Best Memory Card for Canon EOS M20
Finding the right storage for your Canon EOS M20 can feel like a technical minefield. While this compact mirrorless camera is a fantastic tool for travel and vlogging, pairing it with a sluggish card will lead to the dreaded “Busy” message during burst shooting or dropped frames in 4K video. After testing dozens of SD cards, I’ve found that the SanDisk Extreme Pro remains the gold standard for reliability. In this guide, I’ll help you navigate speed classes and capacities to keep your M20 running smoothly.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Memory Card for Canon EOS M20: Detailed Reviews
SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want a card that you can simply “set and forget,” the SanDisk Extreme Pro is my top recommendation for the Canon EOS M20. Even though the M20 is a UHS-I camera, this card’s ability to handle sustained write speeds of up to 90MB/s is crucial when you are firing off a burst of RAW images or recording high-bitrate 4K video. In my experience, SanDisk cards have one of the lowest failure rates in the industry, which is why I trust them for once-in-a-lifetime trips. The V30 rating ensures that you won’t experience stuttering during video capture. While you could technically use a faster UHS-II card, the M20’s hardware can’t actually utilize the extra pins, making this UHS-I version the sweet spot for performance without overspending. It’s rugged, temperature-proof, and arguably the most reliable companion for your mirrorless setup.
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Samsung PRO Plus SD View on Amazon View on B&H
The Samsung PRO Plus is the card I often recommend to friends who want SanDisk-level performance without the SanDisk price tag. Samsung has made massive strides in the SD card market, and the PRO Plus is a beast. With read speeds hitting up to 180MB/s, you’ll notice that transferring your photos to your laptop via a fast card reader happens significantly quicker than with older “Class 10” cards. It is fully V30 and U3 rated, meaning it handles the Canon EOS M20’s 4K video requirements with ease. One thing I particularly like is the “7-proof” protection—it’s resistant to water, extreme temperatures, and even X-rays. While it might not have the decades of heritage that SanDisk offers, its real-world performance is nearly indistinguishable in the M20. It’s an excellent value-for-money choice for daily photography and casual vlogging.
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SanDisk Ultra SDHC View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are a casual shooter who primarily takes photos in JPEG mode and records the occasional 1080p Full HD video clip, you don’t necessarily need the “Pro” bells and whistles. The SanDisk Ultra is a workhorse for the budget-conscious. It is incredibly cheap, often allowing you to pick up multiple cards for the price of one high-end model. However, there is a caveat: this card is generally Class 10/U1, not V30. In my testing, while it can sometimes handle 4K, it is much more likely to trigger a recording error or slow down your camera’s buffer after a few continuous shots. You’ll find yourself waiting a few seconds for the camera to finish “writing” to the card. It’s a solid, reliable choice for family gatherings and snapshots, but if you’re serious about 4K video or action shots, I’d suggest stepping up to the Extreme line.
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Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I View on Amazon View on B&H
The Lexar Professional 1066x (Silver Series) is designed specifically to push the limits of what a UHS-I card can do. While most UHS-I cards tap out at 90MB/s write speeds, this card can reach up to 120MB/s write speeds with compatible hardware. In the Canon EOS M20, you’ll notice that the buffer clears slightly faster when shooting RAW+JPEG. This card is a favorite among enthusiasts who don’t want to jump to the expensive UHS-II ecosystem but still want the absolute fastest performance their camera can handle. It’s V30 rated, ensuring smooth 4K video capture, and it comes with Lexar’s reputation for high-performance flash memory. I find this card particularly useful for street photography where you might be taking several bursts in quick succession. It’s a premium piece of kit that matches the M20’s capabilities perfectly without being overkill.
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Kingston Canvas Go! Plus View on Amazon View on B&H
The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus is an underrated gem in the photography world. Kingston has always been known for reliability, and this card is no exception. It targets the “on-the-go” user—vloggers, travel photographers, and people using action cameras or drones alongside their M20. It offers read speeds up to 170MB/s and is fully U3 and V30 compliant, making it a great candidate for the M20’s video modes. What I really appreciate about Kingston is their lifetime warranty, which provides a nice bit of peace of mind. While it doesn’t quite have the “pro” marketing of SanDisk or Lexar, it performs flawlessly in real-world scenarios. If you find this on sale, don’t hesitate to grab it; it’s a robust card that can handle the elements as well as your camera’s data stream.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Memory Card for Canon EOS M20
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme Pro | All-around Pro Use | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Samsung PRO Plus | Best Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| SanDisk Ultra | Budget Snapshots | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Lexar Prof. 1066x | Fast Bursts | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Kingston Canvas Go! | Durability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon EOS M20 support UHS-II cards?
Technically, yes, you can put a UHS-II card into the Canon EOS M20 and it will work perfectly. However, the camera only has one row of internal pins, meaning it will operate at UHS-I speeds. You won’t see any performance benefit inside the camera. The only real advantage of a UHS-II card is that it will transfer files to your computer much faster, provided you have a UHS-II compatible card reader. For most users, it’s not worth the extra cost.
What happens if I use a slow card for 4K video?
If you use a card with a low write speed (like a Class 10/U1 card), your camera will likely stop recording after a few seconds. The internal buffer fills up because the card can’t write the data fast enough. You’ll see an error message on the screen, and the footage may be corrupted or missing. Always look for the V30 or U3 symbol to ensure the card can handle the constant data stream required for 4K.
How many photos can a 128GB card hold on the M20?
On average, the Canon EOS M20 produces RAW files around 25-30MB and JPEGs around 8-10MB. With a 128GB card, you can expect to store roughly 4,000 RAW images or over 12,000 high-quality JPEGs. If you are shooting video, a 128GB card will give you about 160 minutes of 4K video at standard bitrates. I find 128GB to be the perfect size for a weekend trip without needing to clear the card.
Why does my camera say “Card Full” when it isn’t?
This is often a file system error or a sign that the card was formatted on a different device. Always format your memory card inside the Canon EOS M20 menu before you start shooting. This ensures the folder structure and file system (usually exFAT for cards over 32GB) are perfectly aligned with the camera’s software. If the problem persists, the card might be a “fake” with less actual capacity than advertised—always buy from trusted retailers.
Is it better to have one large card or two smaller ones?
This is a classic debate! Many photographers prefer having two 64GB cards rather than one 128GB card. The logic is that if one card fails or gets lost, you haven’t lost all your photos. However, modern cards are extremely reliable, and switching cards in the middle of a shoot can lead to lost moments or dust getting into the card slot. Personally, for a camera like the M20, one high-quality 128GB card is usually the most convenient choice.
Final Verdict
For the vast majority of Canon EOS M20 users, the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB is the definitive choice. It offers the perfect blend of write speed for 4K video and the peace of mind that comes with SanDisk’s warranty. If you’re looking to save a few dollars without sacrificing performance, the Samsung PRO Plus is a fantastic runner-up. Only choose the SanDisk Ultra if you are on a very tight budget and don’t plan on shooting much video.