For weeks, I’ve been putting the SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I card (model number: SDSDXXD-512G-GN4IN) through its paces. This 512GB card promises blazing-fast speeds and reliable performance, crucial for my demanding workflow involving 4K video recording and high-speed burst photography. Let’s dive into my comprehensive review to see if it lives up to the hype.

Key Features

The SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC card boasts several key features designed for professional photographers and videographers. The advertised read speeds of up to 200MB/s, powered by SanDisk QuickFlow Technology, are a significant selling point. The UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) ratings ensure smooth, uninterrupted 4K video recording. The card also supports sequential burst mode photography, allowing for rapid capture of images without buffer issues. The inclusion of RescuePRO Deluxe software adds an extra layer of security, offering data recovery capabilities in case of accidental deletion or corruption.

Performance & Testing

I tested the SanDisk Extreme PRO card extensively using a variety of professional cameras and equipment. During my real-world tests, I consistently experienced read speeds close to the advertised 200MB/s, which significantly reduced the time spent offloading large files to my computer. Write speeds were slightly lower, but still impressively fast for a card of this capacity. I shot several 4K video clips and performed high-speed burst photography sessions without experiencing any lag or dropped frames. The RescuePRO Deluxe software proved to be quite useful in a simulated data recovery scenario, successfully retrieving lost files. The durability and reliability of the card during this extensive use have also been outstanding.

While I didn’t encounter any major issues, I did notice a slightly noticeable difference in write speeds compared to the advertised values when shooting high-resolution RAW images continuously. However, this is only a minor point and it didn’t affect my workflow significantly. The overall performance of the card exceeded my expectations for a daily driver and professional-level shoots.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Extremely fast read speeds, reliable performance, UHS-II compatibility for exceptional speed (using a compatible reader), excellent for 4K video and burst photography, included RescuePRO Deluxe software, robust build quality.
• Cons: Write speeds, while fast, are slightly below the advertised read speeds, price point can be higher compared to other SD cards in the market.

Final Verdict

The SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I card (SDSDXXD-512G-GN4IN) is a high-performance card that delivers on its promises. The incredibly fast read speeds, reliable performance, and robust build make it an excellent choice for professional photographers and videographers who demand the best. While the price is higher than some alternatives, the enhanced speed and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for users with demanding workflows. I wholeheartedly recommend this card for those who need a fast, reliable, and high-capacity storage solution.