Best SD Cards For Leica Q3 43
Expert recommendations based on Leica Q3 specifications
Recommended Spec
SD UHS-II (V60 (V90 for ProRes) or faster)
The Leica Q3 records 8K/30 and 4K/60, including ProRes 422 HQ, to a single SD UHS-II slot. Use a V60 card, or V90 for ProRes and 8K.
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#1 Top Pick for Leica Q3
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Official Leica Q3 SD Card Requirements
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Format: SD UHS-II
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Minimum Speed: V60 (V90 for ProRes) (60 MB/s write)
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Maximum Capacity: No official limit
Why these requirements? The Q3 has a 60MP sensor and records 8K/30, 4K/60 and 1080p/120, with ProRes 422 HQ in some modes. Its single SD UHS-II slot has no backup. A V60 card covers stills and most video; buy V90 for ProRes.
Detailed Specifications
Type
SD UHS-II
Min Speed Class
V60 (V90 for ProRes)
Write Speed
60 MB/s
Recommended Size
128GB, 256GB
Max Capacity
No official limit (512GB tested)
Top SD Card Recommendations
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| SD Card | Verified | Speed Class | Write Speed | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II
|
V90 | Up to 260 MB/s |
|
$$ Check Price | |
Lexar Professional 1667x SD
Full Review
|
V60 | Up to 120 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
Sony TOUGH G-Series SD
Full Review
|
V90 | Up to 299 MB/s |
|
$$ Check Price |
Compare These Cards
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professional
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SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II
$$ · Premium- UHS RatingUHS-II
- Speed ClassV90
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 300 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 260 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- V90 UHS-II card for high-bitrate video and fast bursts.
Cons
- High cost per GB.
recommended
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Lexar Professional 1667x SD
$ · Mid-Range- UHS RatingUHS-II
- Speed ClassV60
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 250 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 120 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Pros
- Low-cost way into UHS-II SD.
Cons
- V60
- not V90. Too slow for All-Intra 4K.
professional
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Sony TOUGH G-Series SD
$$ · Premium- UHS RatingUHS-II
- Speed ClassV90
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 300 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 299 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Pros
- One-piece molded body rated for drops
- water and bending. Writes up to 299 MB/s.
Cons
- Expensive.
Lexar Professional 1667x SD
The Lexar Professional 1667x Silver is a V60 UHS-II SD card that reads up to 250 MB/s and writes up to 120 MB/s. It covers most 4K modes and clears bursts faster than UHS-I, but All-Intra video needs V90.
Target User:
Content creators with a tight budget, amateur videographers
Best For:
Action Cameras, Smartphones & Tablets, Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras
For more demanding professionals, consider upgrading to a faster UHS-II SD card. In comparison, other popular options like SanDisk Extreme may offer slight speed improvements but at a higher cost. If budget is not a concern, the faster speed may be worth the investment, but for those on a tighter budget, Lexar Professional 1667x Silver SD provides a cost-effective solution.
Sony TOUGH G-Series SD
The Sony TOUGH G-Series is a V90 UHS-II SD card that reads up to 300 MB/s and writes up to 299 MB/s. Its one-piece molded body has no ribs or write-protect switch to break, and it is rated for drops, water and bending.
Target User:
High-end camera users and professionals in rugged environments
Best For:
Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Action Cameras
For users looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the Lexar Professional SD card or the Delkin Devices Power SD card, which offer similar performance but at a lower price point.
Featured Products on Amazon
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Kingston Canvas Go Plus 128GB microSD Card | Up to 200MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U3, V30, A2 | SDCG4/128GB
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Kingston 128GB Canvas Select Plus microSD Card | Up to 150MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U1, V10, A1 | SDCS3/128GB
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Frequently Asked Questions
What SD Card Do I Need for Leica Q3?
The Leica Q3 takes a SD UHS-II card rated V60 (V90 for ProRes) or faster. 128GB or 256GB covers most owners, and the maximum is No official limit. Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
Does the Leica Q3 shoot 8K video?
Yes, 8K/30. It also records 4K/60 and ProRes 422 HQ. Use a V90 UHS-II card for ProRes.
Is the Leica Q3 worth its price?
For street and travel photographers who want a fixed 28mm f/1.7, many think so. For cards, budget for a fast UHS-II card, since there's only one slot.
Is V60 required for Leica Q3?
Yes. V60 guarantees 60 MB/s of sustained write, which keeps the Leica Q3 free of dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Faster cards work too.
What size SD card should I get for Leica Q3?
128GB covers light use; 256GB suits heavy use. Maximum capacity: No official limit (512GB confirmed working).
Can I use older or slower cards with Leica Q3?
Not below V60 (V90 for ProRes). Slower cards cause dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Check the card label for the V60 (V90 for ProRes) mark.
Do I need a UHS-II card for Leica Q3?
No, but it helps. The Leica Q3 has a UHS-II slot, so UHS-II cards write and offload faster. UHS-I cards work at UHS-I speed.
Should I use more than one card with Leica Q3?
For long shoots, yes. Two mid-size cards cost about the same as one large card, and a failure then loses half your files instead of all of them.
Does the brand matter for Leica Q3?
Yes. SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung and Kingston cards meet their rated speeds. Buy from the brand's store or a major retailer: counterfeit cards sold under those names are common on marketplaces.
What happens if I use the wrong card with Leica Q3?
A card slower than V60 (V90 for ProRes) causes dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. A card over the maximum capacity or in the wrong format may not be recognized.
How long will an SD card last in Leica Q3?
Several years in normal use. Cards usually fail from wear or counterfeit flash, not age. Replace yours at the first write error, corrupted file or "card not recognized" message.