If you are having a hard time telling the difference between SDHC and SDXC, you aren’t the only one. While the differences between these elements are pretty straightforward, they are nonetheless differences that are worth taking seriously. You are going to want to begin by understanding what each of these items are. From that point, it will be that much easier to understand the differences between SDHC and SDXC.
Essentially, all of this is going to come down to memory. How much memory are you going to require? Keep this in mind, and it will be that much easier to appreciate the differences between the main types of memory cards that are currently in use. This includes SDHC and SDXC.
Defining SDHC Memory Cards
SD stands for Secure Digital. This is the first thing you are going to want to keep in mind. Regular SD memory cards, while useful, often have severe memory limitations. This is particularly true in this day and age. SDHC and SDXC represent alternatives to those who need more in the way of memory. This is something both items have in common. You will definitely want to deepen your understanding of SDHC and SDXC differences beyond that fact.
With SDHC memory cards specifically, there are a few things you will want to note. This is one of the most popular types of removable memory cards you will encounter. They continue to be a staple with both cameras and camcorders. The older SD memory cards would generally cap their limit at around 2 GB. The SDHC memory cards are instantly superior, since they can go all the way up to thirty-two GB of storage. Even better, these memory cards tend to be compatible with a wide range of devices.
Make sure the speed capacity of the memory card has been optimized. This is something a lot of consumers tend to overlook.
Defining SDXC Memory Cards
When it comes to SDXC, you’re talking about serious capacity potential. In fact, these cards have a much higher capacity than SDHC. Just for starters, you can find SDXC memory cards at around sixty-four GB. In theory, you can find SDXC memory cards that are capable of going all the way up to two terabytes.
This can translate to longer videos at optimal definition. It also means an amount of storage for photos and normal videos that is unlikely to run out.
The transfer rates with SDXC memory cards is also quite impressive. The speed capacity for SDHC cards top out at around 10MBps. By comparison, your average SDXC memory card can go all the way up to 300MBps.
With speed capacity, you have four different categories to keep in mind. Starting with Class 2 and 2MBps, you can then move to Class 4, Class 6, and Class 10. In general, high-definition cameras want to work with Class 4 or 6. 10 is not the standard, but certain cameras will warrant that degree of capacity.
In Summary
In the end, the main difference between these memory cards comes down to performance and capacity. However, just because one is inherently better in these aspects than the other, it doesn’t mean that memory card is the right one for you. What you are going to want to do is make sure you choose a memory card that accomplishes two things. You want something that is optimal for your device, and you will also want something that is compatible with your device.
You will also want to keep in mind the physical size of the card itself. You have micro SD, mini SD, and full SD. Make sure you have something that matches up to the physical size requirements you may have.
Backwards compatibility is something else that you want to keep in mind. Obviously, something that only works with regular SD cards is not going to be something that’s compatible with SDHC or SDXC. However, most devices that are compatible with SDHC or SDXC are also going to be able to work with most regular SD cards. If you are considering an upgrade from whatever you currently have, and you’re concerned about your old SD cards, this is something that to note.
Consider the type of photography/filming that you plan to engage. For obvious reasons, professionals tend to opt for products that feature high speeds and considerable storage capacity. If you are only using your camera or camcorder sporadically, you may not need to go with the best storage and the best speed. Understand that with normal photography and video, 8 GB is going to prove to be a significant amount of space.
One interesting similarity between SDHC and SDXC memory cards: In order to optimize the potential of either possibility, it is a good idea to periodically reformat the card. Just make sure you’ve safely removed everything you know you are going to need.
