What size SD card for photos only, 20mp, single shot, checked every 2 weeks?
SanDisk Ultra 16GB SDHC
$18.41 listed price, changes oftenHow much space at different trigger counts?
One trigger in this mode (photos only, 20mp, single shot) writes about 4.2MB. Over 2 weeks, that adds up as follows:
| Triggers a day | Data in 2 weeks | Smallest card (25% headroom) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.6 GB | 8GB |
| 30 | 1.8 GB | 8GB |
| 60 | 3.5 GB | 8GB |
| 120 | 7.1 GB | 16GB |
How long does each card last in this mode?
| Card | Days at 30 triggers | Days at 60 triggers |
|---|---|---|
| 8GB | 59 | 29 |
| 16GB | 118 | 59 |
| 32GB | 236 | 118 |
| 64GB | 472 | 236 |
| 128GB | 944 | 472 |
| 256GB | 1,000+ | 944 |
Single 20MP photos are the most card-efficient way to run a trail camera; even a 16GB card lasts weeks at a normal pace.
Other check intervals for this mode: 7 days, 21 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 days, 90 days. Other modes at 2 weeks: photos, photos at a 64mp setting, 10-second 1080p video clips, 30-second 1080p video clips, 10-second 4k video clips.
SD cards and a reader for the field
Name-brand cards; keep two per camera and swap at each check.
Frequently asked questions
Can a trail camera use a card bigger than 32GB?
Only if the camera supports SDXC. Cards of 64GB and larger are SDXC and use the exFAT file system; many older and budget trail cameras read only SDHC cards up to 32GB and will refuse to format a larger one. The maximum supported size is in the manual. When in doubt, two 32GB cards swapped at each check are the safer buy.
Should I format the SD card in the trail camera?
Yes. Format a card in the camera itself before each deployment. A card formatted on a computer can end up with a file system or cluster size the camera handles badly, which shows up as card errors or corrupted files. Copy your photos off first, since formatting erases everything.
Researched from published specifications, brand plan lists and verified owner reviews; we do not claim hands-on testing. General information, not professional, legal or security advice. Trail camera rules differ by state: some restrict transmitting cameras during hunting seasons or on public land, so check your state wildlife agency. Recording and audio laws vary; only record where you have the right to.