Lexar Professional 1667x SD Review

The Lexar Professional 1667x SD is a UHS-II memory card designed for demanding photographers and videographers. With read speeds up to 250 MB/s and write speeds up to 120 MB/s, it promises smooth 4K video recording and fast burst shooting. But does it live up to the hype? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to give you an honest review.

Who Is the Lexar Professional 1667x SD For?

This card is aimed at professionals and serious enthusiasts who use UHS-II capable cameras like the Sony A7 III, Fujifilm X-T4, or Canon EOS R5. If you shoot 4K video or need to capture rapid-fire bursts, the write speed is critical. It also suits photographers who transfer large files frequently, thanks to the included USB 3.0 reader.

However, if you own a UHS-I camera, the card will operate at slower speeds (up to 95 MB/s), and you won't notice the speed benefit. In that case, a cheaper UHS-I card might be a better value. Similarly, casual shooters who take a few photos at a time won't need this level of performance.

Design and Build Quality

The Lexar Professional 1667x SD has a sturdy plastic casing with a metallic finish. It feels solid in hand and is built to withstand rough conditions. Lexar rates it as waterproof, shockproof, x-ray proof, and temperature-proof. That means you can leave it in a pocket during a hike or accidentally drop it without worrying about data loss.

The card is available in capacities from 64GB to 512GB. The 128GB version is the most popular among buyers, offering a good balance between storage and price. The included card reader is compact and fits easily in a camera bag. It uses USB 3.0, which is fast enough for most workflows, but if you have a USB-C port, you'll need an adapter.

Real-World Performance

In real-world use, the card delivers on its promises. When paired with a UHS-II camera, write speeds are consistent, allowing you to shoot continuous bursts without buffer lag. For 4K video, the V60 rating ensures a minimum write speed of 60 MB/s, which handles most codecs at standard frame rates. Some users have reported using it for 8K on compatible cameras, but that's not officially guaranteed.

Read speeds are equally impressive. Transferring a 32GB folder of RAW files took under two minutes with the included reader, which is about 30% faster than a typical UHS-I card. The card also maintains performance in cold weather, with a tested operating range down to -13°F. That makes it a reliable choice for winter shoots.

Ease of Use and Handling

Using the card is straightforward: insert it into your camera or card reader, and it works. The write-protect switch is easy to toggle, though some users find it a bit stiff. The included reader is plug-and-play on Windows and Mac, and it works with both SD and microSD cards via an adapter (not included).

One minor complaint is that the reader's USB cable is short, about 6 inches. If your computer's ports are on the back, you might need an extension. But that's a small nitpick for an otherwise solid package.

Storage and Battery Considerations

Storage capacity is generous, but remember that 4K video eats up space quickly. A 128GB card can hold roughly 2 hours of 4K footage at 100 Mbps. For longer shoots, consider the 256GB or 512GB versions. The card has no impact on battery life, but using a card reader for transfers can drain your laptop battery faster than a direct connection.

Value for Money

The Lexar Professional 1667x SD is priced competitively compared to rivals like the SanDisk Extreme Pro and Sony Tough. It often costs slightly less while offering similar performance. The included card reader adds value, though it's not the fastest available. For professionals who need reliability and speed, the price is justified. For casual users, it's overkill.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Fast write speeds, rugged build, comes with a card reader, lifetime warranty, good cold-weather performance.
• Cons: USB 3.0 reader, not beneficial for UHS-I cameras, occasional reports of card errors after heavy use.

How It Compares to Alternatives

The closest competitors are the SanDisk Extreme Pro and the Sony Tough series. The SanDisk Extreme Pro offers similar speeds but is often priced higher. The Sony Tough is more durable (with a one-piece design) but costs more. The Lexar 1667x sits in the middle, offering a good balance of price and performance. For most users, the Lexar is the better value.

Common Buyer Complaints

Some users have reported that the card can become unreadable after heavy use, but this is rare and often due to counterfeit cards. Always buy from authorized sellers. Others mention that the write speed drops when the card is nearly full, which is common for all SD cards. A few users wish the reader were USB-C, but that's a minor issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lexar Professional 1667x SD worth it?

If you have a UHS-II camera and shoot 4K video or fast action, yes. If not, a cheaper UHS-I card will work fine.

Can I use this card in a Nintendo Switch?

Yes, the Switch supports SDXC cards, but it only uses UHS-I speeds. The card will work, but you won't get the full speed.

Does the card work with the included reader on a Mac?

Yes, the reader is plug-and-play on macOS. You can also use the SD slot on a MacBook Pro, but that only supports UHS-II on newer models.

How do I know if my camera supports UHS-II?

Check your camera's manual or specifications online. Look for the UHS-II logo near the SD slot, or a mention of UHS-II support.

Final Verdict

The Lexar Professional 1667x SD is a reliable, high-performance card that meets the needs of professional photographers and videographers. Its fast write speeds, durable build, and included reader make it a strong contender in the UHS-II market. While it's not for everyone, those who need it will find it a worthy investment. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.