SanDisk launches 2TB SD memory card priced at up to $2,000.

SanDisk has just introduced the Extreme Pro UHS-II V90 SD memory card with capacities up to 2TB, aimed at professional users shooting high-resolution video and photos. However, its price tag of around $2,000 has quickly made this product a hot topic in the storage market.

SD memory cards with 2TB capacity are not very affordable.

SanDisk's new SD Extreme Pro UHS-II V90 memory card is positioned as a high-end storage solution for professional camcorders and cameras. The 2TB version is priced at around $2,000 after a discount from its list price of $2,500, a figure considered very high when calculated per gigabyte.

Even the lowest-priced 128GB version costs around $240, indicating that this is clearly not a product for the average consumer. SanDisk is targeting this memory card at filmmakers, those shooting 4K/8K video, or content producers who need stable write speeds and large capacity.

The high price is partly due to the global shortage of DRAM and NAND, which has caused memory production costs to rise sharply recently.

High speed is the biggest difference.

Compared to other common memory cards, the Extreme Pro UHS-II V90 stands out thanks to its high data transfer speed. Using the UHS-II interface, the card allows for bidirectional data transfer at speeds of approximately 300 MB/s, making it suitable for recording high-resolution video for extended periods.

The V90 designation on the card indicates a minimum continuous write speed of 90 MB/s, a crucial standard for professional video recording systems that need to ensure stable data recording.

Meanwhile, SanDisk's popular microSD Extreme line only uses UHS-I with read/write speeds of around 240/140 MB/s and once had a 2TB version priced at around $200 before supply increased the price to nearly $400.

This difference shows that speed and intended use are the main factors driving the significantly higher price of new SD cards.

It's even more expensive than microSD Express cards.

It's worth noting that the $2,000 price tag of the Extreme Pro UHS-II V90 is even higher than the cost per gigabyte of microSD Express cards – a product line that boasts read/write speeds of up to 800/650 MB/s thanks to its PCIe lanes.

Currently, microSD Express is primarily known for its support of newer devices like the Nintendo Switch 2. Despite strong demand leading to initial supply shortages, the price of the 512GB version remains relatively stable at around $120.

This shows that the Extreme Pro UHS-II V90 SD card doesn't compete on price, but focuses entirely on professional users who need stable performance.

Dedicated memory cards still have their own designated place.

Despite their high price, SD Extreme Pro UHS-II V90 cards reflect a reality of the storage market: each product line is designed for a specific need. microSD cards are suitable for mobile devices and gaming, microSD Express cards are aimed at high-speed systems, while SD UHS-II V90 cards cater to professional video recording.

The explosion of AI and data centers is impacting the supply of NAND and DRAM, but the price difference between memory card lines still largely stems from intended use and technology.

With its large capacity and stable speed, SanDisk's new 2TB SD card may not be for everyone, but it remains a noteworthy option for filmmakers and content professionals who need a high-performance storage solution in a professional work environment.