Amateur and professional photographers are alike in wanting to catch the “perfect shot”. Sometimes when dealing with fast moving action you need a camera and memory card fast enough to freeze the moment. Newer DSLR cameras are fast but can be bottlenecked by the speed of their memory cards. To help deal with this memory card issue Kingston one of the premier names in memory and storage have released their next generation SDXC memory card – the Kingston SDXC 64 GB.

The SDXC standard operates on the exFAT file system, which is designed to handle large volumes of data. This class10 memory card guarantees a minimum data transfer speed of 10MB/sec making it perfect for high definition video along with nonstop photo shooting. Currently it is available at 64 GB but the new SDXC format is capable of capacities of up to 2 TB so expect to see even larger capacities in the future.

The Kingston SDXC 64 GB arrives in typical Kingston packaging with the Kingston logo found on the left side of the cardboard package and the card centered in a plastic blister card. On the back we see a compatibility table for SDXC cards.

The lack of included plastic carrying case is surprising for such an expensive memory card. Although it is doubtful that this card will not be your primary memory card meaning it will reside most of the time in SDXC host device.

The Kingston SDXC memory card only comes in one capacity – 64 GB which is room for a lot pictures and videos. The physical card looks no different than a standard SD card. It is composed of black plastic with a red Kingston label on the front. Since this is a class 10 card it will have a minimum transfer rate of 10 MB/sec.

Like other SD cards the Kingston SDXC 64 GB includes a lock switch to write protect your media. It is designed to work with Windows 7, Windows Vista (SP1 or later), Windows XP (SP2 or later) with exFAT update.

Specifications:

SDXC 64 GB Class 10

Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC)

Massive storage, incredible speed.
The SD standard is the leading choice for consumers and has earned nearly 80 percent share of the memory card market with its reliable interoperability and easy-to-use format. As the next generation of SD Memory Card, the SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity) format will dramatically improve digital lifestyles by combining high bandwidth and portable storage needed to store content-rich applications such as high-definition video, photo collections and music.

The new SDXC memory card standard provides up to 2 terabytes of storage and enhanced SD interface read/write speeds to a maximum transfer rate of 104 MB/sec. today and 300 MB/sec. in the future. With expanded storage capacity and improved interface speed, SDXC can help realize the full potential of digital cameras and camcorders with continuous shooting and higher resolution movie recordings. It will also facilitate high-speed transfers of data to and from cards.
The Kingston SDXC card is based on the SDA (Secure Digital Association) Memory Card Standard Version 3.01 and is compliant with Ultra High Speed bus (UHS-1) and Class 10 rating. UHS-1 bus controls the ultra-fast read/write functions. The Class 10 rating guarantees a minimum data transfer speed of 10MB/sec to address the demands of recording data to the SDXC card for applications such as video recording, where uninterrupted writing of data is critical. Featured in a massive 64GB capacity and with speeds up to 60MB/sec. read and 35MB/sec. write, this card is ideal for storing and recording HD high-definition video, highresolution, or RAW still photos with SDXC-supported host devices.
The SDXC UHS 1 Class 10 is covered by a lifetime warranty, 24/7 tech support and legendary Kingston reliability.
Features/benefits :
-Capacities — 64GB
-Dimensions — 0.94″ x 1.26″ x 0.08″ (24mm x 32mm x 2.1mm)
-Weight — 0.09 oz. (2.5 g)
-Class Rating — Class 10: 10 MB/sec. minimum data transfer rate
-Bus Interface Mode — Version 1, SDR104, up to 104MB/sec.
-Operating Temperature — -13° F to 185° F (-25° C to 85° C)
-Storage Temperature — -40º F to 185º F (-40º C to 85º C)
-Compliant — with the SD Card Association card 3.01 specification
-Copy Protection — Support for CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media)
-Secure — built-in write-protect switch prevents accidental data loss
-Compatible — with SDXC host devices; not compatible with SDHC and standard SD-enabled devices/readers
-File System — exFAT
-Reliable — lifetime warranty
-Operating System Support — Windows 7, Windows Vista (SP1 or later), Windows XP (SP2 or later) with exFAT update

Price: $299 (from Amazon at time of review)

For testing I have been using the Kingston SDXC 64 GB with the Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i) for past month. Since this camera can shoot both RAW photos and Full 1080 video it gives the Kingston SDXC 64 GB a run for its money. According to the Canon specs to shoot Hi-Definition movies an SD card rated Class 6 or higher is required which the Kingston SDXC 64 GB can handle easily.

Setting the highest picture resolution in non-RAW format the camera indicated the capacity for close to 8000 pictures.

I am happy to report that during my month of testing the Kingston SDXC 64 GB I did not encounter any problems using the memory card. I shot over 1600 pictures at my daughter’s Columbus Day soccer tournament without a hiccup.

Unfortunately there are no SDXC card readers available from Kingston and we did not have access to one at technogog making benchmark testing not a possibility at this time. I can tell you that using the Kingston SDXC 64 GB with the Canon T2i was smooth as silk. I had no problem capture fast moving action or 1080 video with the memory card installed.

One issue with the SDXC format is that it is only compatible with SDXC host products. This means you will be unable to use the Kingston SDXC with older memory card readers or non SDXC capable products such as cameras and video recorders. It is important NOT TO FORMAT the SDXC card in either Non-compatible Host Product or Non-compatible PC, if you do so the card will no longer operate in the SDXC format.

Since I did not have access to a card reader the data had to be transferred to my Mac and PC from the Canon T2i via a USB cable

Conclusion:

If you have invested a lot of money with a high end DSLR camera then picking up a memory card to take advantage of its speed is a wise idea. Not only does the Kingston SDXC 64 GB provide large storage capacity, it also gives excellent performance and speed. Like most Kingston products it comes with a lifetime warranty as well which is great piece of mind especially for this type of investment.

Although the card retails for over $600 it can be found online for around $300. In fact Amazon has it listed at $299 as of the writing of this review. The important thing to keep in mind is this memory card is an SDXC version and is not backwards compatible with older SD card readers. So if you plan to use it with your latest camera/camcorder expect to transfer your files through the SDXC host product to your PC or Mac.

Pros:
+Really fast read/write speeds
+Perfect for newer DSLR cameras
+Lifetime warranty

Cons:
-Price
-Lack of SDXC card readers
-Not backwards compatible with older SD technology

**Editors’ note: These cons are not related to the Kingston SDXC card but the current state of the technology

Grades:
Overall
Design
Performance

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