The key distinction between the participants of the Sandisk Ultra vs Extreme showdown is their video recording functionality. Ultra SD cards deliver their best performance when recording footage in 1080p while Extreme products can even support 4K recording, which is unattainable for Ultra cards since they don’t offer the necessary write or read speeds.
SanDisk Extreme is the next-level version of SanDisk Ultra. It offers increased read and write speeds while also being powerful enough to support smooth 4K video recording. Despite such a significant difference between SanDisk Ultra and Extreme, both models are suitable for enthusiast-to-professional grade cameras that are used for photography and videography.
This SD card was designed for recording and transferring bigger files at higher speeds. Regardless of whether you're taking RAW photos in burst mode or capturing 4K footage, SanDisk Extreme offers the performance necessary to guarantee top-tier results.
Extreme SD cards are sold in both regular SD and micro-SD variants, hence why they can be used with DSLRs, mirrorless and action cameras, smartphones, etc.
SD cards come in one of 5 capacities: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
Meanwhile, Micro-SD Extreme memory cards are available in 7 capacity options, allowing you to store 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, or 1TB of data.
Recommended models: SanDisk 128GB Ultra SDXC UHS-I, SanDisk 400GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I
SanDisk Ultra is a series of SD cards for DSLR cameras that was created primarily with beginner and enthusiast photographers in mind who use their phones or entry/intermediate-grade cameras.
Such a design philosophy is supported by the fact that Ultra SD cards don't offer high enough speeds to handle the resolution provided by pro-grade cameras. That said, if you're a part of the target audience for this memory card, it's a fantastic option to consider.
SanDisk Ultra memory cards were given a speed rating of Class 10 (UHS-1). As such, these cards offer a minimum continuous writing speed of a mere 10MB/s.
As is evident from everything that was mentioned previously, SanDisk Ultra cards aren’t a good choice for recording videos. While they are suitable for recording footage in Full-HD resolution, the provided framerate still leaves quite a bit to be desired.
If your goal is to record 4K footage or Full-HD videos at high framerates, I suggest going with the Extreme series. As for the read speed, Ultra SD cards can achieve a maximum of 120MB/s.
The Ultra series is available as both SD cards and as MicroSD cards, allowing you to find a suitable model regardless of your device. Regular SD cards can have a capacity of 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB.
Ultra Micro-SD cards offer a slightly higher number of options with different capacities, allowing you to pick between 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 200GB, 256GB, 400GB, and 512GB.
The larger number of options stems from the fact that Micro-SD cards aren’t just meant for cameras, but phones and gaming devices as well.
Recommended models: SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I, SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB SDHC UHS-I
The Extreme series is the clear winner in the SanDisk Extreme vs Ultra battle when it comes to technical specs. It offers superior read and write speeds that are high enough to support smooth 4K video recording and high-speed burst modes.
That said, while Extreme memory cards are a clear step up from the Ultra series they're still a level below SanDisk's premium SD cards, which are a part of the Extreme Pro series.
SanDisk Extreme offers a read speed of up to 150MB/s (SDXC). It also boasts a V30 rating, meaning it can provide a continuous minimum writing speed of 30MB/s. As such, these cards are some of the most interesting options out there for users interested in SDHC cards that are capable of recording 4K/UHD footage.
The write speed is capped at about 70MB/s, which is high enough for smooth 4K video recording and more than enough for any RAW continuous shooting mode.
SanDisk Extreme cards are sold in regular SD and micro-SD variants, which is why they can be used with DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, action cameras, smartphones, and gaming gadgets.
Regular SD cards are available in 5 capacities: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
Meanwhile, micro-SD Extreme cards let you pick between 7 capacities including 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Pro Tip: If your camera allows you to slot in two memory cards, set the second SD card as a backup for the main one. This might slightly hurt the camera’s performance and you won’t be able to take as many photos/videos, but this way you can rest assured that all your data will be preserved. It’s also recommended to have a field backup system in the shape of a portable SDD that you can use for storing your videos and photos until you get back home.
The Extreme series relies on Ultra DMA technology that lets it double the speed offered by Ultra-series cards. Typically, SanDisk Extreme products cost more than Ultra ones but that also is highly dependent on the chosen capacity.
Both SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro memory cards represent the best the industry has to offer. The former series is better suited for pro-grade cameras and HD camcorders while the latter is the optimal choice for action cameras and 4K recording.
SanDisk Extreme, Extreme Pro, Extreme Plus, Ultra, and Ultra Plus are all fantastic options. The choice between them should depend exclusively on your current needs and budget.
