Best Memory Card for the Olympus OM-D E-M1

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 ($1,299), one of the leading cameras on the market heading into 2014, holds one Secure Digital (SD) format memory card. The OM-D E-M1 does not support CompactFlash (CF) format memory cards. Class 10 memory cards, which have with a minimum write speed of 10 MB per second, are cheaper than ever before and there’s little reason to buy slower Class 6 or Class 4 cards. A Class 10 card will help ensure that images and videos are recorded smoothly and download to your computer reasonably quickly.

Best Memory Card for Most People

SanDisk Extreme 16GB ($19)

Min. Write Speed: 10 MB/s (Class 10)
Max. Write Speed: 45 MB/s
Max. Read Speed: 45 MB/s

The SanDisk Extreme is our pick for the best overall SD memory card for the Olympus OM-D E-M1. For less than $20 for a 16GB card, the SanDisk Extreme offers write speeds of up to 45 MB per second and performs far better than cheaper cards with respect to large files, video, and downloading. In addition, SanDisk Extreme 16-64GB cards are rated as waterproof, shockproof, X-ray proof, and can operate in temperatures from -13 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fastest Write and Read Speeds

SanDisk Extreme Pro 16GB ($43)

Min. Write Speed: 10 MB/s (Class 10)
Max. Write Speed: 90 MB/s
Max. Read Speed: 95 MB/s

If you frequently shoot HD video, high-speed bursts, or transfer large volumes of files, the best professional SD memory card for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is the SanDisk Extreme Pro. With write speeds of up to 90 MB per second, this is SanDisk's fastest SD memory card. Like the SanDisk Extreme series above, the SanDisk Extreme Pro features a durable design that is waterproof, shockproof, X-ray proof, and rated for extreme temperatures. 

Lexar Professional 16GB ($39)

Min. Write Speed: 10 MB/s (Class 10)
Max. Write Speed: 45 MB/s
Max. Read Speed: 90 MB/s

Lexar is a mainstay in the market for professional memory cards. SanDisk has caught up with write and read speeds for SD cards (Lexar still makes the fastest CompactFlash cards) but Lexar cards are still popular among those who shoot HD video, fast bursts, or camera RAW. Given that the quality of the two companies is similar, the SanDisk Extreme Pro above is a slightly better value.

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

The Transcend Class 10 series are popular 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, considerably faster than the Transcend, and more durable. Overall, the SanDisk cards are a better value.