Whether you are new to photography or an experienced one, it goes without saying that a good SD card can make a lot of difference in your performance. Even though both Ultra and Extreme are the products of Sandisk, and carry the same technology, there are performance variances. And before you just pick out the cheaper between the two, it is vital to gauge your needs and choose accordingly. The last thing you would want is a compromise in the quality of your work or even overpaying for something you do not even need.
There are lots of SD cards available in the market and your confusion is totally understandable. Before you lose your wits over this confusion and end up buying the wrong SD card, read on to know which one between the Ultra and Extreme would be a better choice for you. If you are specifically looking for Sandisk products, hopefully, this article will assuage some of that confusion.
Sandisk Ultra features
The Sandisk Ultra was first marketed are for people who use midrange and compact digital cameras. It provides you the freedom to capture videos, photographs, and memories as and when they happen. First launched in 2013 and marketed as the best SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) in the market, it provides a transfer speed of 80MB/s.
The storage capacity does not disappoint as well. The range of storage capacity varies from 16GB to 128GB with a video recording capacity of about 1080p. Thus, it gives you the freedom to shoot as much as you want before you even start worrying about the storage. Also, if you do not like to offload the memory cards often, you can go for a higher storage capacity and save yourself from that trouble.
Next, Sandisk also claims that their Ultra cards are water, and temperature resistant. The Ultra cards also come with the 10 years limited warranty period.
Sandisk Extreme features
The Extreme memory cards marketed by Sandisk are a notch up than their Ultra cards. As the name suggests, you get many exceptional features with this card and one of them is its brilliant speed. You get a transfer speed of up to 150MB/s.
This card lets you shoot photos in the burst mode and therefore you do not have to compromise with the speed even while shooting. The uninterrupted shooting may allow you to capture one of the many shots that you would miss with a regular SD card. This card also allows you to record video in 4k (Ultra High Definition) or UHD. Thus, it is perfect for professional photographers or those who want to venture out in photography with a serious passion.
The storage capacity ranges from 16GB to 256GB. So again, with the Extreme card, you do not have to worry about the storage capacity. You can cover as many shots and videos as you want before worrying about the storage. The Extreme cards are also temperature-proof, shock-proof, water-proof, and x-ray-proof and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
One exceptional feature that you get with this memory card is the option of recovery. The card comes with an in-built software- RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery card. You can download this software and never worry about the shots you accidentally end up deleting or those which somehow go corrupt.
Sandisk Ultra vs. Extreme: Which one to opt for?
Now that we have laid out the features, you might wonder which one of the two is more suitable for you. The answer is simple: it depends. Like any device, the SD card that meets your needs more is the one you should go for. It is never advisable to invest in something that you cannot even utilize to the fullest. If you do not plan to record videos in 4K resolution or are simply looking for a memory card for your midrange digital camera then an Ultra card would be more suitable for your needs.
But if you want a memory card for swift shooting and are looking for a memory card for your DSLRs then you should go for the Sandisk Extreme card. This card allows you to shoot more than 5 photos per second and is consequently better for professional photography.
On the other hand, if you want a memory card simply for your smartphones then it goes without saying that you should go for the Ultra card. This will not only be a cheaper option but will also be enough for your music, photos, and videos on your phones.
Another thing you might want to consider is the storage capacity you are looking for. If you are someone who hates to back up their photos and videos every now and then, then you should go for the Extreme card, as they come with a greater storage capacity range. Also, you get the option of recovering your photos so it gives you peace of mind, that your pictures or videos are safe.
Before making the final decision also make sure to check the data requirements of the device you are planning to put the SD card into. If your card is under-power, it can lead to corruption of your photos and videos.
Conclusion
Photographs and videos are more than just a hobby, they carry meanings and memories. And therefore it is important to select the right memory card for your device. Hopefully, this article will help you make the right decision.
