PNY 128 GB EliteX-PRO60 Class 10 U3 V60 UHS-II SDXC Card review

Like all UHS-II SD cards, the PNY 128 GB EliteX-PRO60 has been designed to meet the file storage needs of the latest cameras. It comes with speed ratings to ensure it can handle your camera’s demands efficiently.

Most SD cards can manage basic image file storage, but when shooting in burst mode, recording video, or pushing the camera’s limits, having the best card is crucial.

UHS-II, like this card, denotes the technology’s data transfer speed. UHS-I had read/write speeds, or transfer speeds, maxing out at 104MB/s. In contrast, UHS-II cards, including this one, can reach speeds up to 312MB/s.

Top-tier cards, which are quite expensive, often support these speeds. Cameras requiring such performance typically have a CFExpress slot, which is even faster.

The PNY 128 GB EliteX-PRO60 is a mid-range SD card, but being UHS-II, it offers greater potential. If your camera supports UHS-II, you’ll likely experience faster performance across all shooting modes compared to a slower card.

PNY claims that under lab conditions, the card can sustain sequential read speeds of up to 280MB/s and write speeds of up to 180MB/s. While it doesn’t break records, it does demonstrate the card’s capabilities.
What’s notable is that such performance in the past would have cost close to £100/$100, if not more. Now, the price has dropped to less than half, making this SD card seem like an exceptional deal.

SD cards are designed to a specific standard, so in terms of size, weight, and overall design, this card is standard. The primary visual distinction is the label, featuring the PNY logo, the capacity at 128GB, and several speed classes.

The build is standard plastic and robust like any other. Testing it in Sony A7 IV, III, and Canon EOS R5 C showed no issues. The card met design standards effortlessly, and after a quick format in each camera, it was ready for use.

The PNY 128 GB EliteX-PRO60 SDXC Card excels in high-speed performance, with read speeds of up to 280MB/s and write speeds up to 180MB/s, making it highly efficient for professional use. Its advanced speed ratings, including Class 10, U3, and V60, ensure suitability for a range of devices from 4K Ultra HD to HD. The integration of UHS-II technology boosts workflow and data transfer, which is essential for photography and videography. It’s also designed for wide compatibility, working seamlessly with DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and is backwards compatible with UHS-I devices. The card’s durability is notable; it’s both shockproof and waterproof, ensuring reliability in diverse conditions. Available in several capacities, it offers flexibility for different storage needs.

Used in the Sony A7 III across all stills modes, the card performed flawlessly. There were no speed issues; the card kept pace with all still settings on all three cameras.

When switched to video, the card recorded and stored all settings on the A7 III and A7 IV without any issues, and the 128GB capacity provided ample space for files.

In the Canon EOS R5 C, within the SD format’s limits, the card reached its maximum potential but still managed to capture using XF-AVC YCC422 10bit at 3840 x 2160 Intra-frame and MP4(HEVC) YCC422 10bit at 8192 x 4320, which is excellent considering the price.

Inserting the card into a MacBook Pro M1 16-inch and conducting standard speed tests yielded these results:

– Read speed: 246MB/s
– Write speed: 96MB/s

The PNY 128 GB EliteX-PRO60 SDXC Card is a great choice for photographers and videographers seeking reliable, high-speed storage without breaking the bank. Its impressive performance in both read and write speeds, coupled with its robust build quality, ensures it can handle the demands of modern camera systems.

The card’s compatibility with a range of devices and its shockproof, waterproof nature add to its versatility. It stands out as an excellent mid-range option that balances speed, capacity, and price, making it a valuable asset for both professional and casual use, enhancing workflow efficiency and ensuring smooth operation across various shooting conditions.