UHS-II card support refers to the compatibility of a camera, device, or card reader with UHS-II (Ultra High Speed II) memory cards, which offer significantly faster data transfer rates compared to UHS-I cards. UHS-II cards are part of the SD (Secure Digital) card family and are designed for high-performance devices, especially in photography, videography, and other data-heavy tasks.
Key Features of UHS-II Cards:
- Blazing Fast Data Transfer Speeds: UHS-II cards can deliver read and write speeds up to 312 MB/s, whereas UHS-I cards typically max out at 104 MB/s. This speed boost makes UHS-II cards ideal for recording and transferring large files like 4K video, high-bitrate video, and continuous burst RAW photography.
- Second Row of Pins: A defining characteristic of UHS-II cards is the presence of a second row of connection pins on the back. This extra set of pins allows for faster communication between the card and the host device, thus achieving much higher speeds than UHS-I cards, which only have a single row of pins.
- Backward Compatibility: While UHS-II cards have a dual-pin design, they are backward-compatible with UHS-I devices. However, when used in a UHS-I compatible device, the card will operate at UHS-I speeds, not the full UHS-II potential.
- Enhanced for 4K/8K Video: With the ability to handle higher write speeds, UHS-II cards are often the go-to choice for professional videographers and photographers who shoot in 4K, 8K, or higher resolutions, where large files are created and need to be written to the card without delay.
- Fast Data Offloading: UHS-II cards, paired with a UHS-II compatible reader, significantly reduce the time it takes to offload media files from the card to a computer or storage device, speeding up post-production workflows.
Benefits of UHS-II Card Support:
- Efficient High-Resolution Recording: For professionals shooting in high-definition video formats like 4K, 8K, or beyond, UHS-II cards offer the stability and speed required to record without buffering issues or dropped frames.
- Improved Burst Shooting: In photography, UHS-II cards enable the camera to capture more frames per second (fps) in continuous shooting mode, which is crucial when capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports or wildlife photography.
- Faster Workflow: UHS-II cards significantly reduce the time spent transferring large amounts of data to external storage, improving productivity for those working with large files regularly.
UHS-II in Cameras and Devices:
Many modern high-end cameras, especially from brands like Sony, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm, offer UHS-II card support. Models like the Sony A7 IV, Fujifilm X-T4, and Canon EOS R5 benefit from the faster writing speeds provided by UHS-II cards, which ensures that both photo and video data are saved quickly without the need to slow down shooting.
Devices such as card readers or laptops with UHS-II support can also take advantage of these faster speeds when importing data from the card to a computer, further streamlining the workflow for professionals.
Choosing the Right UHS-II Card:
When selecting a UHS-II card, look for the speed class rating that matches your needs. V60 and V90 ratings, for example, are specifically designed for video recording, with minimum sustained write speeds of 60 MB/s and 90 MB/s respectively. These cards are ideal for videographers working with 4K and 8K footage.
Summary:
UHS-II card support unlocks the full potential of high-speed SD cards, allowing for ultra-fast read/write speeds ideal for demanding tasks like 4K/8K video recording, high-speed burst photography, and faster file transfers. Whether you’re a professional videographer or photographer, UHS-II compatibility ensures you get the most out of your high-performance gear.