SanDisk Announces Extreme PRO SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Memory Cards

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Billed as the world's fastest SD cards, these new memory cards use the latest high-performance SD specification, UHS-II, to offer up to 250MB/s write speeds for continuous burst-mode shooting and transfer speeds up to 280MB/s for optimized workflows. The cards are UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) enabled for sustained video capture of 30MB/s, making them suitable for 4K, 3D, and high-bitrate Full HD video capture. SanDisk has also announced a new UHS-II card reader/writer for quick transfers via a USB 3.0 interface.

Available in 16, 32, and 64GB capacities, the new SD cards arrive at the perfect time to take full advantage of the capabilities of the next generation of high-end DSLR, mirrorless, and professional video cameras. With write speeds up to 250MB/s, you can handle the fastest full-resolution burst-mode shooting of RAW and JPEG images. As it currently stands, Fujifilm's X-T1 is the only camera that is UHS-II compatible, but that will surely change in the near future.

When you look at the cards, you'll notice a new pin layout to support the UHS-II bus interface. While the typical row of SD card pin connections are still present, there is now a second row of pins used exclusively to read and write UHS-II signals. The first row of connectors is still used for normal speed, high speed, and UHS-I signals, meaning the cards are backwards compatible with all SDHC/SDXC host devices, albeit without UHS-II performance.

"SanDisk Extreme PRO memory cards are built to meet high durability standards, are operable in temperatures from -13 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty."

When it comes to video, the cards support the highest level SD card standard—UHS Speed Class 3 (U3). This shouldn't be confused with "pre-UHS" speed classes such as Speed Class 2, 4, 6, and 10. UHS, or Ultra High Speed Classes are designed only for UHS devices, and indicate the minimum writing speed for continuous video recording. UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) delivers a minimum write speed of 10MB/s, which is equivalent to non-UHS Speed Class 10.

UHS Speed Class 3 (U3), as supported by the SanDisk Extreme PRO cards, has a minimum continuous write speed of 30MB/s (or 240Mbps), which is more than capable of handling 4K video. And because this speed class is operable under the UHS-I bus interface as well, you should get that full performance when recording video with UHS-I Speed Class 3 compatible cameras, such as the Panasonic GH4.

SanDisk Extreme PRO memory cards are built to meet high durability standards, are operable in temperatures from -13 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. The cards also come with an offer for a one-year subscription to RescuePRO Deluxe media recovery software, which helps you recover photos and videos that have been accidentally deleted.

To facilitate transferring UHS-II files from your SD card to your computer, SanDisk has also announced the Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Reader/Writer. Featuring a USB 3.0 interface, the card reader supports transfer performance of up to 500MB/s, and is backward compatible with all of your current SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

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Hi am from Panasonic India want to purchase memory card in bulk qty pls let me know the price

Hi Krishna -

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There are errors in this article as well as errors on the SanDisk labeling. Extreme Pro does not support speeds of 280MB/s as laballed  on cards, its 280Mb/s (notice the small b) 280Mbps / 8 = 35MB/sec - there are 8 bits to a byte and 8bytes ... the letter B and b has confused the world over when even manufacturers are labeling their cards incorrectly.

I believe a sustained rate of around 30MB/s and if it is 280MB/s that would surely be just for a short bust of a few seconds.

The Nikon D600 will support one, or two SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards. It does not support Compact Flash cards.

James, you are sneaking around the question! Does the Nikon D600 support the "new pin layout to support the UHS-II bus interface"? and now you are at it, which newer Nikon cameras supports this layout? I would love to know if my D800 can utilize the speed.

The D600, D610, D800, D810 are UHS-I compliant. The cameras are not UHS-II compliant, and do not have the second row of pins. Please note that the SDXC spec is backwards compatible, and UHS-II cards will work without any issues in UHS-I devices.

what speed will it work on? not 280MB/S but what speed will I get using it in my Canon 80D?

The Canon 80D is UHS-I compliant. With the correct card, the camera would provide speeds in the  Max Read Speed: 95 MB, Max. Write Speed: 90 MB/s range. 

Will these cards work with the D600?