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Sandisk Extreme vs Extreme Pro

For sure, you have noticed that you are already living in a fast-paced world, where speed is everything. You often do not have the patience to wait around in transferring large files. Thanks to storage memory cards, you can transfer any content even if you are on the go.

When seeking excellent storage, you need to consider speed and size. Luckily, SanDisk brings out the best options, including SanDisk extreme vs extreme pro. Memory cards play important roles for those people who use cameras a lot.

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⏳ Are you in a hurry? Then here’s your short version

The SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro are the current top choice of professional photographers, vloggers, or even videographers. These two memory cards are made popular due to their performance, quality, and reliability.

However, many consumers consider buying a memory card less important or consider it a waste of money. When you buy a camera, it is a nice idea to have a memory card by your side. That is to ensure that you always have sufficient storage for your photos or even videos. No one would like to shoot new images or record videos without a need to delete the previous ones.

If you are already convinced that it is better for you to have a memory card, the next big thing you need to do is to find the right memory card for your camera. Be aware that no matter how great your camera is, if you use the wrong memory card section, the camera performance will be affected.

Meanwhile, make sure not to use any fake memory cards. That is because apart from hurting the performance of your device, but also there is a big chance that it will more likely to fail to store contents or even lose the images you have stored.

Do not stress yourself! In this detailed SanDisk extreme pro vs extreme plus comparison, we will help you choose the best memory card that will perfectly match your needs. Believe us, we know exactly how confusing or difficult to choose between the two.

So, we did our best to give you all the necessary details that can help you decide better and end up with the right one. We give you a detailed, unbiased comparison where the shared features and weaknesses, advantages of one memory card over the other option, and other essential information about SanDisk extreme plus vs pro are being discussed.

Keep in mind that these memory cards may have similarities, but they also offer significant differences. As you go deeper into this SanDisk extreme plus vs extreme pro comparison, you will figure out why it is better for you to choose a particular memory card over the other one.

Sandisk Extreme vs Extreme Pro

Head-to-Head Comparison of SanDisk Extreme vs Extreme Pro

SanDisk ExtremeSanDisk Extreme Pro
Best ForAdvanced cameras and HD camcordersAction cameras and shooting 4K videos
Flash Memory TypeSDXCSDXC
Storage Capacity64 GB64 GB
Bus TypeUHS-1UHS-1
Speed ClassU3/V30/Class 10U3/V30/Class 10
Maximum Read Speed90 MB/s95 MB/s
Maximum Write Speed40 MB/s90 MB/s
Minimum Write Speed30 MB/s30 MB/s
DurabilityWater/Shock/X-Ray ProofWater/Shock/X-Ray Proof
Operating Temperature-13 to 185˚F -25 to 85˚C-13 to 185˚F -25 to 85˚C
Storage Temperature-40 to 185˚F -40 to 85˚C-40 to 185˚F -40 to 85˚C
Write-Protect Switch___Yes
Secure Digital Association Speed ClassClass 10Class 10

SanDisk Extreme vs Extreme Pro Shared Features

SanDisk offers a wide variety of memory cards, from SD to microSD which all hit everyone’s taste in speeds. Both SanDisk extreme and extreme pro deliver excellent performance.

With the help of memory cards, it is possible for you to maximize the storage of your phone or tablet. The SanDisk Extreme and extreme pro can be used as the default memory cards for different cameras, preferably the action cameras like the GoPro line. When used with adapters or readers, you can utilize them in other digital cameras. They can also act as a removable memory for your PC. They are both in 64 GB storage capacity, which is the largest mainstream size right now.

Nonetheless, the SanDisk extreme plus vs pro is the first memory card that we have seen with a speed rating of UHS Class 3. In fact, according to the SD Card Association, these two cards are capable of 4K videos.

When you take photographs using a digital camera, the data will be stored temporarily in the buffer of your camera. A buffer refers to the internal memory bank, which is equivalent to the RAM you can find on a computer.

So, once the buffer is filled with digital content, your camera will begin to transfer the data to your memory card. Then, this is when the write speed of the memory card takes place. If your memory card has a faster write speed, it means that the buffer of your camera will be emptied more quickly. This also means that you can continue shooting faster.

Although the maximum write speed of SanDisk extreme is 40 MB/s and the SanDisk extreme pro has 90 MB/s, they both share the same minimum write speed of 30 MB/s. With the help of minimum write speed, you can figure out what will be the maximum speed value that your memory card can sustain for a long period without compromising the value.

Apart from similar minimum write speed, both SanDisk extreme and extreme pro have bus type of UHS-1 and speed class of U3/V30/Class 10. When it comes to durability, these two memory cards are waterproof, shockproof, and X-ray proof. Means, you have nothing to worry about if you drop them or you are shooting under the rain or underwater.

Not only that, they are good companions of your waterproof cameras. So, rest assured that you are always confident when capturing photos or recording videos in different locations or weather conditions.

When it comes to the operating temperature, the SanDisk extreme and pro have the same requirement of -13 to 185˚F (-25 to 85˚C). they also have a similar storage temperature which is -40 to 185˚F (-40 to 85˚C). So, every time that you will need to use or store these memory cards, make sure to comply with the required temperature so that you can prolong their service life.

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Memory Card Body Comparison

When seeking the best memory card for your camera or mobile devices, it is also necessary for you to take a look at the size or dimension, and weight. To help you get more familiar with SanDisk extreme pro vs extreme plus, we give you a detailed comparison of the external features of the two cards.

SanDisk ExtremeSanDisk Extreme Pro
Depth1.26”1.26”
Width0.93”0.94”
Height0.85”0.80”
Weight0.18 oz0.07

At first look, you may not notice that SanDisk extreme and pro have a 0.01 difference when to width. But, this difference is very little. Then, they also have a difference of 0.05 in height. As for the weight, the SanDisk pro is much lighter compared to the SanDisk Extreme.

For a better comparison, you can take a look at the dimensions and weight comparison table of the two memory cards.

The SanDisk Extreme 64 GB is the descendant of the Extreme 60 MB/s memory card. In September 2015, this version was released along with a feature of 90 MB/s read speed. However, do not get confused with the different SanDisk Extreme 90 MB/s since it also comes in 16, 32, 128, and 256 GB capacities. That is because we choose the 64 GB storage capacities of Extreme and Extreme Pro to give you a clearer comparison.

CameraWrite Speed (MB/s)
Sony A630033.5
Sony A7R II35.3
Olympus PEN-F38.3
Fuji X-T1040.0
Olympus E-M1 II40.5
Fuji X-Pro244.8
Nikon D560044.9
Nikon D50045.6
Canon 5D Mark IV46.2
Canon 80D46.9

Meanwhile, the SanDisk Extreme Pro 64 GB is considered to be one of the fastest UHS-1 memory cards offered by SanDisk. It comes with a write speed of 90 MB/s and a read speed of 95 MB/s.

This memory card already carries a UHS Speed Class 3 designation, which means that it can support the continuous write speed of at least 30 MB/s when you are recording a 4K video.

Why Consider the SanDisk Extreme Over the SanDisk Extreme Pro

Why Consider the SanDisk Extreme Over the SanDisk Extreme Pro?

If you think that SanDisk Extreme is best for you, then we give you more reasons why you can consider it over the Extreme Pro.

The SanDisk Extreme features write and read speed up to 45 MB/s. It carries both Class 10 and UH-1 designations and focuses on users who are into HD camcorders and advanced cameras. When it comes to the packaging, we find the Extreme to be ready for retail. It is designed for HD recording and advanced photography.

We have tested the SanDisk extreme in different USB 3.0 memory card readers, where we got a maximum sequential speed of 99.552 MB/s. It also comes in impressive write speeds, where it can reach a sequential speed of 90 MB/s.

From the above head-to-head comparison table of SanDisk extreme vs extreme pro, you can notice that the maximum write speed of Extreme is 40 MB/s, while the maximum speed of the Extreme Pro is 90 MB/s. It is quite obvious that the Pro version has 50 more MB/s.

However, the maximum write speed parameter will only show the burst speed, and without fluctuations, it is impossible to maintain the maximum speed for a long period. This means that if you are shooting a 4K video, a higher maximum write speed can be a problem. Remember that when shooting HD videos, you will need a constant write speed without any ups and downs.

To give you a better idea of the possible write speed of the SanDisk Extreme card when tested on a variety of cameras, check the table below.

The SanDisk Extreme is a better choice for you compared to the extreme pro version if you are budget conscious. That is because it is less expensive. Thus, you can be sure that it is compatible with your cameras that are designed for capturing advanced photos or recording HD 4K videos.

Why Consider the SanDisk Extreme Pro Over the SanDisk Extreme

Why Consider the SanDisk Extreme Pro Over the SanDisk Extreme?

If you are not into using HD camcorders or advanced cameras, then it is better for you to consider the SanDisk Extreme Pro. This memory card is designed by SanDisk for capturing 4K videos and action cameras like GoPro.

One of the advantages of SanDisk Extreme Pro over the Extreme version is the maximum write speed. As mentioned, a high maximum write speed can be an issue when shooting 4K videos. But, that would not be a conflict for still photography. The Extreme Pro with faster write speed is beneficial for you if you are a photographer who shoots a bunch of images in long bursts. Means, that if you love sports or wildlife photography, the Extreme Pro is the right memory card for you.

CameraWrite Speed (MB/s)
Sony A630034.0
Sony A600034.8
Sony A&R II36.1
Canon 6D36.1
Canon 70D36.4
Pentax K-3 II37.2
Olympus E-M5 II39.8
Olympus PEN-F41.2
Olympus E-M1 II41.7
Samsung NX158.2
Fuji X-T1059.3
Nikon D70071.4
Canon 5Ds71.7
Nikon D550073.4
Canon Rebel T6i/T6s73.8
Nikon D720074.9
Sony A977.4
Fuji X-Pro278.5
Nikon D560078.9
Canon 5D Mark IV79.0
Nikon D750079.6
Canon Rebel T7i79.9
Canon 80D80.0
Nikon D50081.5

To give you a clearer view of the possible write speed of the SanDisk Extreme Pro memory card when used for a variety of cameras, check the table below.

Apart from write speeds, another important factor to consider when choosing a memory card is the read speed which is paramount for event photographers, photojournalists, and sports photographers. It measures how fast the digital data can be read from your memory card as well as how quickly can be transferred to another computer or digital device.

If you are planning to capture the most important moments in a sports event that requires an immediate transferring of images, the faster read speed of SanDisk extreme pro is ideal for you. When compared to the extreme version that has 90 MB/s, this one has 95 MB/s. So, you will get the advantage of the 5 MB/s difference.

That is because if you are an event or a sports photographer, you tend to shoot JPEGs in case you have no time to edit the photos. For example, the 16 GB holds about 1,400 36 MP JPEG photos, and to transfer them, you will need about 22 minutes at 90 MB/s and 23 minutes at 95 MB/s.

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Furthermore, the SanDisk Extreme Pro delivers better performance compared to the extreme version, especially if you are focusing to burst speed. If you are shooting plenty of DNGs, which are files that require very large storage, or when you are shooting a hyper-lapse, you will find the burst very essential. So, it is best for you to use the extreme pro version.

Shared Weaknesses

After discovering the shared features of SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro, you might obtain better ideas of which among the two is the right memory card for you. But, we are not yet done comparing SanDisk extreme vs extreme pro.

Also, after learning the shared features, an advantage of the Extreme version over the Extreme Pro, or an advantage of the Extreme Pro over the SanDisk extreme, you can also learn there are also weaknesses that these two memory cards share. Also, read GoPro vs. DSLR.

Always keep in mind that there is no memory card that is 100% perfect. Each memory card has its own upsides as well as drawbacks. In these sections of the SanDisk extreme pro vs extreme plus comparison, we give you the shared weaknesses that these two memory cards have. That way, you can have a smarter buying decision and be sure that you will be using the right card that can give you the best results based on your needs and expectations.

When it comes to performance, the SanDisk Extreme Pro might be the leader. However, we do not see a huge jump in the performance that we found with the previous generations of memory cards. For example, the Galaxy Note 3 tends to max out at SanDisk’s extreme levels of performance, and this phone model can record 4K videos at 30 frames/second.

SanDisk Extreme and extreme pro review

What the Reviewers Say

Both SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro have their own strengths and weaknesses. So, it is not surprising why many are torn between the two. To help you decide, let’s take a look at the online reviews for the SanDisk Extreme Plus vs extreme pro.

Some of the online reviewers or those people who have already used extreme and extreme pro expressed that both memory cards have a minimum write speed of 30 MB/s. However, the extreme version has a 40 MB/s maximum write speed, while the extreme pro garnered a 60 MB/s maximum write speed.

Then, the read speed can be only essential during the transferring of files from your card to the computer, while the write speed becomes essential when shooting the RAW file format for the burst mode.

Most of the previous users of the two memory cards agreed that there is not so much difference, and your choice will depend on what will be your purpose. For example, if you are going to capture a standard video, you will not see any difference. But, with 4k videos, you would feel that it is better for you to consider the extreme pro.

What Reviewers Say About SanDisk Extreme

To help you get more valuable ideas about the SanDisk extreme based on users’ actual experience, keep reading.

According to some online reviewers, you will need the SanDisk extreme if you are a casual or an amateur photographer, or if you are using a handheld device like Nintendo 3Ds. That is because it would be better for you to grab something cheaper.

For DSLR usage, the SanDisk Extreme writes very fast, making it possible for the pictures to show up immediately after being captured on the LCD screen. It will help you also to quickly browse through your gallery since there is no delay. This memory card is also ideal for continuous shooting. For example, you can obtain excellent continuous shooting with Canon 70D which will not slow down unless you attempt to shoot in RAW format.

Some memory cards may slow down after the -40th shot or more, so your camera will be forced to capture images at a slower rate until your memory card refreshes and then, back up to speed. But, with the SanDisk extreme, your camera will hit the buffer once it was supposed. So, this memory card is ideal for sports, wildlife, and action photographers.

For computer usage, this memory card might offer to write and read speeds of 40 MB/s and 90 MB/s respectively, but there is time that these speeds tend to be a little lower or higher. For example, transferring 20 GB of photos or videos can be a breeze, but it will not take you 20 seconds.

Thus, the reviewers recommend that the SanDisk Extreme is perfect for intermediate camera users or above. However, this memory card is also effective for those serious professional photographers who do video editing and require speedy writing or reading.

What Reviewers Say About SanDisk Extreme Pro

We know that choosing a memory card is a tough decision since it can affect the overall performance of your camera. So, we want to help you decide whether the SanDisk extreme pro is the best for you with the following personal experiences of others in using the memory card.

Based on the online reviews, memory cards with higher capacities similar to what the Extreme Pro offers are an essential consideration when you are using Linux. That is because SDXC cards like the Extreme pro use exFAT that might not work with OS.

Even if you are in a studio or in outdoor activities, the extreme pro serves as a practical storage solution, preferably if you are a professional photographer or videographer. Since it has a storage capacity of 64 GB, it means that you can shoot videos or capture photos longer.

The memory card is designed and built to overcome any extreme weather conditions or any environment, making it possible for you to get the most out of your advanced camcorder or digital camera. Besides, it is waterproof, shockproof, and weatherproof, so you are always confident to bring it anywhere you any.

Some users find the extreme pro a lot faster compared to their flash memory cards. Then, if you have the latest camera with 1080p or HD video capabilities, this memory card suits your needs because it will be fast enough to read the HD video.

According to some online reviews, the extreme pro is a perfect companion for fast write speeds when shooting or in continuous mode. Due to the advanced engine like Error Correction Code, the card became very reliable, and the users found no issue with image corruption after months of use.

Meanwhile, this memory card extremely works well with the Sony alpha camera where it offered plenty of storage capacity. As a result, the users keep on shooting images or filming for days. People who have already tried using the card find it durable, consistent, and effective in enduring temperature changes.

Final Thoughts

If you are a photographer living in a fast-paced environment, it is best for you to have a memory card that can complement your photography needs. For HD camcorders or advanced cameras, always choose a card like SanDisk extreme, while for 4K videos or action cameras, it is best for you to consider the SanDisk extreme pro.

Even though these two cards are almost similar, there are still significant differences that set one from one another as well as what their purposes us. So, before ending up with SanDisk extreme or extreme pro, make sure that you are aware of your real needs. We hope that after reading this SanDisk extreme vs extreme pro comparison, you have already a choice in mind.

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Jason Baxter

Jason is a professional photographer based in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Loyd has been doing photography for over 14 years and specializes in fine art landscape photography. Loyd's work has appeared on book covers, CD covers, television, internet galleries, and on the walls of private residences.