Compact flash memory card in three size classes (SD up to 2GB, SDHC up to 32GB, SDXC up to 2TB) with Speed Classes from 2–90 MB/s for video recording.
SD cards are divided into three size classes: Standard-SD (up to 2 GB), SDHC (4-32 GB), and SDXC (up to 2 TB). Transfer speed is defined by Speed Classes: Class 2 (2 MB/s), Class 4 (4 MB/s), Class 6 (6 MB/s), and Class 10 (10 MB/s). For video recording, UHS Speed Classes exist: U1 (10 MB/s), U3 (30 MB/s), and Video Speed Classes V30 (30 MB/s), V60 (60 MB/s), V90 (90 MB/s). The file system varies between FAT16 (SD), FAT32 (SDHC), and exFAT (SDXC). The internal controller manages Wear Leveling and Error Correction Code (ECC).
In 1999, Panasonic, SanDisk, and Toshiba jointly developed the SD standard as the successor to the MultiMediaCard (MMC). In 2006, SDHC followed for capacities over 2 GB, and in 2009, SDXC for up to 2 TB. The SD Association introduced UHS-I (Ultra High Speed) in 2009 with up to 104 MB/s, UHS-II in 2011 with 312 MB/s, and UHS-III in 2017 with 624 MB/s. Since 2018, the SD Express standard has enabled speeds up to 985 MB/s through a PCIe interface.
Digital cinema cameras like the RED One initially used CF cards, while DSLR cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II established SD cards in feature films ("Act of Valor," 2012). Documentary filmmakers appreciate the compact form factor for unobtrusive shooting. 4K recording requires at least U3 cards (30 MB/s); 8K footage necessitates V90 cards (90 MB/s). Backup workflows utilize dual-slot cameras for simultaneous recording onto two cards. The limited number of write cycles (3,000-10,000 P/E cycles) requires regular card replacement with intensive use.
CF cards (CompactFlash) offer higher capacities and speeds but are larger and more expensive. CFexpress cards achieve up to 1,700 MB/s but cost ten times as much. SSD recorders like the Atomos Ninja replace memory cards with 2.5-inch SSDs in high-end productions. P2 cards (Panasonic) and XQD cards (Sony/Nikon) serve as professional alternatives with higher reliability. MicroSD cards are used in action cameras and drones but offer lower speeds.
Ich achte bei 4K-Aufnahmen penibel auf V60- oder V90-Klassifikationen, da langsamere Karten zu Frame-Drops führen. Bei kritischen Drehs verwende ich ausschließlich Dual-Recording mit identischen Kartentypen, um Geschwindigkeitsunterschiede zu vermeiden. Die Temperaturbeständigkeit wird bei langen Takes zum Problem – hochwertige Industriekarten überhitzen seltener als Consumer-Modelle.
Ich nutze die kompakte SD-Kartengröße für diskrete Dokumentaraufnahmen, wo große CF-Karten-Kameras zu auffällig wären. Beim spontanen Dreh spare ich wertvolle Sekunden durch schnellen Kartenwechsel statt umständlicher SSD-Montage. Die stille Funktion moderner SD-Kameras ermöglicht natürlichere Reaktionen meiner Protagonisten.
Meine Kostenrechnung setzt auf 64GB-U3-Karten à 40 Euro statt teure CFexpress-Medien für 400 Euro – bei 20 Drehtagen spare ich 7.200 Euro. Das kompakte Format reduziert Transportkosten und Zollprobleme bei internationalen Produktionen. Allerdings kalkuliere ich 20% Ersatzkarten ein, da SD-Karten häufiger ausfallen als professionelle P2-Medien.
1. Was beschreibt „SD-Karte" am besten?
2. Zu welchem Department gehört „SD-Karte"?
3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.