The Nikon D3200 is a perfect beginner DSLR camera, it’s a few generations old now, and compared to the newer models, it doesn’t place particularly high demands on the memory card. This means finding a memory card that performs well with the D3200 is straightforward.

In this article, you’ll get detailed information on the specifications of SD cards that are compatible with this camera, as well as a list of the Top 7 SD cards for the Nikon D3200.

 

7 TOP Nikon D3200 MemoryCards 


Let’s take look at the 7 best SD memory cards for Nikon D2300.

SanDisk Ultra U1 UHS-I

  • Brand: SanDisk
  • Speed Class: UHS-I (U1), Class 10, V30
  • Maximum Read Speed: 150MB/s
  • Maximum Write Speed: 104MB/s
  • Storage Capacity: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
SPECIAL SALE
SanDisk 128GB Ultra SDXC UHS-I Memory Card - Up to 140MB/s, C10, U1, Full HD, SD Card - SDSDUNB-128G-GN6IN
  • Great choice for compact to mid-range point-and-shoot cameras
  • Quick transfer speeds up to 140MB/s (Up to 140MB/s read speed engineered with...
  • Up to 128GB to store tons of pictures (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage...

The SanDisk Ultra series represents their affordable mid-tier selection. Recent iterations of the Ultra cards offer significantly faster performance than their predecessors, making them a solid choice for cameras with moderate SD card requirements. For those seeking an upgrade, the Extreme series provides enhanced performance, though the Ultra cards typically come at a slightly lower price point. Find the comparison between Sandisk Extreme and Sandisk Ultra>>>

SanDisk has a practice of reusing model names, so be aware that older, slower versions of Ultra cards are still on the market. The latest Ultra card version boasts a U1 rating for video recording and operates with a UHS-I interface, accommodating storage capacities from 64GB to 512GB. These cards are widely available in retail outlets.

SanDisk Extreme UHS-I SD Card

  • Brand: SanDisk
  • Speed Class: UHS-I (U3), Class 10, V30
  • Maximum Read Speed: 150MB/s
  • Maximum Write Speed: 70MB/s
  • Storage Capacity: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, 1TB
SPECIAL SALE
SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to 160MB/s, C10, U3, V30, 4K, A2, Micro SD - SDSQXA1-128G-GN6MA
  • Up to 160MB/s read speeds to save time transferring high res images and 4K UHD videos...
  • Up to 90MB/s write speeds for fast shooting; Requires compatible devices capable of...
  • 4K UHD and Full HD Ready with UHS speed class 3 (U3) and video speed class 30 (V30)

This selection holds a special place on my list! The SanDisk Extreme UHS-I SD Card is widely recognized as the top microSD card on the market, and for good reason. It’s an excellent match for the Nikon D3300, offering impressive write speeds up to 70 MB/s and read speeds up to 150 MB/s. Such performance allows for seamless capture of Full HD and 4K videos, alongside raw and burst mode photography with your DSLR.

The SanDisk Extreme SD Card comes in a variety of sizes, including 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, and 1TB, making it suitable for documenting high-speed sports and dynamic activities. Moreover, it’s designed to withstand various conditions, being temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof.

Lexar Professional 633x UHS-I

  • Brand: Lexar
  • Speed Class: UHS-I (U3), Class 10, V30
  • Maximum Read Speed: 170MB/s
  • Maximum Write Speed: 60MB/s
  • Storage Capacity: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Lexar High-Performance 633x 128GB microSDXC UHS-I Card with SD Adapter, C10, U3, V30, A1, Full-HD & 4K Video, Up To 100MB/s Read, for Smartphones, Tablets, and Action Cameras (LSDMI128BBNL633A)
  • Premium memory solution for smartphones, tablets, or action cameras
  • Quickly captures, plays back, and transfers media files, including 1080p full-HD, 3D,...
  • Leverages UHS-I technology for a transfer speed up to 95MB/s

More affordable than the previously mentioned model, the Lexar Professional 633x offers competitive read speeds of up to 170 MB/s, with commendable write speeds around 60 MB/s. The 633x series has been a staple in Lexar’s lineup for some time. Lexar provides a code to download their Imaging Rescue software, ensuring your valuable photos are safeguarded against accidental loss.

The Lexar Professional 633x SD card is available in a wide range of capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Transcend TS64GSDC500S-E UHS-I U3

  • Brand: Transcend
  • Speed Class: UHS-I (U3), Class 10, V30
  • Maximum Read Speed: 95MB/s
  • Maximum Write Speed: 60MB/s
  • Storage Capacity: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
SPECIAL SALE
Transcend TS64GSDC500S-E 64GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 U3 V30 MLC Memory Card
  • Compliant with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and UHS Video Speed Class 30 (V30) standards
  • Up to 256GB storage capacity
  • Up to 95 MB/s read; 60 MB/s write

This SD card from Transcend stands out as one of the most budget-friendly choices on our list, yet without sacrificing speed or features. The Transcend TS64GSDC500S-E SD Card boasts a read speed of up to 95 MB/s and a write speed of up to 60MB/s. Available sizes range from 16GB to 256GB.

Moreover, purchasers have the opportunity to download Transcend’s complimentary image recovery software, RecoveRx, which proves to be highly effective in many scenarios.

Sony Class 10 UHS-1/U3 SD Card

  • Brand: Sony
  • Speed Class: UHS-I (U3), Class 10, V30
  • Maximum Read Speed: 94MB/s
  • Maximum Write Speed: 70MB/s
  • Storage Capacity: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Sony 128GB Class 10 UHS-1/U3 SDXC up to 94MB/s Memory Card (SFG1UX2/TQ)
  • Up to 94 MB/s transfer speed and up to 70MB/s write speed
  • Designed for the photographer /videographer who requires 4K video shooting, high...
  • File Rescue downloadable software helps recover photos and videos that have been...

It’s hardly a revelation that Sony memory cards excel in quality, and the Sony Class 10 UHS-1/U3 SD Card stands as proof. This high-speed card is tailor-made for DSLR continuous shooting, like with the Nikon D3200, offering transfer speeds up to 94 MB/s and write speeds up to 70MB/s. It’s crafted for photography enthusiasts and seasoned shooters aiming to seize moments instantly. The card’s U3 speed class rating ensures write speeds never fall below 30 MB/s, marking it as a superb selection.

The card is offered in storage capacities of 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. A slight downside is its availability, which might not match that of other brands.

Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I (V30) SD Card

  • Brand: Delkin Devices
  • Speed Class: Class 10
  • Maximum Read Speed: 100MB/s
  • Maximum Write Speed: 80MB/s
  • Storage Capacity: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Delkin Devices 128GB Advantage SDXC Memory Card UHS-I (U3/V30) - High Speed SD Card 128GB for Cameras | Memory Cards for Cameras with 4K UHD, Full HD, Shock/Water/X-Ray Proof
  • Unmatched Speed: Achieve impressive data transfer rates up to 100MB/s read and 80MB/s...
  • Optimized for Professionals: Designed with professional photographers and...
  • Reliable Performance: Certified with Video Speed Class V30 for a minimum sustained...

Delkin Devices, a longstanding player in the market, has recently seen a revival by streamlining their product range and enhancing their cards’ performance to meet contemporary standards. The Delkin Devices Advantage SD card, boasting a V30 rating and a UHS-I interface, delivers read/write speeds of 100/80 MB/s, supporting 4K and Full HD 1080p video recording at elevated frame rates. Available storage options span from 8GB to 512GB.

This card stands out as a reliable option, offering resilience against water, shock, and X-rays.

SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I SD Card 170MB/s

  • Brand: SanDisk
  • Speed Class: UHS-I (U3), Class 10, V30
  • Maximum Read Speed: 170MB/s
  • Maximum Write Speed: 90MB/s
  • Storage Capacity: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
[Older Version] SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Card - C10, U3, V30, 4K UHD, SD Card - SDSDXXY-128G-GN4IN
  • This version has been discontinued by manufacturer
  • Shot speeds up to 90MB/s, transfer speeds up to 170MB/s [requires a compatible device...
  • Based on internal testing; Performance may be lower depending upon host device,...

The SanDisk Extreme Pro delivers impressive read (up to 170 MB/s) and write speeds (up to 90 MB/s), surpassing the requirements of the Nikon D3200 and rendering this SD card suitable for all uses, from burst mode photography to 4K video recording. Available in sizes ranging from 32GB to 1TB, it offers plenty of storage options.

This SD card is perfectly suited for professionals capturing extreme sports and high-speed activities, ensuring reliable performance that keeps up with the action without missing a frame.

 

Nikon D3200 Memory Card Specs 


For the D3200, it’s advisable to use SDHC or SDXC cards. SDHC cards range from 4GB to 32GB, while SDXC cards start at 64GB and go up. Given the D3200’s capability to capture images over 24 MP, opting for at least a 32GB card will provide more storage flexibility. The best choice would be 128GB memory card.

For video recording, it’s essential to use a card rated class 10 or higher to ensure the camera can write data quickly enough to prevent video recording interruptions. 

When shooting videos, it’s crucial to have a fast SD card. This is due to the high volume of data your camera needs to quickly write to the card during video recording. If your card isn’t quick enough to handle this data flow, the recording will halt.

nikon d3200 sd card

Can the Nikon D3200 Use a 256GB (or Larger) SD Card?

Nikon formally recommends using SD cards up to 128GB for the D3300.

Formatting Your Nikon D3200 SD Card Within the Camera

Follow these steps to format the SD card in your Nikon D3200:

  • Navigate to the Menu.
  • Use the Down arrow to go to the Setup menu.
  • Within the Setup Menu, scroll to the Format Memory Card option, select Yes, and press OK.

After formatting, the screen will display the message ‘Folder Contains No Images’.

To free up space on the SD card for new projects or to fix issues with the card, you might need to format it using software. Learn how to format your Memory Card with software here!

 

Which Memory Card To Choose?


If you’re aiming for an SD card that ranks at the pinnacle and is highly recommended by Nikon, the SanDisk Extreme or SanDisk Ultra should be your choices. These cards are the elite and most favored options for DSLRs across the board. For those in search of more budget-friendly SD cards, Transcend and Kingston offer excellent alternatives. Despite their lower price points, these cards do not skimp on quality or performance.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

If you found which Nikon D3200 Memory Card to buy, share this article on social media with your family and friends! Another GoPro enthusiast like you is surely going to benefit from it 🙂


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