Best Memory Card for Nikon D7100

The Nikon D7100 has dual slots for up to two Secure Digital (SD) format memory cards. Those who shoot HD video or NEF format (camera RAW) images on the Nikon D7100 should use Class 10 cards, which have a minimum write speed of 10 MB per second. Class 10 memory cards (as opposed to Class 6 or Class 4 cards) will help ensure that stills and videos are captured smoothly and download to your computer in a reasonable amount of time. Virtually all new memory cards are Class 10 of faster, and given the decreases in price, there is no reason to choose a slower card. 

Best Card for the Nikon D7100 for Most People

SanDisk Extreme 32GB ($19)

Min. Write Speed: 10 MB/s (Class 10)
Max. Write Speed: 40 MB/s
Max. Read Speed: 60 MB/s
Best For: HD video, fast processing and downloading.

The SanDisk Extreme is our pick for the best overall SD memory card for the Nikon D7100. The new version, which is faster and cheaper than the older version, offers Class 3 U3 recording speeds for high resolution video and even 4K. You also get write speeds of up to 40 MB per second and read speeds of up to 60 MB per second, meaning that this card performs great with larger files, video, and downloading. In addition, the SanDisk Extreme is rated as waterproof, shockproof, X-ray proof, and can operate in temperatures from -13 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s a whole lot of features for around $20.
See the SanDisk Extreme

 

For Professionals

SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB ($32)

Min. Write Speed: 10 MB/s (Class 10)
Max. Write Speed: 90 MB/s
Max. Read Speed: 95 MB/s
Best For: HD video, fastest processing and downloading.

If you frequently shoot HD video, photos in camera RAW, high-speed bursts, or transfer large volumes of files, the best professional SD memory card for the Nikon D7100 i is the SanDisk Extreme Pro. With write speeds of up to 90 MB per second, it’s SanDisk's fastest SD memory card. Like the Extreme series above, the Extreme Pro has a durable design that is waterproof, shockproof, X-ray proof, and rated for extreme temperatures. It’s also U3 rated for high resolution video and 4K (the T5i doesn’t shoot 4K, but this card will give you the flexibility should you upgrade down the road).
See the SanDisk Extreme Pro

On a Budget

Transcend High Speed 32GB ($16)

Min. Write Speed: 10 MB/s (Class 10)
Max. Write Speed: 45 MB/s
Max. Read Speed: 90 MB/s
Best For: Large files and video on a budget.

The Transcend Class 10 series are some of the best selling SD memory cards on the market. The maximum write speed of 90 Mb/s is impressive for a card that only costs around $15 for 32GB, but we appreciate the weather protection that SanDisk cards offer. If there were a larger difference in price, we could see the Transcend High Speed as a viable budget alternative for the D7100. But for only $3 less, we prefer the slightly inferior speed but increased durability of the SanDisk Pro above.
See the Transcend High Speed

What Size Memory Card Should I Get?

A 32 GB memory card on the Nikon D7100 can hold approximately 2,000 photos in JPEG fine large format or 4,000 photos in JPEG fine normal format. For most people, 32 GB is a logical size and often more economical than smaller cards. NEF (camera RAW) files take up considerably more memory—roughly five to ten times as much—so those who shoot in NEF should consider a 64 GB memory card or multiple cards. Remember that the Nikon D7100 features dual SD card slots and the ability to designate which images go to each card.

What About Lenses?

If you’re still decided on lenses for your new camera, we’ve put together a list of the best lenses for the Nikon D7100. Among the options we cover are kit, wide angle, portrait, and telephoto.