’s features, but you don’t necessarily need the quickest SD card that money can buy you to get the most out of the camera.
How Many Secure Digital Cards (SD) Does the Nikon Z5 Require?
Because it has two SD card ports, the Nikon Z5 allows you to utilize two SD cards at once.
However, it is not necessary for both spaces to be occupied in order to proceed. Normal operation can be maintained by inserting a single SD card into slot 1 of the camera.
Having said that, there are benefits to utilizing both of the available memory card slots. This is due to the fact that the second slot provides you with additional alternatives. You can use it for storage overflow, and when the first card is full, it will go on to the next one automatically. You can put it to use in this way. Alternatively, you could utilize it in a number of different ways to create a real-time backup copy, or you might designate one card for photos (or RAW images) and another card for video (or JPG). Additionally, you have the ability to copy between the cards.
Even while the camera may function normally with one SD card inserted, it is recommended that you use two memory cards and fill both of the available slots for maximum performance.
The Recommendations That Nikon Has for the Z5
When it comes to deciding which SD card to purchase, the Z5’s instruction booklet is not particularly useful. On page 689 you’ll discover a part that’s titled “Approved Memory Cards.” You can look at this section. What it actually says is as follows:
- Memory cards with SD, SDHC, and SDXC standards are compatible with the camera.
- There is support for both UHS-I and UHS-II.
- For both recording and playing back movies, it is suggested that you use a card with a UHS Speed Class rating of 3 or above. When moving at a slower speed, the recording or playback could potentially be interrupted.
- Make sure that the cards you choose to use in card readers are compatible with the device before you choose to use them.
- Get in touch with the maker to learn more about the product’s capabilities, how it should be used, and any restrictions that may apply.
None of these pieces of guidance is particularly useful in the real world.
Best Nikon Z5 Memory Cards
Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB, V90, CL10, U3, Max R300MB/S, W299MB/S (SF-G128T/T1)
- Tough specs: world's first one-piece molded construction with high hardness materials have resulted in the world's highest level of Bend strength, 18 times greater than the SD standard
- Ribless, no write protection switch design: world's first ribless, no write protection switch design6 removed easy to break Parts, such as rib
Free shipping
Kingston 128G SDXC Canvas React Plus 300MB/s Read UHS-II, C10, U3, V90 Memory-Card (MLPR2/128GB)
- Ultimate speeds to support professional camera use — Transfer speeds up to 300MB/s and recording speeds of up to 260MB/s, this card is ideal for professional creators.
- UHS-II standard for reliable high-resolution photography and video recording — Capture 4K and 8K Ultra-HD high-speed shots and videos without dropping frames.
Delkin Devices 256GB Power SDXC UHS-II (V90) Memory Card (DDSDG2000256)
- Uninterrupted 8K, 4K, 3D, HDR, 360º & high-speed recording
- Specialized for Simultaneous Recording
- Read/Write speeds: 300/250 MB/s
- Uhs-ii Video Speed Class 90 (V90)
- Water/Shock/X-Ray Proof
Free shipping
Lexar Professional 1667x 256GB SDXC UHS-II Card, Up To 250MB/s Read, for Professional Photographer, Videographer, Enthusiast (LSD256CBNA1667)
- Get high-speed performance with UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 250MB/s (1667x)
- 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
Free shipping
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card - C10, U3, V90, 8K, 4K, Full HD Video, SD Card -...
- Tap into pro performance designed for professional and advanced photographers and videographers.
- Super-fast write speeds of up to 260MB/s help rapidly clear buffer time to support continuous burst mode shooting and cinema-quality video recording(2). Requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds.
Free shipping
1. SD Card using a Sony TOUGH-G V90 UHS-II Adapter
Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB, V90, CL10, U3, Max R300MB/S, W299MB/S (SF-G128T/T1)
- Tough specs: world's first one-piece molded construction with high hardness materials have resulted in the world's highest level of Bend strength, 18 times greater than the SD standard
- Ribless, no write protection switch design: world's first ribless, no write protection switch design6 removed easy to break Parts, such as rib
Free shipping
- The world’s first one-piece molded construction combined with high-hardness materials has led to the creation of…
- Ribless, no write protection switch design: the world’s first ribless, no write protection switch design6… ribless, no write protection switch design
These Sony cards are speedy, dependable, and can be found in a reasonable amount of places. In addition, Sony offers the SF-E and SF-M versions. The SF-G is the quickest of all (it has a red “G” on the card next to the storage capacity).
2. SD card with the designation of Canvas React Plus V90 UHS-II
Kingston 128G SDXC Canvas React Plus 300MB/s Read UHS-II, C10, U3, V90 Memory-Card (MLPR2/128GB)
- Ultimate speeds to support professional camera use — Transfer speeds up to 300MB/s and recording speeds of up to 260MB/s, this card is ideal for professional creators.
- UHS-II standard for reliable high-resolution photography and video recording — Capture 4K and 8K Ultra-HD high-speed shots and videos without dropping frames.
- Transfer speeds of up to 300 MB/s and recording speeds of up to…
- Standard UHS-II for dependable high-resolution still and video shooting and recording — Capture 4K and 8K…
Although Kingston is not as well-known as some of the other brands, the company has been producing memory cards that are dependable for a very long time. Memory cards that are dependable and offer a decent value tend to be the brand’s primary focus, rather than the most cutting-edge speeds available.
But that rule is broken by this particular card. It is, without a doubt, one of the quickest models in Kingston’s SD card array, and it holds the title of the fastest model. It comes in sizes ranging from 16 GB all the way up to 512 GB.
3. Delkin devises Power V90 UHS-II SD Card
Delkin Devices 256GB Power SDXC UHS-II (V90) Memory Card (DDSDG2000256)
- Uninterrupted 8K, 4K, 3D, HDR, 360º & high-speed recording
- Specialized for Simultaneous Recording
- Read/Write speeds: 300/250 MB/s
- Uhs-ii Video Speed Class 90 (V90)
- Water/Shock/X-Ray Proof
Free shipping
- Uninterrupted recording in 8K, 4K, 3D, HDR, 360 degrees, and at high speeds
- Designed specifically for recording in multiple locations at once
Although Delkin Devices has been in business for a number of years now, not too long ago the company decided to update its SD card product line in order to make it both more understandable and more competitive. Their Power Series is their most advanced and fastest offering. This card has a V90 rating and is compatible with UHS-II.
4. The Lexar Professional 1667x V60 UHS-II memory card
Lexar Professional 1667x 256GB SDXC UHS-II Card, Up To 250MB/s Read, for Professional Photographer, Videographer, Enthusiast (LSD256CBNA1667)
- Get high-speed performance with UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 250MB/s (1667x)
- 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
Free shipping
- Get high-speed performance with UHS-II technology (U3), which offers a read transfer speed of up to 250 megabytes per second (1667x)
- Using a DSLR, it is possible to take pictures of high quality and record extended periods of breathtaking 1080P full-HD, 3D, and 4K video…
This one, like the SanDisk Extreme Pro, really offers UHS-II, which you do not require with this camera; but, it is still a very good and trustworthy option to go with. It has a grade of V60 for the speed at which video can be recorded. It is available in capacities ranging up to 256 GB.
5. SanDisk Extreme Pro V90 UHS-II
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card - C10, U3, V90, 8K, 4K, Full HD Video, SD Card -...
- Tap into pro performance designed for professional and advanced photographers and videographers.
- Super-fast write speeds of up to 260MB/s help rapidly clear buffer time to support continuous burst mode shooting and cinema-quality video recording(2). Requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds.
Free shipping
- Gain access to the pro performance that is tailored to the needs of advanced and professional photographers and videographers.
- The incredibly quick write speeds of up to 260 MB/s* assist clear the buffer quickly, which is necessary for supporting continuous burst mode…
- The Extreme Pro line is SanDisk’s most premium product offering.
One important thing to keep in mind about SanDisk cards is that the company reuses a lot of its model names. This means that you can find Extreme cards that are of an earlier generation and run at a lower speed. In addition, there is another version of this card that is readily available, which adds to the confusion. It’s a UHS-II card, and the one I’m listing here is the one that has a transfer rate of V90 and is rated at 300 MB/s. There is also a UHS-I variety that has a speed rating of 170 MB/s that can be found.
