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Memory cards are quite complicated to get right. Which card is fast enough to write 4K or 8K? How much video can I record from the R5 C? How many photos will this SD card write? This article will cut through the fog and show you which card is right for your R5 C.
The best SD card for photography on the Canon EOS R5 C is the Lexar 128GB UHS-II V90 SD card, and the best CFExpress Type B card for video on the R5 C is the Sandisk Extreme Pro 512GB.
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now these are the all-around best memory cards for the Canon EOS R5 C for all recording modes available on the camera. Everyone will have different uses for the Canon R5 C, so while these recommended cards will suit most, for some cases you may not need 256GB, and in some other cases you may need more.
So we need to go more depth to work out which are the best memory cards for the Canon R5 C for all budgets, and yours.
Later in this article I break down the memory card lingo so you can figure out for yourself how much storage you actually need for wedding photos, video, or a hybrid combination etc.
Table of Contents
What Memory Card Does the Canon R5 C Use?
The Canon EOS R5 C is a video centric camera that Canon still are marketing as a hybrid camera. But it will mostly be videographers buying this camera.
For photographers the Canon EOS R5 will still be the better option as both these cameras share much in common.
Like the R5 the Canon EOS R5 C supports two types of storage, and while you can use both for different purposes, Canon had different use-cases in mind.
Which is using SD cards for photography and some video, and using CFExpress Type B cards for 6K and 8K video.
You cannot record any of the following to the SD card (SD card recording is available at bitrates up to 650 Mbps only):
- 12-Bit 8K (8192 x 4320), 50/25P, Cinema RAW Light LT/ST/HQ
- 12-Bit 6K (5952 x 3140), 50/25P, Cinema RAW Light LT/ST/HQ
- 12-Bit 2K (2976 x 1570), 50P, Cinema RAW Light HQ
- 10-Bit 4K XF-AVC 4:2:2 PAL
For these recording modes you will need to get CF Express 2.0 Type B cards.
How Much 8K Can You Write to a Memory Card?
For 8K I recommend using the largest capacity cards you can afford. 512GB and 256GB cards are the best capacities. Anything smaller and you will reach full capacity quicker.
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It should be noted that all calculations are estimates. There are a lot of variables that you need to consider that can alter the length of recording.
For example, the environment, the ambient temperature can drastically reduce record times. The battery health can also play a factor.
How Much 4K Can You Write to a Memory Card?
Below are the recording modes for which you can use a UHS-II SD card for, however for the higher bitrates I would still recommend the CFExpress Type B card to avoid any issues.
Recording times are for 6K, 4K, and FullHD.
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Other Best Memory Cards for the Canon EOS R5 C
Sandisk isn’t the only brand who produce the best memory cards for the Canon EOS R5 C to consider, but they have yet to fail on me in over 10 years as a professional photographer.
But there are alternative brands producing SD cards that are just as good, if not better.
Sony, for example, with their Tough series are cards that should last years of use.
The build quality is of particular note, built with what looks like one plastic case as opposed to two. The design looks like it will help it to take a good bit of use.
Below is a (automatically updated) list of the bestselling UHS-II cards on Amazon for consideration:
- For prosumers and professionals shooting with MIL and cinema cameras
- Record cinema-quality 6K and 4K UHD with Video Speed Class 60 rating (Full HD (1920x1080), 4K UHD (3840x2160), and 6K (6144x3160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors. See HD page on official SanDisk website. Video Speed Class 60 (V60), sustained video capture rate of 60MB/s, designates a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. See the SD Association’s official website for additional details.)
- Tap into pro performance designed for professional and advanced photographers and videographers.
- Super-fast write speeds of up to 260MB/s help rapidly clear buffer time to support continuous burst mode shooting and cinema-quality video recording(2). Requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds.
- Get high-speed performance with UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 250MB/s (1667x)
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080P full-HD, 3D, and 4K video with a DSLR camera, HD camcorder, or 3D camera
- Extreme performance for professional photographers and videographers with read speeds up to 280MB/s & write speeds up to 100MB/s for seamless content capture
- Class 10, U3 Rated with V60 Video Speed to enhance performance and capture ultra high resolution imagery and extended lengths of 4K Ultra HD and Full HD video
- Ultimate speeds to support professional camera use
- Capture 4K/8K Ultra-HD high-speed shots without dropping frames
Last update on 2023-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finally
No R5 C user should get the wrong memory card when the information is all here; either by spending more than is required on too large a capacity memory card, or just as bad, getting a card too small for your needs.
Making the mistake of getting smaller capacity cards means having to make workarounds for the bottlenecks you will encounter; and too large capacity SD cards for your needs means extra money spent that could be spent on other essential gear.
Get the right memory card the first time.
Once you have picked the best card for your requirements you will then need an SD card reader to get your data off quickly and efficiently:
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Links
If you’re using the Canon EOS R5 C to build your own business, then you’ll need to know more than the best memory cards for the Canon EOS R5 C, then you need to check out my comprehensive guide on How to Start a Creative Business.
All the information you need to know about starting to build a business is in the article; linking to even more related articles that go into further detail.
Also don’t forget to check me out on YouTube for much more content.
Artist / Photographer / Videographer