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So you just bought a new digital camera and now you’re wondering what kind of SD or CF card to use in that slick little device. Should you stick with one of the major brand names, SanDisk, Lexar, or perhaps take a chance on a cheaper card without the name recognition?
My criterion for choosing a memory card is speed: how fast the image data can be written from the camera to the card. You’d think that we could just read and trust the data transfer speeds listed by the manufacturers—you can to a point.
But that point stops when you realize that a single top-rated card will vary in performance depending on the camera brand or model in which it’s paired. Fortunately, if you are looking for the fastest card and camera combinations, you need only look as far as Rob Galbraith’s recently updated CF/SD Card Database. He has posted speed tests on a number of major digital SLR camera and card combinations.
If you are looking to free yourself from one less digital doodad, try leaving your SD card reader at home on your next outing. I know 2-in-1 SD cards have been out for a while but I’ve recently discovered just how well they work. The convenience of being able to remove the SD card from the camera, fold the card back to reveal the USB tab, and directly insert it into the computer is brilliant, simple, and fast.
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Comments
May 27, 2008 2PM #
Hello,
I am just getting started with digital cameras.
Thanks for the tips.
May 27, 2008 2PM #
I have an EOS20D and the more CF's I purchase the more it seems I need more. I am now looking our for some sort of hard drive where I can transfer the images from the CF to whilst I am out.
May 27, 2008 2PM #
Excellent idea. How they are making them so small now, I will never know! I saw one earlier with built in WiFi!!!
May 27, 2008 2PM #
This is just a great innovation and just in time, too! I got my first digital camera last Christmas and I'm leaving the country for a vacation next month. This will be a great addition to my camera equipment :)
May 27, 2008 2PM #
Is it true that photographic images on cards fades with time? So getting a branded card is better than the cheap generic ones, maybe?
May 27, 2008 2PM #
No, digital data does not "fade", it is either there, or its not...it can become currupted or lost...but no fading..
May 27, 2008 2PM #
This sounds great, I want one already. I currently have to get a cable and plug into my USB or put the card in my printer slot, not that much effort really so why do I find it a pain.
May 27, 2008 2PM #
Thanks your article it contains some interesting information camera technology is improving all the time and it can be difficult to keep on top of it articles like this help enormously
May 27, 2008 2PM #
I have several types of CF card. They all operate at different speeds however it has never really been a problem with the slower cards, I still manage to get all the shots saved.
May 27, 2008 2PM #
Definitely think it is worth a go. I've tried all sorts odifferent CF cards with differing success. The build in USB tab would be very useful.
May 27, 2008 2PM #
That's a brilliant idea,I've not seen one of these before and I could do with clearing my camera bag out of all the junk I carry!
May 27, 2008 2PM #
Might be worth an update but the next gen of the SD card standard is coming in at a whopping 2TB with access speed of up to 104 MB per second - these cards will be full size though.
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