Canon PowerShot CF & SD Memory Card Compatibility

Canon PowerShot cameras can use CompactFlash or SD memory cards.

The model and serial number are on a sticker on the bottom of the camera.

Cameras that use CompactFlash are older. They are limited to a maximum capacity of 2GB.

Newer memory cards can be too large. Using them will cause an error.

Three different SD card standards have been used in Canon PowerShot cameras.

Older SD cards can be too slow to record video.

SD Cards

• SD (Secure Digital) - Capacities up to 2GB
• SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity)- Capacities from 4GB to 32GB
• SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity)- Capacities from 64GB to 2TB
• SDUC (Secure Digital Ultra Capacity) - Capacities larger than 2TB

MicroSD cards can be used with an adapter.

Common Problems

The PDF manual for your camera has answers to common questions and problems. They can be downloaded from the Canon Support Site.

Try formatting the card with the camera.

• Make sure the card isn’t physically locked. It is the switch on the side of the card.
• Try formatting the card with the camera.
• CompactFlash card slots can have their pins bent.

SD Card Speed Ratings

Speed ratings depend on the continuous read and write speeds of a card. That will be different than the “peak speed” manufacturers will advertise on the label.

A detailed explanation can be found on the SD Card Association Speed Class page

The ratings cover different speed ranges and technologies.

Speed Class was the first rating. These are minimum speeds. For example, a Class 6 card could be capable of 7MB/s.

• Class 2 - 2MB/s
• Class 4 - 4MB/s
• Class 6 - 6MB/s
• Class 8 - 8MB/s
• Class 10 - 10MB/s

Ultra High Speed bus (UHS) has 2 ratings. UHS-I is 10MB/s and UHS-III is 30MB/s sustained write speeds. Cards with UHS-III will be fast enough for 1080p and some 4k video.

Finally, Video Speed Class, is for high frame rate and bit rate video.

• V6 - 6MB/s
• V10 - 10MB/s
• V30 - 30MB/s
• V60 - 60MB/s (4k video)
• V90 - 90MB/s (8k video)

Image Capacity

The higher the quality of photos and video taken, the less a card can hold.

If you want to shoot JPEG images, I don’t think you’ll have storage problems. The cameras that are limited to 2GB are lower resolution and might be able to record standard definition video.

This is a rough estimation of the quantity of large JPEGs. It will vary based on how many megapixels the camera has.

• 1GB - 500 images
• 2GB - 1,000 images
• 4GB - 2,000 images
• 8GB - 3,750 images
• 16GB - 7,500 images
• 32GB - 15,000 images
• 64GB - 30,000 images
• 128GB - 60,000 images
• 256GB - 120,000 images

Affiliate Advertising Disclosure

Outside the Shot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. I also participate in affiliate advertising programs with KEH and Adorama. More can be found on the Affiliate Disclosure page.

Cameras that use SD cards (2GB Maximum Capacity)

These Canon PowerShot models are only compatible with SD memory cards with a maximum capacity of 2GB. Using a larger capacity card will cause an error.

These models can only use SD cards. They had the same model name in all regions.

These can use SD and MMC cards. They had different names depending on the region.

Recommended SD Card

The Transcend 2GB card is the only one that is consistently available new. Other options are more expensive or used.

Cameras that use SDHC cards

Any card with UHS-I will be fast enough. 32GB cards are often cheaper than those with smaller capacities.

Using an SD card that is larger than 32GB will cause an error.

These models had the same model name in all regions.

These models had different names depending on the region.

Transcend 32GB SDHC

• UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) supports Full HD video and burst shots.
• Built to survive tough conditions and heavy usage, whether you’re at home, outside, or on the go.
• Highly durable with comprehensive 7-proof protection.

PNY Elite 32GB

• Sequential read speed of up to 100MB/s
• Class 10, U1 rating delivers speed and performance for full HD photography and HD videography.
• V10 video speed rating to capture uninterrupted HD video at 1920x1080 format
• Compatible with point & shoot cameras, DSLR cameras, standard & advanced HD-enabled video cameras, and more
• Reliable & Durable: Magnet Proof, Shock Proof, Temperature Proof, Waterproof

SanDisk Ultra 32GB

• Quick transfer read speeds up to 90MB/s.
• Write speeds are not capable of recording 4k video.
• Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p).
• Waterproof, temperature proof, X-ray Proof, magnet-Proof, and shockproof.

Cameras that use SDXC cards

I recommend a SD card that has UHS-I and a V30 or U3 speed rating. That means the card will be able to record 4k30.

Even if your camera can’t record 4k, the card will be usable in other cameras and devices. It will only be slightly more expensive compared to a Class 10, U1 card.

These models had the same name in all regions:

These models had different names depending on the region:

Lexar Professional 128GB

• UHS-I, U3, and V30 Speed Rating. Can sustain 30MB/s write speeds.
• Excellent choice for photos.
• Capable of recording 4k Video.
• Larger capacities are available.

SanDisk Ultra 64GB

• UHS-I, U1, and Class 10 Speed Rating. Can sustain 10MB/s write speeds.
• Excellent choice for photos.
• Capable of recording Full HD (1920x1080) Video.
• Inexpensive with more than good enough performance.
• Larger capacities are available for a reasonable price.

PNY Elite-X 128GB SD Card

• UHS-I, U3, V30, and Class 10 Speed Rating. Can sustain 30MB/s write speeds.
• Good for burst shooting photos and recording 4K video.
• Larger capacity cards are available.
• Reliable & Durable: Magnet Proof, Shock Proof, Temperature Proof, Waterproof.

SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB

• Comparatively expensive for faster read speeds.
• UHS-I, U3, V30, and Class 10 Speed Rating. Can sustain 30MB/s write speeds.
• Only makes sense for professional use or if you need the largest storage capacity available.
• Temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and X-ray-proof.

microSDXC Card Models

MicroSDXC cards are smaller. They usually come with an adapter that allows them to be used in a SD card slot.

There are CompactFlash adapters for SD and micro SD cards.

• Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS / IXUS 500 HS
• Canon PowerShot ELPH 530 HS / IXUS 510 HS
• Canon PowerShot N

Any UHS-I card from SanDisk, Lexar, PNY, or Samsung will be fine. 128GB or 256GB will be the best value in terms of price per GB.

Recommended microSDXC Cards

Make sure the card comes with a microSD to SD adapter.

CompactFlash Models

The models are compatible with CompactFlash memory cards with a maximum capacity of 2GB. Using a larger capacity card will cause errors to occur. The camera will not be able to take photos.

These have the same model name in every country.

These models had different model names depending on where they were sold.

Recommended CompactFlash Cards

2GB capacities were cutting edge tech 20 years ago. There are fewer choices due to less demand. They also tend to be expensive compared to SD cards.

CompactFlash to SD and microSD Card Adapters

I haven’t noticed any issues using the adapters or CF card in my Canon 5D Mark II. I have used SanDisk, Lexar, and PNY 128GB SD cards in the SD adapter with no issues.

The only card that didn’t work was a 128GB SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card.

Affiliate Links:

SD & CompactFlash Card Readers

I like card readers with “tails,” because they don’t block any ports.

The SanDisk reader shown above blocks multiple ports. The other USB-A readers can block ports when cards are being used.

The All-in-One readers are useful for less common memory card formats like xD Picture Cards or Sony MemoryStick. The downside is that they are USB 2.0.

USB 2.0 multi-card readers are slow. Ones that plug directly into a USB-A can block other ports. Others will have mini-B USB ports.

Affiliate Links:

MMC - MultiMediaCard

Some PowerShot models are compatible with MMC cards in addition to SD. The format lost to SD.

One is fine to use if you already have it. I would not recommend buying one. Let collectors fight over them.

Wikipedia MultiMediaCard page.

Sources

• Canon PowerShot Supported Memory Card Types
• Canon Support Page for PowerShot A60
• Wikipedia - Canon PowerShot
• PowerShot Pro70 - Canon Camera Museum