How Many Images Can My Memory Card Hold?

Many photographers are interested in the question of how many pictures can 32GB hold. Compact and standard DSLR cameras commonly produce JPEG images. Further, you will see a table that contains approximate calculations so that you can imagine the possible number of pictures on your memory card.

This chart includes information on the approximate number of images on the SD card. All calculations were given for images shot in uncompressed RAW format.

The first chart shows the number of images that a memory card of different sizes can hold. So if you need to know how many pics does 16GB hold, look down.

Compressed JPEGs (100% quality), pictures per card:

Megapixels File size (MB) 16GB 32GB 64GB 12GB
4MP 1.2 11444 22888 45776 91552
5MP 1.5 9155 18310 36620 73240
6MP 1.8 7629 15258 30516 61032
7MP 2.1 6539 13078 26156 52312
8MP 2.4 5722 11444 22888 45776
10MP 3 4577 9155 18310 36620
12MP 3.6 3814 7629 15258 30516
14MP 4.2 3269 6539 13078 26156
16MP 4.8 2861 5722 11444 22888
22MP 6.6 2080 4161 8322 16644

Uncompressed RAW photos (24 bits per pixel), pictures per card:

Megapixels File size (MB) 16GB 32GB 64GB 128GB
4MP 12 71 2288 4576 9152
5MP 15 57 1831 3662 7324
6MP 18 47 1525 3050 6100
7MP 21 40 1307 2614 5228
8MP 24 35 1144 2288 4576
10MP 30 28 915 1830 3660
12MP 36 23 762 1524 3048
14MP 42 20 653 1306 2612
16MP 48 17 572 1144 2288
22MP 66 13 416 832 1664

JPEG 100% Quality means JPEG compression without visual losses. It has a 1:10 ratio of the RAW image.

1. SanDisk Extreme PRO

Built for and tested in harsh conditions
sandisk sd memory card

Card type: SDXC | Capacity: 256 GB | Read Speed: Up to 90MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 170MB/s | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

rank rank Rating

⊕ Stunning transfer speeds
⊕ Solid build
⊖ Compatibility is limited

This is a great memory card for storing your creative photos. It offers UHS speed Class 3 (U3) recording and shot speeds of up to 90MB/s. With these capabilities, you can record impressive high-res, stutter-free 4K UHD footage.

The high data transfer rate (170MB/s) is another plus of this SD card as it allows you to quickly switch to enhancing your images. What's more, SanDisk Extreme PRO has excellent protection against shock, weather, and other annoyances, so you can rest assured that your data is safe in all conditions. Moreover, you can prolong its service life by selecting the best SD card holder and transporting your card in it.

2. Lexar Professional

High-speed performance
lexar professional sd card

Card type: microSDXC | Capacity: 32 - 128 Gb | Read Speed: Up to 300MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 260MB/s | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

rank rank Rating

⊕ Speedy and efficient
⊕ Doesn’t have a lifetime warranty
⊖ Expensive

These SD memory cards have an amazing read transfer speed up to 2000x (300MB/s). You can quickly capture and transfer high-quality pictures and videos in a variety of formats including 1080p Full-HD, 3D, and 4K.

To ensure the best performance, the manufacturers used UHS-II technology UHS Speed Class 3 (U3). You get an SD UHS-II card reader along with the memory card. Thanks to speedy transfer features, you can quickly start editing your pictures. This will greatly speed up your workflow and give you more time to take photos.

Want to know how many pics does 16GB hold? Check the chart above to be sure your Lexar Professional memory card is good enough for the upcoming shooting.

3. Sony TOUGH-G

Waterproof & dustproof
sony sd card

Card type: SDXC | Capacity: 64 GB | Read Speed: Up to 300 MB/s | Write Speed: Up to 299 MB/s | Warranty: Manufacturer’s

rank rank Rating

⊕ Ribless
⊕ Rigid design
⊕ Watertight
⊖ Not for all devices

Sony did a good job on the design of this UHS-II SD card. It has a monolithic structure and well-protected housing. There is no empty space, so dust and water are unlikely to get inside and damage your data.

This memory card is water-, dust-, and shockproof. It can withstand 180 of Newtons force and lie in the water for 72 hours at a depth of 15 feet without getting damaged. The likelihood of data loss is also reduced thanks to the exclusive ribless design.

Since your content may have been lost due to a fall or loss of the write protection switch, the manufacturer doesn’t use this switch in these cards.

Image Name Features  
sandisk extreme pro sd card
SanDisk Extreme PRO
Our Choice
  • Card type: SDXC
  • Capacity: 256 GB
  • Read Speed: Up to 90 MB/s
  • Write Speed: Up to 170 MB/s
CHECK PRICE
lexar professional sd card
Lexar Professional
High-speed performance
  • Card type: microSDXC
  • Capacity: 32 - 128 GB
  • Read Speed: Up to 300 MB/s
  • Write Speed: Up to 260 MB/s
CHECK PRICE
sony tough g sd card
Sony TOUGH-G
Waterproof & dustproof
  • Card type: SDXC
  • Capacity: 64 GB
  • Read Speed: Up to 300 MB/s
  • Write Speed: Up to 299 MB/s
CHECK PRICE

FAQ

  • • What brand has the best SD cards?

The most reliable manufactures are SanDisk, Lexar, and Sony.

  • • How long can I use micro SD cards?

Typically, it can last 10 to 15 years. If you keep the chip package in a very dry environment, you can use it even longer.

  • • Can SD Cards lose data?

As a rule, modern SD cards have data management in the controller chip. Thanks to this, you may not worry about data loss from the memory card as long as the chip is powered or it is not worn out.

  • • What are the different types of SD cards available in the market?

There are three main types of SD cards available in the market: SD (Secure Digital), SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity), and SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity). These types differ in terms of their storage capacity, with SD cards having a maximum capacity of 2GB, SDHC cards ranging from 4GB to 32GB, and SDXC cards offering capacities starting from 64GB up to several terabytes.

  • • How does the speed class rating of an SD card affect its performance?

The speed class rating of an SD card indicates its minimum sustained write speed, which is crucial for tasks like recording high-resolution video or capturing burst shots. Higher speed class ratings, such as Class 10, UHS-I, or UHS-II, generally offer faster data transfer rates and ensure smoother performance, particularly in devices that require quick data writing and reading capabilities.

  • • How do you safely eject an SD card from a device to prevent data loss or corruption?

To safely eject an SD card from a device and prevent data loss or corruption, it is important to follow these steps:

First, ensure that any ongoing read/write operations involving the SD card have been completed or terminated. Then, use the appropriate software or system feature to safely eject or unmount the SD card before physically removing it from the device to ensure all data has been properly saved and written.

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