The Nikon Z5II uses SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards in either of its two slots, and Nikon supports both UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards. For everyday stills, choose a supported card with enough capacity for your shooting routine. For video, Nikon recommends UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or faster; for in-camera 12-bit N-RAW, choose an SDXC card rated V90 or faster and confirm the exact card and capacity against Nikon’s compatibility list.
What memory cards work in the Nikon Z5II?
The camera has two SD card slots and accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC media. Nikon’s Reference Guide says UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards are supported. Nikon’s specifications describe SDHC and SDXC cards as UHS-II compliant. Check the exact card’s compatibility when choosing a model for a demanding recording mode, rather than assuming that a bus label alone guarantees suitability. Nikon Z5II specifications; Nikon Z5II Reference Guide: Approved Memory Cards
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Choose by what you plan to record
Still photography and general use
For stills and ordinary use, a supported SD card is the basic requirement. Pick capacity according to how long you shoot between transfers and whether you want a card in both slots. Nikon does not identify one capacity or brand as best for every photographer.
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Nikon recommends UHS Speed Class 3 or better for video recording and playback. A slower card may cause recording or playback to stop. For demanding combinations of frame size and frame rate, follow the card-speed guidance for that specific mode in Nikon’s guide. Nikon Z5II Reference Guide: Approved Memory Cards
#1 Best Overall
- Bundle Includes: (1) 256 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I memory card and (1) Everything But Stromboli MicroSDXC & SD card reader
- Large Storage Capacity: Holds thousands of high-quality images and long-format 4K video sessions
- High Transfer Speed: Features read speeds up to 200 MB/s; supports quicker file management and editing workflows
- Performance Focused: Write speeds up to 90 MB/s; ideal for burst mode, time-lapse, and high-resolution video recording
- Field-Ready Build: Engineered for durability; withstands water, temperature shifts, and physical impact
12-bit N-RAW (NEV)
For in-camera 12-bit N-RAW recording, Nikon recommends a V90 card. Use SDXC: Nikon says cards of 32 GB or less cannot record N-RAW. Its 2025 compatibility guidance lists SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC cards with a minimum write speed of 260 MB/s and V90 or faster, and Nextorage NX-F2PRO SDXC cards with a minimum write speed of 299 MB/s and V90 or faster. These are Nikon’s listed compatibility combinations, not comparative test results. Confirm the exact series and capacity on Nikon Support’s Z5II memory-card compatibility page before buying; the listing may change. Nikon Z5II Reference Guide: Approved Memory Cards
How to compare cards before buying
Use these checks in order, especially if you plan to record video:
Rank #2
- Bundle Includes: (1) 64 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I memory card and (1) Everything But Stromboli MicroSD & SD card reader
- Fast Read Speeds: Supports read speeds up to 170 MB/s; ideal for quick photo transfers and 4K video playback
- Reliable Performance: Built to withstand harsh conditions; resistant to shock, water, and extreme temperatures
- High-Speed Write Capability: Write speeds up to 90 MB/s; supports continuous burst mode and full HD video recording
- Versatile Storage: Provides ample space for high-resolution images, RAW files, and video clips
- Confirm mode compatibility. Check whether the card is suitable for your intended recording mode; N-RAW has specific V90 and SDXC requirements.
- Check capacity. For N-RAW, avoid cards of 32 GB or less and verify the specific capacity against Nikon’s list.
- Read the speed class and write-speed rating. A UHS-I or UHS-II label identifies the interface class, but it does not by itself establish that the card meets a particular recording mode’s speed requirements. Consider the rated write speed and speed class, not just advertised peak read speed.
- Verify the exact card listing. Nikon’s compatibility article names SanDisk Extreme PRO, Extreme PLUS, and Ultra PLUS; Lexar GOLD and SILVER; and Nextorage NX-F2PRO series, with supported capacities. For N-RAW, follow the specific listed series, capacities, speed class, and write-speed requirements.
- Decide whether you need one card or two. Your slot setup determines whether to buy a second card; capacity and price per capacity are personal considerations, not a Nikon recommendation.
What the Z5II’s two slots let you do
Nikon says the two slots can be configured for overflow or backup, or to separate NEF (RAW) files from JPEG or HEIF. You can also record duplicate JPEG or HEIF files at different sizes or quality settings, and copy pictures between cards. If you intend to use backup, put a suitable card in each slot and deliberately set the slot roles before relying on the second copy. Nikon Z5II specifications
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Best Value
- CAPTURE LARGER THAN LIFE. Unlock 4K UHD(3) brilliance and pristine high res stills with video speed class ratings of U3 and V30(4).
- SPEED BARRIERS SHATTERED. Save precious moments with blazing read speeds up to 250MB/s(2) and write speeds up to 170MB/s(2) [256GB-1TB capacities(1)].
- MAXIMIZE WITH MASSIVE CAPACITY. Capture for longer and store more with up to 2TB(1) of storage that can hold up to 2,808 minutes of 4K UHD video recorded at 30 fps (641MB/minute)(9).
- DEFY THE ELEMENTS. Unrelentingly resilient, Sandisk SD memory cards are engineered to perform in extreme conditions, despite rough handling and constant use.(6)
- CONTENT MANAGEMENT, SIMPLIFIED. Back up, organize, and transfer everything easily with the Sandisk Memory Zone desktop app,(7) whether you use an SD card slot or a card reader.
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- 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.)
Which card should you choose?
- Mostly stills: Choose a supported SD card at a capacity that suits your shooting and transfer habits.
- Video: Choose UHS Speed Class 3 or faster, then check Nikon’s mode-specific guidance for your intended frame size and rate.
- N-RAW: Choose SDXC, V90 or faster, and a specific card and capacity listed by Nikon; cards of 32 GB or less are not suitable.
- Backup or file separation: Choose two cards if your workflow needs both slots, and configure the slots for the intended role.
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