Best SD Cards For Nikon Z5
Expert recommendations based on Nikon Z5 II specifications
Recommended Spec
Dual SD UHS-II (V60 (V90 recommended for N-RAW) or faster)
The Z5 II keeps the original Z5's dual UHS-II SD slots but adds the Expeed 7 processor, 30 fps bursts and 4K/60.
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#1 Top Pick for Nikon Z5 II
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Official Nikon Z5 II SD Card Requirements
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Format: Dual SD UHS-II
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Minimum Speed: V60 (V90 recommended for N-RAW) (60 MB/s write)
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Maximum Capacity: No official limit (512GB tested)
Why these requirements? The Z5 II keeps the original Z5's dual UHS-II SD slots but adds the Expeed 7 processor, 30 fps bursts and 4K/60. It is also the first Nikon Z that records 12-bit N-RAW internally to an SD card rather than needing CFexpress. N-RAW is the mode that decides your card: it writes several times the data of H.265, so Nikon points to V90 UHS-II cards for it. For H.265 4K/60, N-Log and stills, a V60 card clears the buffer fast enough and costs much less. Buy V60 unless you plan to shoot N-RAW.
Detailed Specifications
Type
Dual SD UHS-II
Min Speed Class
V60 (V90 recommended for N-RAW)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lexar Professional 1667x SD
Full Review
|
V60 | Up to 120 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II
|
V90 | Up to 260 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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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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SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II
$$ · Premium- UHS RatingUHS-II
- Speed ClassV90
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 300 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 260 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- V90 UHS-II card for high-bitrate video and fast bursts.
Cons
- High cost per GB.
professional
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Sony TOUGH G-Series SD
$$ · 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.
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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 Nikon Z5 II?
The Nikon Z5 II takes a Dual SD UHS-II card rated V60 (V90 recommended for N-RAW) or faster. 128GB or 256GB covers most owners, and the maximum is No official limit (512GB tested). Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
Do I need a V90 card for the Nikon Z5 II?
Only for N-RAW. Internal 12-bit N-RAW is the one mode that pushes past V60. For 4K/60 H.265, N-Log and 30 fps bursts, a V60 UHS-II card is enough.
Will my cards from the original Z5 work in the Z5 II?
Yes. Both have dual UHS-II SD slots. The Z5 II's faster bursts and 4K/60 benefit from V60 or better, but any card that worked in the Z5 still works here.
Is V60 required for Nikon Z5 II?
Yes. V60 guarantees 60 MB/s of sustained write, which keeps the Nikon Z5 II free of dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Faster cards work too.
What size SD card should I get for Nikon Z5 II?
128GB covers light use; 256GB suits heavy use. Maximum capacity: No official limit (512GB tested).
Can I use older or slower cards with Nikon Z5 II?
Not below V60 (V90 recommended for N-RAW). Slower cards cause dropped frames, clips that stop early, or corrupted files. Check the card label for the V60 (V90 recommended for N-RAW) mark.
Do I need a UHS-II card for Nikon Z5 II?
No, but it helps. The Nikon Z5 II 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 Nikon Z5 II?
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 Nikon Z5 II?
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 Z5 II?
A card slower than V60 (V90 recommended for N-RAW) 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 Z5 II?
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.