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Nikon Coolpix S3100 SD card requirements

Best SD Card for Nikon Coolpix S3100

Expert recommendations based on Nikon Coolpix S3100 specifications

Recommended Spec

SD/SDHC/SDXC (Class 6 recommended for movies or faster)

The Coolpix S3100 records 720p video. Nikon recommends Class 6 or faster SD cards for movies.

Official Nikon Coolpix S3100 SD Card Requirements

  • Format: SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • Minimum Speed: Class 6 recommended for movies
  • Maximum Capacity: Up to 64GB (SDXC)
Why these requirements? The S3100 predates UHS cards. Nikon's manual lists SD Speed Class only, so a UHS card runs at standard speed. A Class 6 or faster card handles its 720p video.

Detailed Specifications

Type
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Min Speed Class
Class 6 recommended for movies
Write Speed
N/A
Recommended Size
8GB, 32GB
Max Capacity
64GB (SDXC)

Top SD Card Recommendations

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SD Card Verified Speed Class Write Speed Pros Price
SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I C10 SD card - 20USD
SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I
Full Review
C10 Up to 40 MB/s
  • Cheap and reliable for photos and 1080p.
$ Check Price
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus SD V30 SD card - 45USD
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus SD
V30 Up to 90 MB/s
  • Fast UHS-I SD card with 90 MB/s writes.
$ Check Price

Compare These Cards

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See how the recommended cards for Nikon Coolpix S3100 stack up side by side, or swap in any other card.

budget
SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I

SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I

$ · Budget
  • UHS RatingUHS-I
  • Speed ClassC10
  • App PerformanceN/A
  • Read SpeedUp to 120 MB/s
  • Write SpeedUp to 40 MB/s
  • EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Pros

  • Cheap and reliable for photos and 1080p.

Cons

  • Not V30 rated. Not for 4K video.
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recommended
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus SD

Kingston Canvas Go! Plus SD

$ · Mid-Range
  • UHS RatingUHS-I
  • Speed ClassV30
  • App PerformanceN/A
  • Read SpeedUp to 170 MB/s
  • Write SpeedUp to 90 MB/s
  • EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Pros

  • Fast UHS-I SD card with 90 MB/s writes.

Cons

  • Easy to confuse with Kingston's Canvas React line.
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SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I

The SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I reads up to 120 MB/s and writes up to 40 MB/s. It is a Class 10 card for photos and 1080p video; it is not V30 rated, so skip it for 4K.

Target User: Budget-conscious photographers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts
Best For: Smartphones & Tablets, Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras

Consider the Lexar Professional instead for slightly faster speeds, or the PNY Elite for a similar performance at a slightly higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SD Card Do I Need for Nikon Coolpix S3100?
The Nikon Coolpix S3100 takes a SD/SDHC/SDXC card rated Class 6 recommended for movies or faster. 8GB or 32GB covers most owners, and the maximum is 64GB (SDXC). Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
Does a UHS card help in the Coolpix S3100?
No. The camera predates UHS, so UHS cards run at standard SD speed. Any Class 6 or faster card works.
Is Class 6 recommended for movies required for Nikon Coolpix S3100?
Yes. Class 6 recommended for movies is the minimum that keeps the Nikon Coolpix S3100 free of dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Faster cards work too.
What size SD card should I get for Nikon Coolpix S3100?
8GB covers light use; 32GB suits heavy use. The maximum is 64GB (SDXC).
Can I use older or slower cards with Nikon Coolpix S3100?
Not below Class 6 recommended for movies. Slower cards cause dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Check the card label for the Class 6 recommended for movies mark.
Does the brand matter for Nikon Coolpix S3100?
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 Nikon Coolpix S3100?
A card slower than Class 6 recommended for movies 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 Nikon Coolpix S3100?
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.

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