Many digital cameras from the mid-2000s to early 2010s require an SDHC card. If your compact digital camera was released between 2006 and 2012, it likely supports SDHC but may not be compatible with larger SDXC cards. Always check your camera's supported SD standard before purchasing.
What's the difference? SD, SDHC, and SDXC explained.
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SD (SDSC) — The original standard, with a maximum capacity of 2GB. Most digital cameras made before 2006 support only this format. If your camera shows a "Memory Card Error" with a larger card, this is likely why.
- SDHC — Introduced in 2006, supporting 4GB to 32GB. Cameras from roughly 2006–2012 typically use this standard. SDHC cards are not compatible with older SD-only cameras.
- SDXC — The modern standard, from 64GB and above. Compatible only with cameras and devices that explicitly support SDXC.
Compatibility works in one direction: a newer camera can usually read older cards, but an older camera cannot read newer-standard cards.
What is Class 4?
The Speed Class rating indicates the minimum sustained write speed. Class 4 = 4MB/s minimum write speed — sufficient for standard photo shooting and SD-resolution video. For most compact cameras of this era, Class 4 is perfectly adequate.
Popular cameras that require a 4GB SD (SDHC) card:
- Canon PowerShot A720 IS, A1000 IS, IXUS 80 IS, IXUS 100 IS
- Nikon Coolpix L18, L20, S210, S550
- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120, DSC-W170, DSC-W200
- Olympus FE-340, FE-370, μ-series (mju)
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35, DMC-FS3, DMC-TZ4