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Although the SDHC and SDXC memory cards look physically similar, they use different file systems, which significantly affects their performance. This SDHC vs SDXC guide helps you understand which card might be compatible with your camera and which might meet your storage requirements.
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An SD is an abbreviation for Secure Digital card, a small flash memory card you can use to store data on portable devices. In most cases, SD cards are used to store digital photos and videos in modern cameras.
There are three popular SD memory card versions: Standard SD, SDHC, and SDXC. In the technology lineup, it started with the standard SD, then the SDHC, and then the more modern SDXC.
As with most computer hardware and applications, modern devices are backward compatible with the older versions, while older devices are not compatible with the newer cards.
The SDHC memory card is an abbreviation for SD High Capacity, a memory card launched in January 2006 under the 2.0 version specification. This memory capacity ranges from 4GB to 32GB with a FAT32 file system as the default format type. As a result, SDHC like the Lexar Professional 32GB is not compatible with devices that only support memory capacity out of this range.
The SDXC is an abbreviation for SD Extended Capacity. It’s a portable SD memory card with a larger storage capacity than Standard SD cards and SDHC memory cards. Its storage capacity ranges from 32GB to 2TB and is only compatible with SDXC host devices. However, the SDXC host devices can also use SDHC memory cards.
Keeping in mind that the SDHC and the SDXC are in the SD family used to store data, they have some similarities in their physical appearance. However, the design technology is different, making the cards have different functionality and compatibility.
Although the SDHC is older than the SDXC, both cards operate similarly with the following size, durability, and bus speed similarities.
SDHC and the SDXC memory cards have the exact dimensions, making them look identical in their physical size. Full size or a standard SDHC and SDXC measures 32mm x 24mm x 2.1mm. Usually, this is the standard size, as most devices like cameras, laptops, and computers come with full-size SD card slots.
SDXC and SDHC are relatively newer, and older devices that use older operating systems might not support these memory cards. However, some devices may undergo a firmware upgrade that supports the latter operating system and therefore supports the SDHC and the SDXC cards.
For instance, computers that only support software below Windows 7 may not be compatible with the SDXC and the SDHC. However, although you can use patches or service packs for you to be able to use the SDHC memory cards, it’s more challenging to find patches and service packs that can allow you to use SDXCs.
Generally, most SD cards are designed to last for at least 10 years or more without getting damaged. Although this also depends on how you use your memory cards, SDXC and the SDHC have the same lifespan of around 10 years.
For instance, you can maximize the lifespan by not erasing the data frequently. Considering that the memory card needs time to read and write data, it's advisable to switch your camera off when removing the memory card, especially when shooting in a continuous mode.
For both memory cards, it's advisable to use the appropriate file system when formatting them on computers. You should also eject the cards before removing them from the computer slot to avoid data corruption.
Both the two cards have the UHS-II (Ultra-High-Speed Phase II) and UHS-I (Ultra High-Speed Phase I) bus design which is an added feature in the SD specification to enhance and improve the functionality of the SDHC and SDXC cards.
The UHS-I defines two bus options of up to 50MB/s and 104MB/s for data transfer rates. However, the actual maximum performance and limits are indicated on the card for both cards. For both memory cards, the UHS-II bus option was added in SD spec 4.0.
With UHS-II, the speed options are up to 156MB/s and 312MB/s. Like the UHS-I, the UHS-II bus option helps increase the memory card's performance in data transfer. Also, both cards have no compatibility issues when using both UHS-I and UHS-II.
Despite the similarities in size, durability, and bus speed, the SDXC, and the SDHC cards have the following differences in functionality and performance.
Generally, the SDHC has a speed capacity of up to 10MBps, far below the SDXC card, which has a speed of up to 300MBps. As a result, the SDXC is much faster than the SDHC, making it suitable for cameras such as camcorders that need higher speeds to read and write efficiently.
Normally, cameras like a camcorder and compact cameras shoot photos and Full HD quality videos that use a larger storage capacity.SDHC memory cards come with a storage capacity of between 4GB to 32GB, while the SDXC has a wider range of storage options, ranging from 32GB to 2TB.
The major distinguishing factor between SDHC and SDXC is the file system. Just like the Standard SD cards, the SDHC uses the FAT32 file system. Since this file system is older, it’s supported by many devices, even without software upgrades. Also, FAT32 is commonly used in 32-bit systems.
On the other hand, SDXC memory cards use the exFAT file system, which is more modern than FAT32. This file system is also more efficient, which favors the higher storage capacities of the SDXC cards.
In addition, the exFAT file format used by the SDXC supports the XTx44, HDx24, XDx34, and LS424 for the series 4 and XTx43, HDx23, XDx33, LS423 for series 3.
Keeping in mind that SDHC is compatible with a wider range of devices compared to the SDXC, it’s the best storage option to use in under the following circumstances
Since an SDXC memory card is more modern and comes with a higher speed and more storage options, it might be the right storage option to use in the following situations
The SDXC is a better choice as it offers more and more extensive storage options which you might need if taking real estate photos in RAW format. In addition, the SDXC offers a high transfer rate, allowing you to share your photos and video recordings much faster.
The above SDHC vs SDXC guide reveals the higher speed and efficiency of the modern SDXC cards compared to the older SDHC cards. The SDXC is superior in storage options, while the SDHC is compatible with a broader range of devices. However, both memory cards are durable and reliable.
