Don't Overpay for a Panasonic GH1 SD Memory Card (32GB Max)

The Panasonic GH1, from 2009, uses SD memory cards. It can use cards up to 32GB in capacity.

Using a 64GB or larger card will cause an error. THe GH1 will not be able to format the card.

If you have an older card, it should have a Class 6 speed rating. Cards that are too slow will likely be 2GB or smaller.

Do not buy an expensive UHS-II card. The GH1 can used them, but it can’t use the extra speed.

Recommended Panasonic GH1 SD Cards

New SD cards are all very fast and similarly priced.

32GB cars are the best value per GB. 16GB cards are close to the same price.

There are several speeds ratings. A card with UHS-I won’t bottleneck the GH1. You’ll also be able to transfer files quickly with a card reader.

Don’t buy a UHS-II card. It will work, but the GH1 can’t use the extra speed.

Don’t buy a used card. Flash memory has a finite life. They are more likely to fail or cause corrupted images.

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SanDisk Ultra 32GB

• Class 10, V10, U1, and UHS-I
• Best selling brand
• Not worth paying a premium for

Transcend 32GB

• Class 10, V10, U1, and UHS-I
• Suitable for 1080p video
• Might be cheaper

PNY Elite 32GB

• Class 10, V10, U1, and UHS-I
• Suitable for 1080p video
• It’s like they’re all the same

Lexar 32GB

• Class 10, V10, U1, and UHS-I
• Suitable for 1080p video
• Just buy the cheapest or easiest to get

Card reader should have tails

Future proof features:

• USB-C 3.1 or 3.2
• UHS-II Compatible
• Has a Tail

It’s super annoying when a card reader blocks other ports. They can also be built-in multi-port dongles or be able to read multiple types of memory cards.

Multi-card readers can do newer memory cards like CFExpress. If you’re into older cameras, a USB 2.0 26-in-1 memory card reader might be for you.

• Memory Stick (Sony)
• xD (Olympus)
• CompactFlash (Old Nikon, Canon, Pentax)

Panasonic GH1 SD Card Compatibility

The Panasonic GH1 is compatible with the SD, SDHC, and SDXC standards.

Check to make sure the camera has the latest firmware.

The newest SDXC and SDUC cards will not work with the GH1. They are too large.

• SD (Secure Digital) - 128MB to 2GB.
• SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) - 4GB to 32GB.
• SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) - 64GB to 2TB.
• SDUC (Secure Digital Ultra Capacity) - 4TB to 128TB.

Image Capacity

Here’s the approximate image capacity for high-quality JPEGs from the 12.1 megapixel sensor:

• 4GB - 1,060
• 8GB - 2,120
• 16GB - 4,240
• 32GB - 8,480

Card Speed Class

Class rating is determined by sustained write speed. The rating will be shown as a number inside of a C on the label.

For example, as card that could write data at 5MB/s would get a Class 4 rating.

Class 10 card are likely much faster than 10MB/s. That’s why there are additional ratings for high resolution video.

• Class 2 - 2MB/s
• Class 4 - 4MB/s
• Class 6 - 6MB/s
• Class 8 - 8MB/s
• Class 10 - 10MB/s or faster

Ultra High Speed Bus (UHS)

Don’t pay more for a UHS-II card. The Panasonic GH1 can’t take advantage the extra read and write speed.

The rating is shown on the card label as a Roman numeral I, II, or III.

• 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