Pentax K-m Memory Card Compatibility
The Pentax K-m can use SD memory cards. The biggest capacity SD card that is compatible with the K-m is 32GB.
SD memory cards that meets the SDXC or SDUC standards are not going to work correctly in the K-m. These cards can simply be avoided as they are 64GB or larger in storage capacity.
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Recommended K-m SD Cards
Listed below are memory cards that will function correctly with the K-m. With any of the cards below, you will not have to worry about reduced overall performance or SD memory card problems.
- 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
- 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.
- UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) supports Full HD video and burst shots. 130MB/s transfer speeds1 let you upload footage to your PC in an instant.
- Built to survive tough conditions and heavy usage, whether you’re at home, outside, or on the go. Backed by 10-year limited warranty.
- Highly durable with comprehensive 7-proof protection.
- Backed by a 10 year warranty.
Best SD Cards
Reliable memory cards are manufacture by both SanDisk and Lexar. Inexpensive third-party brand names ought to be avoided.
Memory card issues, for example a loss of all your photos due to data corruption, is more inclined to take place with low-cost cards. The decrease in build quality is not worth the minimal cost savings.
The smart way to save money is to get a memory card with a smaller sized capacity. They usually are a tad more affordable and you won’t need to stress out about the SD card losing your photos.
Be aware that, SD card failures are rarely experienced. Only only two cards have become corrupted out of the multitude I have acquired over the years. The two memory cards were used no-name cards that were bundled along with the purchase of pre-owned digital point & shoots.
Pentax K-m SD Card Compatibility
The Pentax K-m can only use SD memory cards. There are 4 separate technical specs of Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. The benefit is that there is a boost in the maximum storage capacity and transfer speeds with the introduction of every updated technical spec.
Secure Digital memory card readers are backward compatible. A card reader built into a digital camera that can use SDXC cards will also be able to use SDHC and SD memory cards.
The Pentax K-m’s card reader is only compatible with the first two SD card technical specs. SDXC or SDUC memory cards will not function correctly.
- Secure Digital (SD) - These memory cards have a maximum capacity of 2GB and are compatible with the K-m.
- Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) - The capacity of these memory cards range from 4GB to 32GB and are also compatible with the K-m.
- Secure Digital eXtended Capacity (SDXC) - The capacity of these memory cards range from 64GB to 2TiB.
- Secure Digital Ultra Capacity (SDUC) - The capacity of these memory cards range from 4TiB to 128TiB.
Pentax K-m Memory Card Full Error
Trying to use a card that is 64GB or larger in the K-m will result in the digital point and shoot camera to display an error.
Use a card with a capacity of 32GB or less to resolve the error.
If you are using a memory card that is 32GB or a smaller capacity, and the card is not working correctly, format the memory card in the camera.
Speed, Class, & Capacity
SD Card Image Capacity
The following is an estimate of how many large JPEGs you will be able to store on an SD card.
- 4GB - 1920 images
- 8GB - 3840 images
- 16GB - 7680 images
- 32GB - 15360 images
Memory Card Speed
Speed ratings for SD memory cards are established by the sequential read and write speeds. The speed of the card is important in cases where many photographs need to be written to the SD card.
SD Card Speed Class Rating
The Class speed rating of an SD memory card is based on the sustained write speed of the SD card. A Class speed rating of 2 means that the SD card can maintain a write speed of at minimum 2MB per second.
- Class 2 - 2MB/s
- Class 4 - 4MB/s
- Class 6 - 6MB/s
- Class 8 - 8MB/s
- Class 10 - 10MB/s
The top rating a card can obtain is Class 10. There are SD cards that are considerably faster than 10MB/s. Those SD cards use other technologies, such as UHS (Ultra Highspeed Bus), which use a different rating specifications.
Sustained write speeds of 2MB, 4MB, 6MB, or 8MB per second means the card has a speed class of 2, 4, 6, or 8. Cards that have write speeds of 10MB/s or faster are rated as Class 10.
Conclusion
Buy an SD memory card for the Pentax K-m based on price. An expensive card isn’t going to improve performance. As long as it is a speed class 10 card, you will be fine. My recommendation is the PNY Elite 32GB SD memory card.