When it comes to capturing moments that matter—whether in photography or videography—having a dependable memory card is just as important as having the right camera. Professionals and enthusiasts alike know that storage speed, reliability, and capacity can make or break a shoot. The Lexar Professional Gold SDXC UHS-II 128GB Memory Card is designed with creators in mind, promising lightning-fast performance, robust durability, and plenty of space for high-resolution files.
In this detailed review, we’ll break down the features, specifications, design, performance, pros and cons, and who this card is best suited for.
Key Features
- UHS-II Technology
- Built with UHS-II (Ultra High Speed) technology, delivering exceptional read and write speeds for demanding workflows.
- Fast Read and Write Performance
- Read speeds up to 280MB/s and write speeds up to 180MB/s, enabling smooth 4K and Full HD video capture.
- High-Capacity Storage
- 128GB of storage provides ample space for high-resolution images, long-form video, and RAW files.
- V60 Video Speed Class
- Supports stable video recording, meeting professional standards for 4K UHD content.
- Durability Tested
- Designed to be shockproof, vibration resistant, and temperature-proof, ensuring reliability even in extreme conditions.
- Backward Compatibility
- Works with UHS-I devices at lower speeds, making it versatile across different cameras and gear.
- Professional-Grade Build
- Constructed with performance and durability in mind, ideal for photographers, videographers, and hybrid shooters.
Specifications
- Brand: Lexar
- Model: Professional Gold Series
- Capacity: 128GB
- Card Type: SDXC UHS-II
- Speed Class: UHS-II, Class 10, U3, V60
- Read Speed: Up to 280MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 180MB/s
- Video Recording: 4K UHD, Full HD
- Durability: Shockproof, vibration resistant, temperature-proof
- Compatibility: Backward compatible with UHS-I devices
- Best Use: Photography, videography, high-speed continuous shooting, 4K video recording
Design & Build Quality
The Lexar Professional Gold SDXC card has a sturdy, professional design that reflects its premium positioning. Its compact size makes it compatible with any device that supports SD cards, while its gold branding highlights its place within Lexar’s top-tier lineup.
More importantly, the build quality is engineered for reliability. The card is shockproof, resistant to vibrations, and temperature-proof, making it suitable for shooting in challenging environments—from hot deserts to cold mountains. For creators who travel or work in unpredictable conditions, this durability is a major advantage.
Performance & Real-World Use
Speed & Responsiveness
The standout feature of the Lexar Professional Gold card is its speed. With read speeds up to 280MB/s and write speeds up to 180MB/s, it ensures quick transfers of large files to computers and smooth in-camera performance.
For photographers shooting in burst mode, the high write speed allows the camera buffer to clear quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring no shots are missed. For videographers, the V60 certification guarantees stable 4K video recording without dropped frames.
4K Video Support
With the rise of 4K UHD content, memory cards must sustain consistent write speeds. This card’s V60 Video Speed Class means it maintains a minimum write speed of 60MB/s, which is more than enough for 4K recording. It’s ideal for professional video work, interviews, vlogs, or event coverage where reliability is essential.
Backward Compatibility
Even though it’s a UHS-II card, the Lexar Professional Gold is backward compatible with UHS-I devices. This means that while it won’t deliver maximum speed on older devices, it will still function reliably. This is useful for creators who use multiple cameras with varying SD slot technologies.
Workflow Efficiency
For professionals handling large RAW image files or long video clips, the card’s fast read speeds are a major timesaver. Transferring files to a computer or external storage system is quick, streamlining the editing process and saving valuable time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent read and write speeds with UHS-II technology.
- V60 rating ensures stable, high-quality 4K UHD video capture.
- Large 128GB capacity for extended shoots.
- Durable construction: Shockproof, vibration resistant, and temperature-proof.
- Efficient workflow: Fast file transfers save time for professionals.
- Backward compatibility with UHS-I devices.
- Reliable brand: Lexar’s long-standing reputation in professional storage solutions.
Cons
- Premium price point compared to standard SD cards.
- Not the fastest option available (some higher-end cards offer V90 certification for 8K workflows).
- Maximum performance requires UHS-II devices—older gear won’t leverage its full potential.
Who Is This Memory Card Best For?
The Lexar Professional Gold SDXC UHS-II 128GB is designed for serious creators who need speed, reliability, and storage capacity.
- Professional Photographers
- Perfect for high-speed continuous shooting in RAW, where fast write speeds prevent buffer delays.
- Videographers
- With its V60 certification, it’s ideal for stable 4K UHD recording during events, documentaries, or creative projects.
- Hybrid Shooters
- For those who capture both photos and videos, this card balances capacity and speed to handle both workflows seamlessly.
- Travel and Outdoor Creators
- Thanks to its durability, the card withstands extreme conditions, making it suitable for adventure photography and outdoor shooting.
- Content Creators & Streamers
- Great for vloggers or YouTubers who require dependable performance for long shoots.
- Professionals with Multiple Cameras
- The backward compatibility makes it versatile across gear with mixed UHS-I and UHS-II slots.
Final Verdict
The Lexar Professional Gold SDXC UHS-II 128GB Memory Card is a powerful tool for creators who demand both speed and reliability. With read speeds of up to 280MB/s, write speeds up to 180MB/s, and V60 certification, it provides the performance needed for smooth 4K video capture and fast continuous photography. Its durability features—shockproof, vibration resistant, and temperature-proof—make it a dependable choice for professionals working in challenging environments.
While it comes at a premium price and may not be necessary for casual users, its value for photographers, videographers, and professionals is undeniable. For anyone who wants to streamline their workflow, avoid dropped frames, and ensure safe storage of their creative content, this memory card is a smart investment.
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-speed SD card that delivers on both performance and durability, the Lexar Professional Gold SDXC UHS-II 128GB is an excellent choice that will keep up with even the most demanding creative projects.