SD vs SDHC vs SDXC: Choosing a Card for an Older Camera
SD, SDHC and SDXC identify different capacity classes with associated file-system conventions. Physical fit alone does not guarantee host support.
SD family capacity and file system. Original diagram by Things To Do Your Thing; facts are traced to G07-S1.
| Family | Capacity | Typical file system in SD Association material |
|---|---|---|
| SD | Up to 2 GB | FAT12/16 |
| SDHC | Over 2 GB through 32 GB | FAT32 |
| SDXC | Over 32 GB through 2 TB | exFAT |
(SD Association capacity overview) The Association says SDXC cards do not work in older SD or SDHC hosts, while an SDXC host accepts SD and SDHC cards. (SD Association FAQ)
Will this card work in the host?. Original diagram by Things To Do Your Thing; facts are traced to G07-S3.
Check the camera first
- Find the full model and its card instructions.
- Look for supported card family, documented capacity and formatting procedure.
- Check size separately: SD, miniSD and microSD are different physical formats. An adapter changes fit, not the host’s supported generation. The SD overview also distinguishes bus layouts. (SD Standard Overview)
- If the manual does not address a newer family, treat support as unknown.
- Back up files before formatting in the camera.
Capacity is not physical fit. Original diagram by Things To Do Your Thing; facts are traced to G07-S2.
These standards explain card classes, not a particular legacy camera’s maximum. See the Coolpix 3200 guide.
Sources & image credits
- G07-S1 Capacity (SD/SDHC/SDXC/SDUC) — Capacity/filesystem table: SD <=2GB FAT12/16; SDHC >2-32GB FAT32; SDXC >32GB-2TB exFAT
- G07-S2 SD Standard Overview — SD form-factor and interface overview
- G07-S3 SD Association FAQ — SDXC compatibility answers, lines 286-293
Original diagrams by Things To Do Your Thing; their evidence and rights notes are in the image ledger.
Diagram credits
- G07-I-PATH — SD family capacity and file system. Original diagram by Things To Do Your Thing; facts are traced to G07-S1. Evidence reference: Capacity (SD/SDHC/SDXC/SDUC).
- G07-I-COMPARISON — Will this card work in the host?. Original diagram by Things To Do Your Thing; facts are traced to G07-S3. Evidence reference: SD Association FAQ.
- G07-I-EVIDENCE — Capacity is not physical fit. Original diagram by Things To Do Your Thing; facts are traced to G07-S2. Evidence reference: SD Standard Overview.
