The Nikon D3400 features a single memory card slot compatible with both SDHC and SDXC cards. These card types are excellent choices, providing sufficient storage space at a reasonable price.
This article will guide you through the best memory cards for the D3400, covering their specs, and general recommendations of how to choose the best SD card for Nikon D3400.
7 Best Nikon D3400 Memory Cards
The camera is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, including those SDHC and SDXC cards that support UHS-I standards.
For video recording, cards rated at UHS Speed Class 3 or higher are advised to avoid interruptions during recording; slower cards might lead to disruptions in your footage.
This is the list of the best 7 SD cards that I recommend for the Nikon D3400:
SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I Memory Card 170MB/s
- 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 is both affordable and delivers exceptional performance, with read speeds of up to 170 MB/s and write speeds of up to 90 MB/s, ranking it as the fastest option on our list. These speeds are more than sufficient for the D3400, rendering this SD card a versatile choice for both rapid-fire photography and 4K video recording. Available capacities include 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
For professionals capturing high-speed sports or action-packed events, this SD card stands out as an optimal solution, guaranteeing consistent, frame-drop-free performance.
Lexar Professional 633x UHS-I
No products found.
More affordable than the previous model, the Lexar Professional 633x offers impressive read speeds of up to 170 MB/s! While its write speed is a solid 60 MB/s, it doesn’t quite match the SanDisk’s 90 MB/s. However, this slight difference in write speed is unlikely to be significant for the D3400, given that the DSLR is not exceptionally fast in burst mode or 4K recording.
Lexar includes a code to download their Imaging Rescue software, ensuring you’re covered in case of accidental data loss. Available in a variety of capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, this card is a versatile choice for photographers.
Transcend TS64GSDC500S-E UHS-I U3
- 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
The Transcend TS64GSDC500S-E SD Card stands out as one of the most budget-friendly picks in our selection! Yet, this doesn’t imply a sacrifice in functionality or performance. With read speeds reaching up to 95 MB/s and write speeds peaking at 60 MB/s, it offers reliable performance. This card is available in sizes ranging from 16GB to 256GB.
You will also have access to Transcend’s complimentary image recovery software, RecoveRx, which is quite effective in many situations.
Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I (V30)
- 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...
The Delkin Devices Advantage SD card, featuring a V30 rating and a UHS-I interface, boasts read/write speeds of 100/80 MB/s, supporting both 4K and Full HD 1080p video recording at elevated frame rates. Available capacities range from 8GB to 512GB.
This card stands out as an excellent selection due to its remarkable reliability and resilience, being water, shock, and X-ray proof.
PNY Elite Performance UHS-I (V30)
- Class 10 U3 V30 speed rating with read speeds up to 100MB/s
- Class 10 U3 V30 rating delivers speed and performance for burst mode HD photography...
- Ideal for photography and videography enthusiasts and for recording and transferring...
While PNY may not be the most recognized name in the market, they produce exceptionally high-quality memory cards that offer excellent value for money. Boasting read speeds of up to 100MB/s, these cards are perfectly suited for photography and videography enthusiasts. The V30 speed rating ensures top-notch speed and performance for burst mode HD photography and 4K Ultra HD videography, making it an ideal match for your D4500.
The PNY Elite Performance is a robust SD Card designed to be magnet-proof, shock-proof, temperature-proof, and waterproof, offering durability in various conditions. Available capacities range from 64GB to 512GB.
SanDisk Extreme V30 UHS-I SD Card
- Shot speeds up to 70MB/s, transfer speeds up to 150MB/s requires compatible devices...
- Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video(1) and sequential burst mode photography (1)Full HD...
- Capture uninterrupted video with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30...
A standout choice on the list is the SanDisk Extreme UHS-I SD Card, widely favored for good reasons. Recognized as the most sought-after microSD card, it stands out as an exceptional option for the Nikon D3400, offering remarkable write speeds up to 70 MB/s and read speeds reaching 150 MB/s. These speeds facilitate seamless Full HD and 4K video recording, along with raw and burst mode photography, ensuring no moment is missed.
Available in capacities from 32GB to 1TB, the SanDisk Extreme SD Card is perfect for capturing high-speed sports and action-packed scenes. It’s also built to last, being temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and x-ray-proof, providing comprehensive protection for your valuable data.
Sony Class 10 UHS-1/U3 SD Card
- 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...
Sony is renowned for its premium quality memory cards, and the Sony Class 10 UHS-1/U3 SD Card lives up to this reputation. Designed to support continuous shooting with DSLRs such as the Nikon D3300, it features a rapid transfer speed of up to 94 MB/s and a write speed of up to 70 MB/s. This card is a top pick for photography aficionados and seasoned photographers aiming to seize moments in real-time. Thanks to its U3 speed class rating, it ensures a minimum write speed of 30 MB/s, ideal for capturing fast-paced action.
Available in sizes ranging from 8GB to 256GB, the Sony Class 10 UHS-1/U3 SD Card is slightly harder to find compared to other brands. However, for those seeking a dependable and high-performing memory card for the Nikon D3400, this card is a strong contender worth considering.
Memory Card Specs For Nikon D3400
Here are 2 main characteristics you should have in min when choosing an SD card for Nikon D3400:
Capacity
The D3400 is compatible with both SDHC and SDXC cards, allowing you to utilize a card of any storage capacity available on the market. Currently, the most popular sizes are 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Feel free to use a 512GB SDXC card if you need substantial storage.
For a balance of practicality and value, 256GB or 128GB are optimal choices at present.
Speed
UHS-I denotes Ultra High-Speed Bus technology, which facilitates the communication between the camera and the card. There are two standards, UHS-I and UHS-II, with UHS-I being commonly mislabelled as UHS-1.
While a UHS-II card can be used, it won’t enhance performance in this camera. UHS-I is fully adequate for the D3400.
U3 represents the speed class rating designed for 4K video recording with a minimum sustained capture rate of 30MB/s. Other common video speed ratings include C10 (Class 10) and U1.
For video recording, cards rated U1 or U3 are recommended due to their ability to maintain a steady data write speed. For still photography, a U1-rated card is also a suitable option.
What is The Best Memory Card for Nikon D3400 DSLR?
If speed tops your list of priorities and you’re willing to invest a bit more for superior quality, the SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I Card is a must-have. It stands out as the leading and most favored SD card for DSLRs broadly. For those seeking more budget-friendly alternatives without sacrificing quality, Transcend, Delkin, and PNY offer excellent choices.
While any SD card from the recommended list will function well with the D3400, it’s crucial to avoid low-cost, inferior memory cards. Substandard cards can hinder your DSLR’s performance or, in the worst-case scenario, result in the loss of your photographs due to card failure.
Thanks for reading!
If you found this article useful, please share it on social media with your family and friends! Another GoPro enthusiast like you is surely going to benefit from it 🙂