Best Memory Cards for Nikon D780

Looking for the best memory cards for Nikon D780? Here is our full list of top recommended SD cards for Nikon D780 DSLR Camera.

The Nikon D780 sets a new benchmark in DSLR performance, vastly improving upon the capabilities of the D750 by incorporating the newest technology and some of the popular features seen in the Z series, making it powerful and versatile enough to capture anything from fast-action sports to beautifully detailed night skies. Featuring a 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor and the latest EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine, the Nikon D780 (AmazonB&HAdorama) is capable of up to 7 fps continuous shooting with the optical viewfinder or 12 fps in silent live view mode, and UHD 4K video recording up to 30 fps as well as full HD 1080p video recording at up to 120p, along with integrated N-Log Gamma and HLG settings for refined color control. The much-anticipated Nikon D780 delivers the most sought-after features to give enthusiasts and professionals an agile camera for capturing high-resolution photos and 4K UHD video with the added benefit of fast, accurate phase detect autofocusing.

Want to get the best memory cards for the Nikon D780? In this post, we are going to go through absolutely everything you need to know before buying the best memory card for the Nikon D780.

First off… What kind of memory card do you need?

Before buying a memory card, make sure it complies with your Nikon D780 camera. This is what Nikon D780 requires:

  • Memory Card Slot: 2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • Memory Card Type: SD Card
  • Memory Card Speed: UHS-II
  • Recommended Capacity: 64GB-512GB (SD/SDHC/SDXC)

So, the Nikon D780 has two SD memory cards slots that both support UHS-II standard for fast read/write speeds and enable more flexible file storage, such as overflow recording and in-camera file duplication. That means you can take full advantage of the write speeds and read speeds of UHS-II cards to get the best out of your Nikon D780 camera.

Why Do You Need a High-Speed SD Card?

Not every memory card will work well with your Nikon D780 camera. If the card is too slow, you may have to wait longer for the buffer to clear or end up with recording errors and loose all your footage. So, buying a fast card is always worth it:

  • Fast write speed provides fast buffer clearing time between burst shots optimizing your shooting experience.
  • Fast read speed can let large files such as 4K video or a bunch of high-resolution images by continuous shooting transfer to PC in seconds.

Reminder: if you plan to shoot videos, stick to 64GB (or larger) cards for the best video codex.

So, what’s the best SD card for Nikon D780?

The Nikon D780 supports up to 7 fps burst shooting and UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p video recording. This requires a fast SD card at least U3 or V30 (writing speed of 30MB/s). UHS stands for “Ultra High Speed”. The chart below can help you figure out what speed class you need for each video format.

Graphic via SD Association

Best SD Memory Cards for Nikon D780

If you just want something that works without getting bogged down in technical terminology, check out the highest-rated and top-recommended SD cards for Nikon Z30. All of these are great picks, and if you’d like more specific advice, look no further!

  1. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD Card (V90)
  2. PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90)
  3. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II Card (V90)
  4. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Card (V90)
  5. ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)
  6. Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)
  7. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)
  8. ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)

1. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)

  • Video Speed Class: V90
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 260 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)

We’ve tested a range of memory cards and concluded that the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD card is the ideal choice for use with the Nikon D780, whether you’re shooting stills or recording videos. Not only does it offer unbeatable speed and buffer performance, but it’s also almost 40% cheaper and comes in a whopping 256GB capacity. And if that’s not enough, you’ll also benefit from a limited lifetime warranty, along with temperature protection from -13 to 185°F. If you want a lightning-fast, trustworthy and wallet-friendly UHS-II SD card for your camera, the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SD Card is your ideal solution!

Buy Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC Card at AmazonB&HAdorama.

2. PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90)

  • Video Speed Class: V90
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 280 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)

If the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II SDXC cards are out of stock, or if you’re looking for something new, then the PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90) is an excellent alternative. Our tests have shown that it performs just as well as the Kingston Canvas React Plus, yet it offers a slightly better value for those seeking super-fast UHS-II SD cards.

Buy PNY X-PRO 90 UHS-II SD Card (V90) at AmazonB&HAdorama.

3. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II Card (300 MB/s, V90)

 

  • UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 299 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB

When speed and reliability are what you’re looking for, the Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SD Card (V90) is the way to go. It’s designed with a rugged exterior that’s shock, dust, X-ray, magnet and anti-static proof and can withstand drops up to 16.4′ / 5m and 72 hours of immersion in water. Plus, it’s resistant to UV light and temperature extremes from -13 to 185°F. The only downside is the slightly hefty price tag, but with a card that’s sure to never fail you and save you a lot of trouble, it’s worth the investment. If finances are of no concern, by all means, go for it!

Buy Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II SDXC Cards at AmazonB&HAdorama.

4. SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Card (V90)

 

  • UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max. Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max. Write Speed: 260 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB

The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-II card is a top pick for those seeking UHS-II SD cards. From capturing flawless RAW images and continuous shutter bursts to recording stellar 8K, 4K, and Full HD video, it is the perfect companion for creative visionaries. Furthermore, it’s x-ray, shock and water-resistant, and comes with a lifetime limited warranty – that’s a guarantee of superior performance!

Buy SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II SD Cards at AmazonB&HAdorama.

5. ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90)

 

  • UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 250 MB/s
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

In our tests, the ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V90) excelled, making it a fantastic option for those seeking to record 6K, 5K, 4K, UHD 4K, and high bit rate MPEG-4 video, as well as capturing raw images and rapid-fire bursts. In addition, its 512GB capacity offers an unbeatable benefit for all types of shooters.

Buy ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card at AmazonB&HAdorama.

6. Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card V90)

 

  • UHS-II / V90 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 300 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 250 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB

Delkin Devices’ UHS-II SD card is a fantastic bargain, boasting read speeds of up to 300 MB/s and write speeds of 250 MB/s. Delkin cards are renowned for their reliability, and to top it off, are supported by a lifetime warranty, and a 48-hour replacement promise. An amazing deal, for sure!

Buy Delkin Devices Power UHS-II SDXC Card at AmazonB&HAdorama.

7. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)

  • UHS-II / V60 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 277 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 150 MB/s

If you require the highest storage capacity without going over budget, you could save some money by buying a slower V60 memory card – it will still cater to all the Nikon D780’s bitrate needs, just like the Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Card.

Buy Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II SDXC Memory Card at AmazonB&HAdorama.

8. ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60)

This budget-friendly ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60) offers more than just savings – its rugged design makes it able to withstand temperatures from -13 to 185°F, is X-ray proof and shockproof, and comes with a limited 3-year warranty!

Buy ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC Card (V60) at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Read more: Best Lenses for Nikon D780.