SanDisk has announced a new Extreme SDHC 32GB card, due to ship in August, geared toward high-end DSLRs and AVCHD-based HD camcorders. The card is rated for a maximum 30MB per second in read/write performance and carries the new Class 10 rating, surpassing the requirements for AVCHD-level High-definition video recording. The new Class 10 rating was recently added by the SD Association as part of its SD 3.0 Specification and guarantees a minimum sustained transfer rate of 10MB per second.

The flash memory maker estimates that the new card has the capacity to store 160 minutes of 1080p video at a 24MB/sec data transfer rate. It can also hold approximately 2,500 RAW photos, assuming a RAW file size of 10MB.

The 32GB card will be joined by the now rebranded Extreme III SDHC line of 16GB, 8GB and 4GB cards that will also be upgraded from Class 6 to Class 10 performance and carry similar 30MB/sec maximum speed ratings. All four capacities are expected in August.

SanDisk's Extreme line is rated for temperatures ranging from -13F to 185F and carries a lifetime warranty. The 32GB model's retail price has not been announced, while current prices for the Extreme III line are $200 (16GB), $120 (8GB) and $70 (4GB) and should see similar or slightly higher pricing.