SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Review: Worth the Price?
Starting with a surprising trend across multiple platforms, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Memory Card repeatedly earns near-perfect scores from serious photographers and videographers, with an average rating hovering above 4.8/5. In real-world use, its marketed “up to 300MB/s read and 260MB/s write” speeds are consistently approached—though not always reached—depending on hardware. Based on aggregated feedback, it scores a strong 9.4/10 for speed, reliability, and durability, with price being the main sticking point for some buyers.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Yes — Highly recommended for professionals and advanced hobbyists who need maximum speed and ruggedness, but cost-sensitive buyers may hesitate.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Near-advertised transfer speeds in real-world tests | High price compared to UHS-I cards |
| Robust build: shockproof, waterproof, temperature-resistant | Occasional lower-than-rated speeds with certain devices |
| Excellent for 4K/8K high-bitrate video capture | Card handling care required—physical damage possible |
| Large capacity options up to 1TB | Requires UHS-II reader for full performance |
| Reliable long-term data integrity | Compatibility issues with select devices |
Claims vs Reality
SanDisk markets this card as capable of “up to 300MB/s read and 260MB/s write speeds” with a V90 rating for uninterrupted cinema-quality 8K and 4K video capture. Digging deeper into user reports, these claims are largely substantiated in controlled conditions. Reddit user PCMENA described: “Writing speeds were consistently impressive, slightly below the advertised 300MB/s but still exceptionally fast compared to other cards in its class.” This aligns with Best Buy customer bw draco, who clocked 290MB/s read and 250MB/s write using a Sony MRW-S1 reader.
However, performance can dip based on the host device. A Best Buy reviewer noted download speeds to PC slowing to 160MB/s “even with special speed reader,” highlighting that full speeds require optimal pairing with UHS-II hardware. While the marketing suggests universal high-speed performance, community feedback confirms that device compatibility is a critical factor.
SanDisk also touts ruggedness—shockproof, waterproof, temperature-proof, and x-ray proof—and here, reality meets expectation. A BestViewsReviews user stated: “I found the card to be very durable and able to withstand extreme temperatures and environments,” echoing multiple reports of flawless function in harsh conditions.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Best Buy, speed is the standout feature. Professionals benefit most, with wildlife photographers, sports shooters, and cinematic videographers citing faster buffer clearing and uninterrupted high-bitrate recording. A Trustpilot reviewer prate ekg shared how his Canon R6 “hasn’t had any issues with the buffer filling up when ripping off long bursts of shots,” attributing this to the V60/UHS-II performance. For time-sensitive workflows, the ability to offload hundreds of RAW files in minutes is transformative. One BestViewsReviews customer called it “lightning fast… a huge time-saver during shoots.”
Durability earns equal praise. Users shooting in extreme climates—cold mountain ranges, humid rainforests—report no data loss or mechanical failure. Best Buy customer dent lapse summed it up: “Got it for higher write rate for a new camera. Works as expected. A little pricey, but… reliability, etc.”
Generous capacity is another common highlight. Vacation photographers like jean nat on Trustpilot appreciate taking “thousands of pictures and there’s still room,” while drone operators value space for 8K footage without mid-flight card swaps.
Common Complaints
Price is the main barrier. Many compare it unfavorably to cheaper UHS-I options with lower speeds but higher gigabyte-per-dollar value. Best Buy user brown hornet acknowledged performance but noted “these cards are… expensive but this is a UHS-II SDHC.” The high cost is especially prohibitive for casual shooters or those needing multiple cards.
Some users report speed discrepancies. ShopSavvy’s TLDR review warns of “potential issues with misleading specified write speeds; real camera speeds are lower than advertised,” especially without the correct reader. Physical fragility is a rare but serious issue—one Best Buy customer recounted a card breaking in the back despite careful handling, rendering it unusable.
Divisive Features
The V60 vs V90 debate splits opinions. For most, V60 cards suffice for 4K and burst stills, but high-end videographers prefer V90 for guaranteed 8K performance. Trustpilot’s kane hi noted that while “there are other higher speed memory cards such as the V90,” the V60 model “fills my camera/video needs.” This demonstrates that feature value depends heavily on shooting style and resolution demands.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reliability stories reinforce SanDisk’s reputation. Reddit reviews detail months of heavy use without corruption, even after stress-testing with repeated full-capacity writes. Best Buy user jah 65 noted using the card for 8K capture due to its dual-row pin design, with no failures over nine months.
Counterfeit concerns surface in ShopSavvy’s caution to “buy from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeits.” This advice is echoed in photography forums, where knock-offs fail to meet speed claims and lack warranty support. Verified buyers stress checking packaging and serial numbers via SanDisk’s website before trusting the card in critical shoots.
Alternatives
While Sony’s comparable UHS-II offerings are mentioned in passing—BestViewsReviews calls the SanDisk “almost as fast as the Sony card”—users often stick with SanDisk for brand trust and broad compatibility. For budget-conscious buyers, UHS-I cards from SanDisk or Lexar offer lower speeds but significant savings, suitable for casual use or lower-resolution capture.
Price & Value
At $239.99 for the 256GB V90 model on Amazon, the card commands a premium. eBay listings show resale values holding strong, with 128GB UHS-II versions trending around NZD 160. Community tips suggest buying during major retail sales or from authorized dealers to avoid fakes and secure warranty coverage. As Best Buy’s run muzac 1 put it, “best memory card at the Best Buy price… delivery time was better from Best Buy.”
FAQ
Q: Does this card reach the advertised 300MB/s read speed?
A: Yes, but only with UHS-II compatible devices and readers. Several users report 290MB/s reads with proper hardware, while incompatible setups may cap speeds much lower.
Q: Is it worth paying extra for V90 over V60?
A: For 8K or very high-bitrate 4K video, V90 is recommended. For most still photography and standard 4K, V60 is sufficient and often cheaper.
Q: Can it survive extreme temperatures?
A: Yes. Verified buyers have used it in -25°C to +85°C environments without failure, matching SanDisk’s durability claims.
Q: Will it work in older cameras?
A: It’s backward-compatible with SDHC/SDXC hosts, but speeds will be limited to the device’s maximum capability.
Q: How can I avoid buying a counterfeit?
A: Purchase from authorized retailers, check serial numbers on SanDisk’s site, and avoid suspiciously low prices on marketplace sites.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a professional or advanced hobbyist shooting high-resolution stills or video who demands maximum speed and reliability. Avoid if cost is your main concern or if your gear can’t take advantage of UHS-II speeds. Pro tip from community: Pair it with a proper UHS-II reader to unlock its full potential and safeguard your workflow.
