What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Sometimes—but it depends on the camera. A few models can save a limited number of images to built-in memory; others need a compatible memory card to record anything. A shutter firing does not prove a photo was saved: some cameras can release the shutter with an empty slot and record no image.
What happens when you take a photo with no card?
There is no universal behavior. Check the exact camera model’s manual or manufacturer support page for terms such as “internal memory,” “recording media” or “slot empty release.” The distinction is whether the camera can release its shutter and whether it actually stores an image.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A model with internal memory: Sony DSC-W830
Sony’s DSC-W830 Help Guide says, “You can record images on internal memory when there is no memory card inserted in the camera.” The guide specifies approximately 27 MB of internal memory for this model, not for cameras generally. It also says the DSC-W830 cannot record movies at its listed 1280×720 Fine or Standard settings without a card. Sony DSC-W830 Help Guide: Using internal memory
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsA model that requires a card: Canon support example
A Canon support answer updated October 19, 2018 says the camera it covers has no internal memory and cannot save images without a card; it also says a card is not included. The answer does not identify the camera model, so it should not be treated as a rule for every Canon camera. Canon Support: camera memory-card information
#1 Best Overall
- Fast for better pictures and Full HD video. Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors
- Great choice for compact to mid-range point-and-shoot cameras
- From 32GB to 256GB(1) to store tons of pictures and even more Full HD video(2). (1)1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes Actual user storage less
- Exceptional video recording performance with UHS Speed Class 1 (U1)(5) and Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p)(2). (5)UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) designates a performance option to support real time video recording with UHS enabled host devices
- Quick transfer speeds up to 100MB/s. Up to 100MB/s[64GB-256GB; 90MB/s for 32GB] read speed; write speed lower Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
Shutter release without recording: Nikon setting
Nikon describes a “Slot empty release” setting for the models covered by its instructions. When enabled, the shutter can release without a card, but no picture is recorded. Nikon says a card is required for recording on those covered cameras; its SD/SDHC/SDXC guidance applies only to cameras that use those card types. Nikon Support: slot-empty release and memory cards
How to check your own camera
- Find the exact model name. Check the label on the camera or its menu, then search the manufacturer’s manual or support site for that model.
- Look for the recording-media instructions. Find out whether the model has internal memory, requires a card, or supports only specific image or video settings without one.
- Interpret the warning correctly. If the camera refuses to shoot or displays a no-card warning, consult the manual for its card and slot requirements. If the shutter fires, check whether the model has a slot-empty release setting before assuming an image was saved.
- Verify where images are stored. Review playback or the manual’s instructions for locating internal-memory images; a shutter sound alone is not confirmation that a file exists.
Can you retrieve photos already stored in internal memory?
Transfer steps vary by camera. For the DSC-W830, Sony documents importing images to a computer over USB or copying them to a memory card with enough free capacity. Do not assume the same process works on another model; follow that camera’s instructions. Sony DSC-W830 Help Guide: Using internal memory
Rank #2
- Great choice for compact to mid-range point-and-shoot cameras
- Quick transfer speeds up to 150MB/s (Up to 150MB/s read speed engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 256GB to store tons of pictures (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Exceptional video recording performance with UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p) (UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) designates a performance option designed to support real time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. See consumers speed page on SanDisk site. Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors. Visit the SanDisk Video Knowledge Base for more information.)
- Compatible with SanDisk SD UHS-I card reader (sold separately)
What to check before buying a memory card
Use the exact model’s specifications to match the card format, maximum supported capacity and speed requirement. “SD” is not universal: Nikon’s cited note concerns only cameras that use SD-family cards, and the examples here do not establish a suitable card for an unidentified camera. Check the manual before buying rather than assuming any card will fit or work.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Save time with card offload speeds of up to 200MB/s powered by SanDisk QuickFlow Technology (Up to 200MB/s read speeds, engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, require compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. X = 150KB/sec. SanDisk QuickFlow Technology is only available for 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacities. 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD to achieve maximum speeds (sold separately)
- Shot speeds up to 90MB/s (Write speed up to 90MB/s. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. X = 150KB/sec.)
- Perfect for shooting 4K UHD video and sequential burst mode photography (Full HD (1920x1080) and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors. See HD page on SanDisk site.)
- UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) (UHS Speed Class 3 designates a performance option designed to support 4K UHD video recording with enabled UHS host devices. UHS Video Speed Class 30 (V30), sustained video capture rate of 30MB/s, designates a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. See the SD Association’s official website.)
Rank #3
- Brand: Sandisk
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
