Nikon D3100 Memory Card Recommendations
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Take a look at my notes which attempt to answer all of the questions and concerns faced when purchasing a memory card for the Nikon D3100. I'll shed some light on compatible memory cards, specific requirements for HD recording, the number of images you can expect to take, estimated movie recording times and other important info.
Compatibility
The D3100 takes 3 types of memory cards…
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SD – Up to 4GB worth of images and video. |
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SDHC – Up to 32GB worth of images and video. |
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SDXC – Up to 128GB (currently) worth of images and video. |
Image Capacity
The information below shows the total number of images that can be recorded based on memory card size…
4GB – 254 images (fine) and 129 images (raw)
8GB – 509 images (fine) and 259 images (raw)
16GB – 1,018 images (fine) and 518 images (raw)
32GB – 2,036 images (fine) and 1,036 images (raw)
64GB – 4,072 images (fine) and 2,072 images (raw)
HD Video Requirements
In order to record HD video on the D3100, your memory card will need to have a Class 6 rating or higher. If it doesn’t meet this requirement, video recording may stop unexpectedly.
Video Capacity
No matter how large your memory card is, video clips are limited to 10 minute segments. The information below shows the overall recording time based on the highest quality movie frame size (1920×1080):
4GB – 26min 40sec (.mov)
8GB – 53min 20sec (.mov)
16GB – 106min 40sec (.mov)
32GB – 213min 20sec (.mov)
64GB – 426min 40sec (.mov)
Speeds & Ratings
Class Ratings
Class ratings represent the minimum write speed for a memory card. So a memory card with a class 6 rating will have a minimum write speed of 6 megabytes per second. As mentioned above, Nikon requires a Class 6 rating or higher in order to record and playback HD video with the D3100. I recommend going with a Class 10 card just to be safe.
Speed Ratings
Speed ratings represent the maximum read/write speeds. If you plan on recording HD video, shooting long bursts of images (10+) in continuous mode or capturing RAW images with your D3100, then I recommend going with a Lexar Professional (133x or higher) or a SanDisk Extreme (30MB/s or higher).
My Picks
Lexar and SanDisk memory cards are the safest bets when it comes to reliability and performance. I’ve used them for years and trust them with all of my pro work. Recently, I’ve been using Transcend cards for personal use and have been pleasantly surprised. Again, if you plan on utilizing some of the more advanced features on the D3100 (video, RAW, burst) then go with a Lexar Professional (133x or higher) or a SanDisk Extreme (30MB/s or higher). If you just need something for everyday (personal) use, Transcend (class 10) cards are an excellent value.
Here are my memory card picks for the Nikon D3100…
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Check out the D3100 homepage for more tips, advice and recommendations. Happy shooting!
I’m waiting for my D3100 to arrive. This memory card info is just what i was looking for. Thanks! I’m sure I’ll use your other tips once I open the box.
I am so impressed with your advice. Am about to embark into the wonderful world of SLR photography with a Nikon D3100 twin lense kit. Am so excited but know I will have some questions and is really great a person so experienced bothers to help ‘us’ newcomers to stepping up toward trying improving our photography skills. Thanks and don’t be surprised if I do contact you again! lol
–Julie–
Hi,
I recently bought a D3100 and am trying to master the DSLR photography which is new to me. your site is extremely helpful and simple. Keep up the good work.
Good Luck
Shannon
hi i just got the nikon d3100 as a xmas gift & i am getting the hang of using it, but i don`t know how to switch to video mode..how do i do this?
What about Adata class 10 16gb. am i ok with that?
Thanx
I whacked in an old 2GB SD card and haven’t had any issues, that is, while I waited for my 128GB SDXC card to arrive. :)
Hi there,
I’ve been having problems with memory cards for my Nikon D3100 and have not yet been able to use it despite having it for a week (very frustrating!)
When I put my 8gb SDHC card in it says that the card needs to be formatted which I have done, using both the camera and my computer. This has happened with 5 cards now and I am very reluctant to buy any more…. do you have any ideas?
Thanks
Hannah
my continuous shooting mode on the d3100 doesnt work. what is the problem please? thanks
Hi, I purchased the D3100 and I am having problems with my memory card. I am getting a message that the card is damaged, but it is not when I put it in my pc. I have the 32gig Adata card. Any suggestions on what’s going on?
Howdy Carolyn,
The organizational structure on the card may be corrupted. You’r best best is to first get the images off your card and then format it using your D3100. Formatting will reorganize the structure of the card to match the D3100 filing system.
- Moose
Thanks for the information. I have bought the camera this weekend. What about 16 GB Kingston SDHC ultimate class 10 flash card? Can i use it or is it not recommended?
Howdy Kotesh,
Yes, that card is fine…happy shooting!
- Moose
Thank you for the information. I purchased the camera in February this year. Great site and keep up the good work.
Howdy Joe,
Thanks for the kind words…happy shooting!
- Moose