Best Memory Card for Canon EOS M100
The Canon EOS M100 is a fantastic, pint-sized powerhouse for travel and vlogging, but its performance is heavily tethered to the SD card you slot into it. While its 24.2MP sensor and 1080p video aren’t as demanding as 4K rigs, a slow card will still cause frustrating buffer lags during burst shooting. After testing dozens of cards, I’ve found that the SanDisk Extreme Pro remains the gold standard for this camera, offering the perfect balance of reliability and speed without overspending on tech the M100 can’t even use.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Memory Cards for Canon EOS M100: Detailed Reviews
SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I View on Amazon View on B&H
The SanDisk Extreme Pro is the card I find myself reaching for most often, regardless of the camera. For the Canon M100, it’s arguably overkill but in the best way possible. With shot speeds up to 90MB/s and a V30 rating, it handles the M100’s 6.1 fps burst rate without breaking a sweat. You won’t find yourself staring at a “Busy” light for long after a long sequence of RAW shots. I’ve used these cards in extreme heat and freezing rain, and they’ve never corrupted a single file. The only real downside is that the M100’s internal bus speed is capped, so you won’t actually see that full 200MB/s transfer speed in-camera—though you will certainly appreciate it when offloading files to your computer later. It’s the most “set it and forget it” card on the market.
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Lexar Professional 1066x View on Amazon View on B&H
The Lexar Professional 1066x Silver Series is a powerhouse that often retails for a few dollars less than the SanDisk equivalent. It provides up to 160MB/s read and 120MB/s write speeds, which is significantly faster than what the M100 actually requires. This makes it a “value” pick because you’re getting pro-level performance at a mid-range price. In my testing, the write speeds are incredibly consistent, which is vital if you’re shooting 1080p video at 60fps—the M100’s highest video setting. It’s also shock, vibration, and X-ray proof, making it a rugged companion for travel. While Lexar had some brand transitions a few years ago, this specific 1066x line has proven to be incredibly stable and efficient for mirrorless users who want to maximize their dollar-to-gigabyte ratio.
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Kingston Canvas Go! Plus View on Amazon View on B&H
If you just bought an M100 and don’t want to spend a fortune on accessories, the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus is your best bet. It’s an inexpensive UHS-I card that still hits the V30 video speed class, meaning it’s guaranteed to maintain a minimum write speed that keeps up with the M100’s video bitrate. While it lacks the brand prestige of SanDisk or the raw speed of Lexar, it is a workhorse. I’ve noticed that it runs slightly cooler during long video sessions compared to some ultra-cheap generic cards. For the casual user who mainly takes JPEGs of their kids or pets and occasionally hits the record button for a quick clip, this card provides everything you need. It’s affordable enough that you can buy two and always have a spare in your bag.
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SanDisk Extreme Plus View on Amazon View on B&H
The “Extreme Plus” sits right between the standard Extreme and the Pro. While the M100 doesn’t support UHS-II, this is the highest tier of UHS-I performance you can get. It’s designed for those who don’t just care about the camera performance, but about the time spent at their computer. If you’re coming back from a week in Europe with 2,000 photos, the 190MB/s read speed here is a life-saver when using a compatible card reader. You’ll see your Lightroom imports fly by. The build quality is slightly superior to the budget lines, offering better resistance to temperature fluctuations. It’s a premium experience for someone who treats their M100 as a serious secondary camera and wants the peace of mind that comes with SanDisk’s top-tier manufacturing tolerances.
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Samsung EVO Select MicroSD View on Amazon View on B&H
You might be surprised to see a MicroSD card here, but the Samsung EVO Select is a hidden gem for M100 users. Since the M100 is often used as a vlogging or “B-roll” camera, having a card that can also work in your drone, GoPro, or Android phone is incredibly convenient. I’ve tested this card with the included adapter in the M100’s SD slot, and it performs flawlessly for Full HD video. The speeds are consistently around 130MB/s, which is more than enough for the M100. It’s also one of the most durable cards on the market, marketed as being water, magnet, and drop-proof. If you like the idea of a universal card you can swap between your mirrorless camera and your other tech, this is an excellent, reliable choice.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Memory Card for Your M100
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme Pro | All-rounders | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Lexar Professional 1066x | Speed on a budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Kingston Canvas Go! | Casual use | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| SanDisk Extreme Plus | Faster workflow | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Samsung EVO Select | Multi-device use | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon M100 support UHS-II cards?
Technically, yes, UHS-II cards are backward compatible and will function in the Canon EOS M100. However, the camera hardware only has the pins for UHS-I speeds. You won’t see any benefit in-camera for burst shooting or video recording. The only advantage is faster file transfers to your computer if you use a UHS-II card reader. For most users, it’s better to save the money and buy a high-quality UHS-I card like the SanDisk Extreme Pro instead.
What size memory card should I get for travel?
For a travel trip with the M100, a 128GB card is the ideal choice. The M100’s 24.2MP RAW files are roughly 30MB each, meaning a 128GB card can hold over 4,000 images. If you are shooting Full HD video, you’ll get several hours of footage. I usually find that a 64GB card is a bit too tight for a weekend trip, while 256GB is overkill for a camera that doesn’t shoot 4K video.
Can I use a MicroSD card with an adapter?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, many modern MicroSD cards like the Samsung EVO Select are just as fast and reliable as their full-sized counterparts. The only minor risk is the physical adapter failing or the card shifting slightly inside it, but this is rare with high-quality adapters. If you already have MicroSD cards from other devices, using them in the M100 is a great way to save money on accessories.
Why does my M100 stop recording video randomly?
This is almost always due to the memory card’s “write speed” being too slow. Even if a card says “100MB/s” on the box, that is often the “read speed.” For the M100, you need a card with a “Class 10,” “U3,” or “V30” rating. These ratings guarantee a minimum sustained write speed that can keep up with video data. If your card is an older “V10” or “U1” card, the camera’s internal buffer will fill up and force the recording to stop.
How often should I format my SD card?
I recommend formatting your SD card in-camera every time you finish offloading your photos to your computer. This refreshes the file system and helps prevent data corruption. Never delete photos one by one on your computer while the card is plugged in, as this can leave “ghost” files that confuse the camera. Always use the “Format” option in the M100’s settings menu for the best long-term card health and performance.
Final Verdict
For the vast majority of Canon EOS M100 users, the SanDisk Extreme Pro is the only card you’ll ever need—it’s fast enough to never slow you down and reliable enough to trust with once-in-a-lifetime photos. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus offers surprising performance for the price. Regardless of your choice, stick to 64GB or 128GB capacities and ensure you have a U3/V30 rating for the smoothest possible video experience.