Best Memory Card for Nikon D3200

The Nikon D3200 ($497)—one of Nikon's leading budget DSLRs featuring an impressive 24.1-megapixel sensor—holds one Secure Digital (SD) format memory card. Below are the best SD memory cards to pair with the Nikon D3200, current for 2013. Those who shoot HD video or NEF format (camera RAW) images on the Nikon D3200 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 reasonably quickly.

Best Card for the Nikon D3200 for Most Consumers

SanDisk Extreme 16GB ($17)

Min. Write Speed: 10 MB/s (Class 10)
Max. Write Speed: 45 MB/s
Max. Read Speed: 45 MB/s
Best For: DSLRs, HD video, faster downloading

The SanDisk Extreme is our pick for the best overall SD memory card for the Nikon D3200. For under $20 for a 16GB card, the SanDisk Extreme offers write speeds of up to 45 MB per second, which performs far better than cheaper cards with respect to larger files, video, and downloading. In addition, SanDisk Exteme 16-64GB cards are rated as waterproof, shockproof, X-ray proof, and can operate in temperatures from -13 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

On a Budget

Transcend 16GB ($13)

Min. Write Speed: 10 MB/s (Class 10)
Max. Write Speed: 20 MB/s
Max. Read Speed: 17 MB/s
Best For: Larger files and video on a budget

The Transcend Class 10 series are some of the best-selling SD memory cards with a minimum write speed of 10 MB per second (more than double the SanDisk Standard Class 4 for only a few dollars more). However, the SanDisk Extreme above is relatively close in price ($17 for a 16GB card), considerably faster, and more durable. 

 

Fastest Write and Read Speeds

SanDisk Extreme Pro 16GB ($42)

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

If you frequently shoot HD video, high-speed bursts, or transfer large volumes of files, the best professional SD memory card for the Nikon D3200 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 SanDisk Extreme Pro features a durable design that is waterproof, shockproof, X-ray proof, and rated for extreme temperatures. 

What Size Memory Card Should I Get?

A 16 GB memory card on the Nikon D3200 can hold approximately 1,000 photos in JPEG fine large format or 2,000 photos in JPEG fine normal format. For most people, 16 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 or HD video should consider a 32 GB or 64 GB memory card or multiple cards.