Best Memory Cards for Canon EOS 70D
The Canon EOS 70D remains a workhorse for many enthusiasts, but I’ve seen too many photographers cripple its 7fps burst rate by using outdated storage. While the 70D doesn’t support the latest UHS-II speeds, choosing a high-quality UHS-I card is vital for clearing the buffer and recording reliable Full HD video. In my years of testing, the SanDisk Extreme Pro consistently stands out as the most reliable companion for this specific sensor. Let’s find the perfect card to keep your shutter firing without hesitation.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Memory Cards for Canon EOS 70D: Detailed Reviews
SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I View on Amazon View on B&H
The SanDisk Extreme Pro is the gold standard for a reason. In my 70D, this card consistently handles the maximum 7fps burst without hitting a premature wall. While the 70D’s internal bus can’t utilize the full 200MB/s read speeds, the high write speed ensures that the camera’s buffer clears as fast as the hardware allows. This is particularly noticeable when shooting RAW+JPEG. I’ve found that even after years of heavy use, these cards rarely fail, making them worth the slight premium. The V30 rating guarantees that you’ll never see a “Movie recording has been stopped automatically” error, which was a common headache with older Class 10 cards. It’s the peace-of-mind choice for any serious hobbyist. The only downside is the price fluctuates often, but it’s rarely truly expensive.
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Samsung EVO Select View on Amazon View on B&H
If you aren’t shooting rapid-fire sports every single weekend, the Samsung EVO Select is an incredible bargain. I personally love the bright design because it’s much easier to find when you drop it in a dark camera bag. Performance-wise, it hits the U3 and V30 standards, meaning it’s perfectly capable of handling the 70D’s 1080p video bitrates. While its write speed is slightly lower than the SanDisk Extreme Pro, you’ll only notice the difference during very long continuous bursts. For street photography, family portraits, or landscape work, it’s more than enough. Samsung’s “6-way protection” is a nice bonus if you travel frequently through airport scanners or shoot in humid environments. It’s hard to find a better balance of price and reliability on the market today.
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Kingston Canvas Select Plus View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who just picked up a used 70D and want to start shooting for the lowest cost possible, the Kingston Canvas Select Plus is my go-to recommendation. It’s a no-frills card that does exactly what it says on the tin. While it’s technically slower in write speeds than the premium options, it still meets the V10/U1 criteria, which is sufficient for the 70D’s standard video modes. You might find the camera takes a second or two longer to process a long burst of RAW images compared to the SanDisk, but for general holiday snaps or student projects, it’s a non-issue. It’s reliable enough that I keep a few of these in my bag as emergency spares. Just don’t expect it to keep up if you’re trying to shoot a fast-paced football match.
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Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I View on Amazon View on B&H
The Lexar Professional 1066x (Silver Series) is designed for those who demand the absolute maximum from the UHS-I interface. When I use this card, I notice that the 70D’s “busy” light turns off just a fraction faster than with standard cards. This is the card you want if you frequently fill the buffer and don’t want to wait to review your shots. Furthermore, its high read speed is a massive time-saver when you’re transferring 32GB or 64GB of data to your computer at the end of the day. It’s rigorously tested for durability and comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which speaks to Lexar’s confidence in the product. It’s slightly more expensive, but for a professional or a dedicated enthusiast who values their time, it’s a fantastic investment.
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PNY Elite-X UHS-I View on Amazon View on B&H
The PNY Elite-X is often overlooked in favor of the bigger names, but it’s a workhorse in its own right. I’ve found that PNY cards are remarkably consistent in their performance. It hits the V30 speed class comfortably, ensuring that your 70D’s video recording is smooth and stutter-free. While it doesn’t boast the flashy 200MB/s marketing numbers of the SanDisk, its real-world performance in-camera is virtually identical for standard shooting scenarios. It’s a great “set it and forget it” card for someone who wants reliability without paying for a brand name. The card is also shockproof and waterproof, adding that extra layer of security when you’re out in the field. It’s a solid alternative if my top two picks are out of stock.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Memory Cards for Canon EOS 70D
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme Pro | All-Rounder | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Samsung EVO Select | Travel | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Kingston Canvas Select | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Lexar Professional 1066x | Burst Shooting | ★★★★★ | Check |
| PNY Elite-X | Reliability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon 70D support UHS-II cards?
Technically, yes, but you won’t get the extra speed. UHS-II cards are backward compatible, so they will work in the 70D, but they will operate at UHS-I speeds. Unless you already own UHS-II cards or plan to upgrade your camera body very soon, I wouldn’t spend the extra money on them. Stick to high-quality UHS-I cards like the SanDisk Extreme Pro for the best value and performance on this specific camera.
What is the maximum SD card size for the 70D?
The Canon 70D supports SDXC cards, which theoretically means it can handle cards up to 2TB. In practice, I’ve used 256GB cards without any issues. However, for a 20.2MP camera, I find that 64GB or 128GB is the sweet spot. Larger cards can sometimes make the camera feel a bit slower when navigating the playback menu or when the camera is first indexing the files upon startup.
Why does my video recording stop automatically?
This is almost always due to a slow memory card. If your card’s write speed isn’t high enough to keep up with the camera’s data stream, the buffer overflows and the recording stops. To fix this, ensure you are using a card with at least a Class 10, U3, or V30 rating. All the cards recommended in this guide (except the Kingston in some high-bitrate scenarios) will prevent this frustrating issue.
How many photos can a 64GB card hold on a 70D?
On the Canon 70D, a 64GB card will hold approximately 1,800 to 2,200 RAW files or over 6,000 high-quality JPEGs. If you shoot RAW+JPEG (which I recommend for important events), you’ll get around 1,400 shots. For most day trips or short vacations, a single 64GB card is plenty. If you are shooting a wedding or a long sporting event, I’d suggest carrying at least two 128GB cards.
Is it better to have one large card or several small ones?
In the photography world, we often say “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” If a single 256GB card fails or gets lost, you lose everything. I personally prefer using two or three 64GB cards. It forces you to swap cards, which acts as a natural backup point. If one card fails, you still have the photos from the other cards. It’s a safer workflow for any serious photographer.
Final Verdict
For the vast majority of Canon EOS 70D users, the SanDisk Extreme Pro is the only card you’ll ever need—it maximizes the camera’s potential without breaking the bank. If you’re a casual shooter who just wants a reliable card for family photos, the Samsung EVO Select offers incredible value. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s at least V30 rated to ensure your 70D never misses a beat during video or fast action sequences.
