5 Best SD Cards for Trail Cameras

This article will look at a variety of the best SD cards to use with trail cameras.

I’ve spent years both using camera equipment and traversing the great outdoors. The experience from those activities allowed me to conduct in-depth reviews of the below items through both extensive research and discussions with people who used them first hand.

The Samsung EVO Select gets my top pick for trail camera SD cards because of its versatile construction and tough, all-weather build.

Where many cards are only good in calm environments, this model has a ton of memory and is able to withstand plenty of extreme conditions. It also can switch between different sizes through an adapter, and stores plenty of media with its 128GB storage.

If you’re curious in a deeper look at the model, or at any of the other best trail camera SD cards, I break down their traits, uses, and specific characteristics below.

Top SD Cards for Trail Cameras

This section studies each top trail camera SD card and goes over their different uses in ample detail.

1. Samsung EVO Select 128GB

• Best for: Overall
• Key Features: 128GB storage capacity. Included adapter that changes it to standard or micro size. Exceptional durability. 4-proof protection.
• Memory Storage Capacity: 128GB
• Flash Memory Type: Micro SDXC
• Secure Digital Association Speed Class: 10

Equipped with 128GB of memory, this Samsung card delivers everything you could want when it comes to storing your trail camera media. It’s an incredibly reliable item that’s widely compatible thanks to the included adapter that lets it switch from standard to micro size.

Another reason this works so well for trail cameras is the 4-proof protection. This card isn’t just tough, it’s able to withstand water, extreme temperatures, x-rays, and magnets. Add on the 10-year limited warranty and you have a tough card that will be around for a long time.

While the card works well, it is not perfect. It can heat up or run hot if you use it with a lot of heavy files, and it can be prone to bugs from time to time. However, those are far and few between. If you want a card that’s rugged and well-rounded, this is the way to go.

2. SanDisk Ultra 

• Best for: Power
• Key Features: Fast transfer speeds. Supports full HD video. Ample storage space. Water and temperature resistant.
• Memory Storage Capacity: 32 GB 
• Flash Memory Type: SDHC
• Secure Digital Association Speed Class: 10

If you need a strong card that can keep ample amounts of pictures and full HD video, this model is for you. It has quick transfer speeds, excellent full HD video storage, and can hold a lot of pictures. If you want to get a lot of use out of your trail camera, this card will be able to handle it.

The write speed is also lightning fast and the 10-year manufacturer warranty adds on some extra protection. It’s resistant to water and able to handle shifts in temperature, two qualities that make it perfect for cameras sitting out on the trail for extended periods of time.

The only true downside here is that the card doesn’t come with a case. Some people also think that using it is a bit time-consuming, but that’s mitigated by all of the other great features it brings to the table. A perfect choice if your goal is to get a higher-end option that can write quickly.

3. Lexar Professional

• Best for: Versatility
• Key Features: Multiple capacity options and works with different resolutions. Class 10 performance. Extremely fast transfer speed. Wide temperature range.
• Memory Storage Capacity: 32GB to 1TB
• Flash Memory Type: SDXC
• Secure Digital Association Speed Class: 10

If options are what you want, the Lexar Professional is the trail camera SD card for you. The handy item offers a wide range of capacities, going from the small 32GB all the way up to 1TB. No matter how much space you need, you’ll be able to find it with this model. 

The other reason this works so well for trail cameras is that it’s compatible with many resolution and video modes, including 1080p, full HD, 3D, and 4k. It also has a wide temperature range, giving it the ability to be used outside, as well as exceptional 10 speed.

If there’s a drawback to this model it’s the write speed. While the read and transfer speeds are both quick, the write time doesn’t quite stack up. Some users may also see compatibility issues when trying to use it with older devices. If you use new ones, however, you’ll be fine.

4. Netac Micro

• Best for: Durability
• Key Features: Class 10 speed. Extremely durable. Heat, shock, x-ray, and temperature proof. 100 MB/s transfer speed. 90 MB/s read speed.
• Memory Storage Capacity: 128GB
• Flash Memory Type: Micro SDXC
• Secure Digital Association Speed Class: 10

All of the cards on my list are tough, but none are as durable as the Netac Micro. This SD card is all about strength, and that shows through the multi-proof design. This can handle water, shocks, x-rays, and just about any temperature you could possibly encounter.

However, the device is more than the strong shell. You also get a fast read (90 MB/s) and transfer speed (100 MB/s) as well as hours of HD video recording. 

This card does come with a few formatting difficulties from time to time. It also doesn’t have the compatibility you’ll find in similar cards. However, if it does work with your trail camera you’re getting an excellent model with a lot of impressive specs you can take just about anywhere.

5. Kingston Canvas

• Best for: Video
• Key Features: Ample storage options. Tough construction that’s able to withstand the elements. Lifetime warranty. Great compatibility. 80MB/s write and 10MB/s read speed.
• Memory Storage Capacity: 16GB to 128GB
• Flash Memory Type: SD
• Secure Digital Association Speed Class: 10

Available in a range of capacities, the Kingston Canvas is a strong card that gives you a lot of choices so you only have to purchase the memory that you plan to use. It also writes with speeds of up to 80MB/s and reads at speeds of 10MB/s, offering you plenty of speed.

As with the other top trail camera cards, this model is also quite sturdy. It’s water resistant and can withstand both shocks and vibrations. There’s even an included lifetime warranty for some extra peace of mind. The class 10 performance is quick and powerful as well.

If this card has one weakness, it’s hot temperatures. Though it does fine in wet and cold environments, you’ll likely want something else if you plan to use your game trail in scorching regions. It also won’t last as long as some other premium models, but it’s still worth the price.

How to Choose a SD Card for Trail Cameras

Be on the lookout for these traits when finding a good SD card for your trail camera.

Capacity

First, try to find a card with ample capacity. Almost every trail camera accepts cards with a storage of at least 32GB, but you can go much higher (512GB) with a lot of different choices. Pay attention to what your camera is able to handle before making your final purchase.

Also know that, while you may be able to hold a ton of space, you don’t necessarily need it. The general rule to follow is that a standard card will hold roughly 350 photos for every GB. Use that as your baseline and get a card with the capacity you’ll use.

Size

No matter what camera you have, SD cards come in three sizes of Standard, Mini, and Micro. Standard, as the name suggests, is the most basic size, and that’s what you’ll find most game trail cameras use. Fundamentally, there’s no difference between the three other than size.

Every card will have the same storage capacity and speed classification at every level. Just be sure to get the right size for your trail camera. If that’s not an option, or if you want extra versatility, you also can get a special adapter that will help a smaller card fit into larger slots.

Durability

When dealing with a trail camera you need equipment that can last outside in different types of weather. Choose a card that’s tough and weather resistant in some way. Waterproof cards are extremely useful, as are ones that can take on both low temperatures and extreme heat.

Also be on the lookout for cards that are either x-ray, vibration, shock, or crushproof. Those features give you an extra layer of durability that will make your card resistant to any bumps or dings. You don’t want to drop or accidentally step on your card and have it break.

My Verdict

The Samsung EVO Select is my choice for the best trail camera SD card. That’s because it has a range of powerful internal specs, but also a slew of characteristics perfect for use out in nature. It’s incredibly durable, water-resistant, and can hold plenty of media without issue.

It also has a lot of versatility through the included adapter and comes with fast write speeds. If you’re looking for a general SD card that does well in a range of environments, few models will be able to match the Select’s power or performance.