Learn more about memory cards

You are also intrested in the technology behind memory cards? Great! We will add more and more articles over time, ranging from our test procedure to SD card nomenclature like speed classes.

Online SD Card CID Decoder

What does CID mean? Every SD memory card has internal registers in which important metadata about the card is stored. For example, the serial number (PSN), date of manufacture (MDT) and also who actually produced the memory card is written in the unique CID or Card Identification Number. More precisely, there are two specifications for the producer: The Manufacturer ID (MID) and OEM/ODM/Application ID (OID). Both are only described with a two-di...

Our test procedure

We strive to cover the widest possible range of test samples and brands. However, in practice it is impossible to test all available memory cards and card readers. On the one hand, we decided not to test any noname products. In addition to the sometimes questionable legality of the corresponding offers (lack of VAT payments), there are major concerns about warranty services and the reproducibility of test results (other flash modules and control...

SSDs & SD cards for CinemaDNG with the Sigma fp (L)

The Sigma fp and fp L do not only stand out with their unique form factor. The ability to record RAW video internally in CinemaDNG format is also something you don't see every day. But CinemaDNG and Sigma's fp cameras are quite demanding. If you want to use the internal SD card slot, a maximum of Full HD with 12 bits per channel and 59.94 fps is possible. In 4K Ultra HD, you even have to settle for a maximum of 25 fps and 8 bit color depth, whic...

The Ultimate Guide: Format or erase memory cards? And how?

Should you format your (SD) memory card after every use? Do you risk defective pictures and broken videos if you delete data instead of formatting the memory card? And if you format, how and where? You see: A supposed trifle like deleting photos and videos from a memory card is hotly debated all over the internet - including a lot of hearsay and outdated technical background. We want to answer the most important questions and dispel some myths. ...

UHS-II: Camera list and short explanation

Even we who write about and work with SD memory cards almost daily sometimes having problems with keep track of all new standards and technologies. Below is a brief explanation on the subject of UHS-II and a list of system cameras (DSLR and DSLM) that have at least one UHS-II memory card slot. What is UHS-II basically? UHS stands for Ultra High Speed and is the name of a comprehensively defined interface for SD memory cards. The first revisio...