Do SDXC Cards Work in SD Slots?

SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) cards are known for their large storage capacity and high-speed data transfer rates, making them an ideal choice for professional photographers and videographers. However, there is a common question that arises among users – do SDXC cards work in SD slots

The answer is yes, but with certain limitations. In this article, we will explain the technical differences between SD and SDXC cards, and how they affect compatibility.

SD vs. SDXC

The Secure Digital (SD) card was first introduced in 1999 as a memory card format for portable devices such as digital cameras, smartphones, and tablets. It uses NAND flash memory to store data and has a maximum capacity of 2GB.

On the other hand, the SDXC card was introduced in 2009 as an extension to the existing SD standard. It uses exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) file system to support larger storage capacities up to 2TB.

Compatibility

In terms of physical size and shape, both SD and SDXC cards are identical. They have the same dimensions of 32mm x 24mm x 2.1mm and feature a notched edge on one side to prevent insertion into incompatible slots.

However, the main difference between these two formats lies in their file systems. While standard SD cards use FAT16 or FAT32 file systems that limit their capacity to 2GB or less, SDXC cards use exFAT which allows them to store up to 2TB of data.

This means that if your device has an older SD slot that only supports FAT16 or FAT32 file systems, it may not be able to recognize an SDXC card. In such cases, you may receive an error message or the card may not show up at all.

SDXC Compatibility with SD Slots

Most modern devices that support SD cards also support SDXC cards. However, it is important to check the specifications of your device before purchasing an SDXC card.

If your device supports SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards, which have a capacity of up to 32GB and use the FAT32 file system, it is likely to support SDXC cards as well. This is because SDHC and SDXC share the same physical interface and use similar protocols for data transfer.

However, if your device only supports standard SD cards with a capacity of up to 2GB, it may not be compatible with SDXC cards.

Conclusion

In summary, while both SD and SDXC cards are physically identical, they differ in their file systems and storage capacities. While most modern devices that support SD cards also support SDXC cards, it is important to check the specifications of your device before purchasing an SDXC card to ensure compatibility.

By understanding these differences between these two formats, you can make an informed decision when choosing between them for your storage needs.