The Nikon Z5 is a 24.3 MP full-frame mirrorless camera that features two memory card slots that both support SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II / UHS-I) memory cards.
We would recommend using the same memory card in each slot, especially if recording to both slots simultaneously.
UHS Speed Class 3 / V30 (minimum transfer rate of 30 MB/s) or higher cards are recommended for recording of 4K (3840 x 2160), full HD (1920 x 1080); 120p/100p, and full-HD slow-motion movies.
Recommended UHS-II SDXC Cards
Our top recommended UHS-II SDXC cards based on speed and reliability for the Nikon Z5 are:
| UHS-II Card | Max Write Speed | Max Read Speed | Video Speed Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delkin Devices BLACK | 250 MB/s | 300 MB/s | V90 |
| Delkin Devices Power | 250 MB/s | 300 MB/s | V90 |
| Angelbird AV PRO SD (MK2) | 280 MB/s | 300 MB/s | V90 |
| Nextorage NX-F2PRO * | 299 MB/s | 300 MB/s | V90 |
| SanDisk Extreme Pro * | 260 MB/s | 300 MB/s | V90 |
| Sony SF-G Tough | 299 MB/s | 300 MB/s | V90 |
| Lexar Professional GOLD 2000X * | 260 MB/s | 300 MB/s | V90 |
| OWC Atlas Ultra | 250 MB/s | 300 MB/s | V90 |
| Lexar Professional GOLD 1800x * | 210 MB/s | 280 MB/s | V60 |
| Nextorage NX-F2SE Series | 100 MB/s | 280 MB/s | V60 |
* Indicates that the card is also supported by Nikon. Note: Many newer cards have not been tested by Nikon in the Z5.
FAQs
How many images can be stored on a 128GB card?
The number of images that can be stored on a 128GB memory card in the Nikon Z5 varies based on the image type that you are recording in. The following values are approximate because file size varies with the scene being shot:
- NEF (RAW), lossless compressed 14-bit: 4,600
- NEF (RAW), lossless compressed 12-bit: 5,800
- NEF (RAW), compressed 14-bit: 5,300
- NEF (RAW), compressed 12-bit: 6,500
- JPEG fine/large: 12,500
- JPEG normal/large: 19,650
How many minutes of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD): 30p (144 Mbps) video can be recorded on a 325GB card in the Z5?
When recording in 4K UHD 30p (144 Mbps) you can record approximately 300 minutes of video on a 325GB card. However, the maximum single file recording time is restricted to 29 min. 59 s.
What is the difference between UHS-I and UHS-II memory cards?
UHS-II offers much faster speeds (up to 312 MB/s) compared to UHS-I (up to 104 MB/s). This is possible via a second row of pins and two data lanes for simultaneous upstream and downstream data transfer. The extra row of pins are visible on the back of UHS-II cards. Both card types are backward compatible, but a UHS-II card will only operate at UHS-I speeds in a camera that only supports UHS-I cards.
What is the difference between SDHC and SDXC memory cards?
SDHC cards are formatted using the FAT32 file system which is limited to a maximum file size of 4GB. So when recording video clips, the clip will be split every 4 GB but playback with the camera will be seamless. SDXC cards use the exFAT file system which supports a maximum file size of 16 exabytes (EB), so video clips will not be split. SDHC cards support capacities of between 4-32GB and SDXC cards support 64GB-2TB.
Are CFexpress Type B cards compatible with the Nikon Z5?
No. The Nikon Z5 is not compatible with CFexpress Type B cards.
Where can you find the Nikon Z5 specifications?
Full specifications for the Nikon Z5 can be found on Nikon's website.
