Nikon D810 Memory Slots
. D8100114.bin (the camera firmware) Using a card slot or card reader, copy “D8100114.bin” to a memory card that has been formatted in the camera. Insert the memory card into the camera slot currently selected as the primary slot and turn the camera on. Note: Be sure to copy the firmware to the root (top-most) directory of the memory card.
The Nikon D810 has dual card slots, each with its own card format. One slot is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. The other slot uses Type 1 CF memory cards.
To be able to get the best overall performance from the camera it is essential to use a UHS-I SD card and a CF card that is fast.
You will be able to work with cards as large as 2TB. However, this has not yet been tested as there are no 2TB Compact Flash or SD cards on the market.
- Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors; f/8 supported by 11 sensors), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5 to 3 m/1 ft 8 in. To 9 ft 10 in.).
- Nikon has also said that its engineers have improved the AF algorithm, and in our field tests the D810 did a fine job of keeping up with moving subjects when used in its 3D tracking mode. While it still doesn’t tilt or swivel, the 3.2-inch LCD screen on the D810 increased in resolution, to 1.229 million dots from the D800’s 921,000 dots.
- The Nikon D810 is a full-frame DSLR with 36 Megapixels. Announced in June 2014, it jointly replaces the almost two and a half year old D800 and D800e, slotting between the D610 and the flagship D4s. Like the models it replaces, the D810 is aimed at pros and high-end enthusiasts who demand the best image quality.
In a hurry? Here is my recommendation for the best SD and CF memory cards:
- Best value for the money.
- Transfer speeds up to 170MB/s.
- Excellent reliability.
- Temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and X-ray-proof.
Best CF & SD Cards
SanDisk is the most widely available brand for both CF and SD cards. I have been very happy with all of the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD or CF memory cards I have owned.
Top-quality cards deliver the most value. While only a small amount more expensive than bargain SD and Compact Flash cards, they will be better built-in addition to being faster.
The only problems I've had when using a memory card was when the card was a no-name card. I have never had a card fail or become corrupt when I have used a top tier card.
If you would like to lower the cost, do not spend money on a discount memory card. You'll be better off buying s high-quality SD or CF memory card with a smaller capacity.
Recommended SD Cards for D810
- Best value for the money.
- Transfer speeds up to 170MB/s.
- Excellent reliability.
- Temperature-proof, waterproof, shock-proof, and X-ray-proof.
- Class 10, UHS-I.
- Read Speeds up to 95MB/s.
- Excellent reliability.
- Magnet proof, shock proof, temperature proof, and waterproof.
- Professional Class. Card
- Read speeds up to 95MB/s.
- Excellent reliability.
Recommended CF Cards for D810
- Up to 150MB/s write speed.
- Extreme transfer read speed up to 160MB/s.
- RTV silicone coating for shock and vibration protection.
- Reliable from temperatures of 13°F to 185°F (-25°C to 85°C)
- UDMA read speed of up to 160MB/s.
- Support video performance guarantee - 65.
- Write speed up to 150MB/s.
- Video performance guarantee - 65.
- RTV silicone coating for shock and vibration protection.
- Reliable from temperatures of 13°F to 185°F (-25°C to 85°C)
Nikon D810 SD Card Compatibility
SDXC, SDHC, and SD cards can be used by the Nikon D810. Use an SD memory card with UHS-I to get the best performance from the camera.
The latest SDUC cards can't be used with the D810.
There are four different specifications of Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. Newer card specs add features that provide for more memory capacity and increased read/write rates.
- Secure Digital (SD) - 128MB to 2GB.
- Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) - 4GB to 32GB.
- Secure Digital eXtended Capacity (SDXC) - 64GB to 2TB.
- Secure Digital Ultra Capacity (SDUC) - 4TB to 128TB.
Nikon D810 CF Card Compatibility
CF memory cards as large as 256GB were tested to be operating correctly in a D810. Compact Flash memory cards with a capacity of as much as 2TB will likely work as that would equal the SDXC memory card capacity.
Image Capacity
Below is an approximate estimation of how many large JPEG images you can expect to store on each size of an SD card.
- 4GB - 1,160 images
- 8GB - 2,320 images
- 16GB - 4,640 images
- 32GB - 9,280 images
Speed, Class, & UHS Ratings
SD Card Speed
The speed rating of an SD card is determined by the sequential read and write speeds. The transfer speed of a memory card is important for clearing the buffer for continuous shooting and recording video.
A slow card can reduce the number of continuous frames the Nikon D810 can take. This is because the camera's buffer is not able to write data to the SD card fast enough.
When shooting video, a slow card can cause a sudden end to shooting. The video file may also be corrupted. If you intend to record video, it is crucial the memory card you use meets the required minimum continuous write speed for video.
Card read speed is important for transferring files to a computer or laptop. If you have cards that are full, a card with a fast read speed will save you time.
Speed Class Rating
The Class rating of a memory card is related to the sustained write speed. Cards that have a minimum write speed of at least 10MB/s will be rated Class 10.
- Class 2 - 2MB/s
- Class 4 - 4MB/s
- Class 6 - 6MB/s
- Class 8 - 8MB/s
- Class 10 - 10MB/s or faster
Every name-brand SD card that you can find for sale today will be rated Class 10. You can check the class rating of a card by looking for a number inside of a C on the label.
Ultra High Speed (UHS)
The Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus can be found in SDUC, SDXC, and SDHC cards. The UHS bus cards to have increased write speeds.
Three separate specs exist. They are UHS-I, UHS-II, and UHS-III.
Nikon D810 Memory Card Slots
You can find the rating of a card by checking the label. If the memory card has UHS a Roman numeral I, II, or III will be on the label.
- UHS-I - Maximum transfer rate of 104 MB/s
- UHS-II - Maximum transfer rate of 312 MB/s
- UHS-III - Maximum transfer rate of 624 MB/s
Do Both Memory Cards Slots Need to Be Used in the D810?
Nikon D810 Memory Card Slots
No, the Nikon D810 can be used with one or two cards.
To be able to use more options, you'll need to use two memory.
You'll be able to set the following settings:
- Mirror. The cards will be exact copies of each other.
- Overflow. Once the first card is full, files will be saved to the other memory card.
- RAW+JPEG. RAW files will be written on one card and JPEGs of the same images will be written to the other card.
Related Cameras
Nikon D810 Memory Slots
That's everything to look for in either an SD and CF memory card. The 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best SD memory card for the Nikon D810. The 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best CF memory card for the Nikon D810.
Here are additional cameras that have similar memory card requirements: