Testing a new SD card helps establish whether it works reliably without causing data loss or errors in your camera. Samsung recently released the new SDXC PRO Ultimate Card with a card reader. Here is a step-by-step guide to testing SD-card quality, together with our results for the Samsung SDXC PRO Ultimate Card.
Step-by-step guide
1. Check the card specifications
Check whether the SD card meets the requirements of your camera. This means checking the card's capacity (e.g. 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB), speed class (e.g. Class 10, UHS Class 1, UHS Class 3), and compatibility with your camera model.
The new SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-II V60 SDXC Memory Card (200 MB/s) is available in 64/128/256/512 GB capacities with a Samsung memory-card reader.
PRO Ultimate underwent compatibility testing with more than 1,100 devices, including DSLR and mirrorless cameras and camcorders. Because an SDXC card can be used in virtually any device it is important that the host device recognizes it and can read from and write to it successfully.
2. Format the SD card
Before using the SD card for the first time, it is a good practice to format it in the camera. This ensures it is properly prepared for use and removes any existing data or formatting issues.
3. Take test photos or videos
Take a series of test photos or videos with your camera. Use different recording modes, resolutions and file formats to ensure the SD card can handle different scenarios.
Samsung PRO Ultimate is designed for energy efficiency. Its new controller improves both efficiency and reliability. The card supports video recording with DSLR and mirrorless cameras and camcorders, and is also useful in compact portable devices where frequent charging is impractical.
4. Check for write speed
Take multiple continuous shots in burst mode (if the camera supports it) to see if the card can write data quickly without slowing down. This is important for capturing fast-paced action scenes or high-resolution video.
- Editorial note: We tested burst mode with a Fujifilm GFX 100S shooting 5 frames per second. Even though this Samsung card is very fast, 100 MB files at 5 frames per second will eventually fill the camera buffer despite the card’s maximum write speed of 130 MB/s. On this camera, the buffer filled after 25 frames and shooting then had to pause briefly.
The Samsung PRO Ultimate card offers best-in-class speed within the UHS-I interface that enables fast transfer of a large number of files with its high performance. The Samsung PRO Ultimate card is built with reliable and advanced Samsung V-NAND flash memory to achieve fast speeds.
- Editorial note: Using the Samsung PRO Ultimate card reader in a PC USB 3.0 port, we reached—and slightly exceeded—the stated write speed of 130 MB/s. The Samsung reader matters: our own card reader reached 85 MB/s.
5. Assessment
After you take test photos or videos, view them on the camera's LCD screen. Make sure there are no corrupted images or videos. Pay attention to any error messages that may appear.
6. Transfer data to a computer
Transfer the test photos and videos to a computer to check file integrity. Verify that all files are accessible, open without errors and play smoothly. Look for signs of corruption.
- Editorial note: During our test, the Samsung PRO Ultimate card reader easily reached the stated read speed of 200 MB/s. Importing a 32 GB shoot would therefore take about 2 minutes.
7. Run additional speed tests
You can also use benchmarking tools or software to test the SD card read and write speeds. This can help determine if the card meets the specified speed ratings. Various free and paid tools are available for this.
8. Repeat the tests
It is a good idea to repeat the tests a few times to ensure consistency. Sometimes problems may not be immediately apparent, and repeated testing can help identify any sporadic problems.
Compared with the previous EVO Plus series, Samsung PRO Ultimate uses an improved ECC (Error Correction Code) engine that increases the correction block from 1 KB to 2 KB (LDPC). The 2 KB engine can correct errors that the 1 KB engine cannot, doubling its correction capability.
A larger correction block can require a larger, more expensive controller chip and more power. Samsung addresses this with a finer manufacturing process and firmware optimization, improving reliability while reducing power consumption.
9. Monitor over time
After you determine that the SD card performs well on the initial tests, you can continue to repeat the tests regularly and monitor performance over time. So check occasionally for signs of damage or problems.
The SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-II V60 SDXC Memory Card is designed to withstand harsh conditions with protection against multiple factors such as water, x-rays, magnet, temperature, drops, abrasion and shock. Samsung PRO Ultimate can withstand harsher conditions (in seawater depths of 2 meters) than previous models and competitor products. A ten-year limited warranty is provided.
10. Back up your data
No matter how well your SD card initially performs, back up your data regularly to avoid data loss in case of unexpected problems.
11. Contact customer service
If you experience any issues during testing or if the SD card does not perform as expected, you may still consider contacting the manufacturer's customer service for assistance or to inquire about a warranty replacement, if applicable.
Finally
Keep in mind that not all SD cards are created equal and some may perform better than others even within the same class. It is often worth investing in high quality, reputable brands, such as Samsung, to ensure reliability when using SD cards in your camera and your card reader.
To obtain accurate and consistent SD-card write-speed results, also consider factors such as computer speed, file type, fragmentation, software and drivers, and the age of the card. Optimize the test environment as much as possible.
