Memory cards

[keblerelf11]

I currently have a Kingston 1GB CF card for my D70s, but I am going on a few trips this spring and summer, and I am looking to pick up 3 or 4 2gb cards to travel with. I know they are pretty reasonable in prices, but I was wondering if anyone had a brand that they would just stay away from or on the other hand have nothing but luck with. Out of Kingstion, Sandisk Ultra II and III, Transcend, Lexar, and Ridata, are they all pretty comparable? Are there plus or minuses to any of these brands? I know it is kind of a personal choice, but I don't want to buy a piece of junk without knowing it. Thanks in advance.

[golfer]

I have been having good luck with Ridata cards. They are not the fastest ones out there, but have worked well for me.

[klaymon]

You could start here: Rob Galbraith DPI: Nikon D70s This page will show you performance data for each card in your camera, plus he mentions if he really got a rotten card. For example, on the 30D he had one card die after a 2 inch drop to a table surface.

I got a Sandisk Extreme IV 2GB for my 30D and it writes at incredible speeds. I've only put about 250 shots on it so far, but no problems yet.

[jfrancho]

I've only ever used Sandisk Ultra II. I've had one issue with a 1 GB card, but I'm not certain its a card issue. Its been flagged for replacement nonetheless.

[atomic]

Memory chips are solid state devices with no moving parts. There is basically nothing that can go wrong, however sometimes they do have problems. I would bet that most of the problems have nothing to do with the card per se, but with the person using the card. If I disconnect my camera from my computer improperly (either while it is still writing data or not going through the proper disconnect routine) the next time I try and use the camera I get an Err 02 message (memory card problem). I then have to remove the card and reinstall it before it will work. The first few times I blamed the card but I eventually figured out the problem was me.

So if anyone tells you such and such brand sucks they are probably wrong. The memory card business is way too competitive for anyone to sell chips that have quality control problems.

The preformance data for the memory cards is not as relevant as you would imagine. Usually the bottleneck is in your camera and not your chip. In other words the data transfer rates are not that much different between the slowest and the fastest chips on the market unless you are using something like the new Canon Mark 111 with the dual processors.

[keblerelf11]

Thanks everyone, and I will check out that link that you put in there Klaymon. Most of my trips are going to be out west in the Rockies, so speed is not completely neccessary, but nice to have when I do need it.

[gryphonslair99]

Originally Posted by atomic

Memory chips are solid state devices with no moving parts. There is basically nothing that can go wrong, however sometimes they do have problems. I would bet that most of the problems have nothing to do with the card per se, but with the person using the card. If I disconnect my camera from my computer improperly (either while it is still writing data or not going through the proper disconnect routine) the next time I try and use the camera I get an Err 02 message (memory card problem). I then have to remove the card and reinstall it before it will work. The first few times I blamed the card but I eventually figured out the problem was me.

So if anyone tells you such and such brand sucks they are probably wrong. The memory card business is way too competitive for anyone to sell chips that have quality control problems.

The preformance data for the memory cards is not as relevant as you would imagine. Usually the bottleneck is in your camera and not your chip. In other words the data transfer rates are not that much different between the slowest and the fastest chips on the market unless you are using something like the new Canon Mark 111 with the dual processors.

Not really that simple. CompactFlash consists of a small circuit board with Flash-memory chips and a dedicated controller chip, all encased in a rugged shell. Reliability is based on the components used to manufacture compact flash cards just as with anything else. Problems do exist. Direct from Canon's website.

Disappearance of images when using Lexar Compact Flash Cards
We have received inquiries about the problem of images disappearing when using specific digital SLR cameras. As a result of our investigation, we found that the following two problems may occur. Please be advised of the details and countermeasures.

1. Disappearance of images when using Lexar Compact Flash Cards
Affected Products (D-SLR): EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 20D, EOS Digital Rebel XT / EOS 350D Digital / EOS Kiss Digital N
Affected Products (CF card):
Lexar Professional 80x-speed Compact Flash cards
Problem:
Captured images on some Lexar CompactFlash cards can be lost when used with the Canon cameras listed above. Working together, Lexar and Canon have investigated the cause and confirmed that the problem occurs in extremely rare instances when the products above are used together.
Countermeasure:
The firmware to correct this problem is now available on the Lexar website.

Lexar customers can contact Lexar Professional Support in US at (+1) 510-413-1233, or in UK at (+44) 1483-522-947 or visit Lexar on-line at Lexar - Customer Support.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience these issues have caused for you. We will make every effort in quality control to provide products that our customers can use with confidence. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Canon and Lexar are not the only ones to have had problems in this area.

My personal choice has always been Sandisk. They developed CF cards. I use the Ultra II's and Extreeme III cards. Not that my camera can write that fast now, but CF is the most rugged of the removable flash memory cards and will likely remain so in DSLR's My next body just may be able to use the extra write speed that is not being used now. Check the various forums and you will hear a varity of horror stories about using cheap memory. I would suggest you stick with one of the better known makers and stick to the 1 or 2 gig range. That way if you do experience a problem you do not have all your egg or in this case photos all in one basket. If you have a store such as Office Depot, Office Max, Staples or Circut City, watch their adds. You see Sandisk and other popular cards on sale all the time.

[atomic]

Originally Posted by gryphonslair99

Not really that simple. CompactFlash consists of a small circuit board with Flash-memory chips and a dedicated controller chip, all encased in a rugged shell. Reliability is based on the components used to manufacture compact flash cards just as with anything else. Problems do exist. Direct from Canon's website.

Disappearance of images when using Lexar Compact Flash Cards
We have received inquiries about the problem of images disappearing when using specific digital SLR cameras. As a result of our investigation, we found that the following two problems may occur. Please be advised of the details and countermeasures.

1. Disappearance of images when using Lexar Compact Flash Cards
Affected Products (D-SLR): EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 20D, EOS Digital Rebel XT / EOS 350D Digital / EOS Kiss Digital N
Affected Products (CF card):
Lexar Professional 80x-speed Compact Flash cards
Problem:
Captured images on some Lexar CompactFlash cards can be lost when used with the Canon cameras listed above. Working together, Lexar and Canon have investigated the cause and confirmed that the problem occurs in extremely rare instances when the products above are used together.
Countermeasure:
The firmware to correct this problem is now available on the Lexar website.

Lexar customers can contact Lexar Professional Support in US at (+1) 510-413-1233, or in UK at (+44) 1483-522-947 or visit Lexar on-line at Lexar - Customer Support.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience these issues have caused for you. We will make every effort in quality control to provide products that our customers can use with confidence. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Canon and Lexar are not the only ones to have had problems in this area.

My personal choice has always been Sandisk. They developed CF cards. I use the Ultra II's and Extreeme III cards. Not that my camera can write that fast now, but CF is the most rugged of the removable flash memory cards and will likely remain so in DSLR's My next body just may be able to use the extra write speed that is not being used now. Check the various forums and you will hear a varity of horror stories about using cheap memory. I would suggest you stick with one of the better known makers and stick to the 1 or 2 gig range. That way if you do experience a problem you do not have all your egg or in this case photos all in one basket. If you have a store such as Office Depot, Office Max, Staples or Circut City, watch their adds. You see Sandisk and other popular cards on sale all the time.

Well of course problems do exist. But a product without moving parts is inherintly more stable than those with moving parts.

[jfrancho]

Originally Posted by atomic

Memory chips are solid state devices with no moving parts. There is basically nothing that can go wrong, however sometimes they do have problems. I would bet that most of the problems have nothing to do with the card per se, but with the person using the card. If I disconnect my camera from my computer improperly (either while it is still writing data or not going through the proper disconnect routine) the next time I try and use the camera I get an Err 02 message (memory card problem). I then have to remove the card and reinstall it before it will work. The first few times I blamed the card but I eventually figured out the problem was me.

So if anyone tells you such and such brand sucks they are probably wrong. The memory card business is way too competitive for anyone to sell chips that have quality control problems.

The preformance data for the memory cards is not as relevant as you would imagine. Usually the bottleneck is in your camera and not your chip. In other words the data transfer rates are not that much different between the slowest and the fastest chips on the market unless you are using something like the new Canon Mark 111 with the dual processors.

This is an extreme overstatement.
Solid state circuitry does fail.
User error is not always the cause of failure.
Some brands certainly do deserve the "suck" label.
Even my camera (antique Canon 20D) is able to take advantage of higher rated cards. In fact, Sandisk Ultra II cards are faster now than they were when they first came out.

[klaymon]

Originally Posted by atomic

The preformance data for the memory cards is not as relevant as you would imagine. Usually the bottleneck is in your camera and not your chip. In other words the data transfer rates are not that much different between the slowest and the fastest chips on the market unless you are using something like the new Canon Mark 111 with the dual processors.

My Sandisk Extreme IV will outpace my Lexar WA 40X cards by leaps and bounds. The data transfer rate is a difference of night and day. This can keep the camera buffer from filling up quickly and can be a great benefit if shooting sports or other subject matter where multiple shots in a row may be taken, especially if you shoot RAW. Performance data is very relevant.

[atomic]

Originally Posted by jfrancho

This is an extreme overstatement.
Solid state circuitry does fail.
User error is not always the cause of failure.
Some brands certainly do deserve the "suck" label.
Even my camera (antique Canon 20D) is able to take advantage of higher rated cards. In fact, Sandisk Ultra II cards are faster now than they were when they first came out.

I did not say that solid state circuitry does not fail, where did you get that idea?

"however sometimes they do have problems"

I know memory cards fail, I had one fail on me. But their failure rate is far less than in a device with moving parts.

I did not say user error is always the cause of failure. Where did you get that idea?

" would bet that most of the problems have nothing to do with the card per se, but with the person using the card."

Notice I said most And I stand by that statement. I would bet money most memory card problems are user errors and not memory chip failure.

In the future please read my posts more carefully before you misquote me.

[jfrancho]

In the future please read my posts more carefully before you misquote me.

I don't understand how I could have "misquoted" you. You posted the message, and I read it as an exaggeration, and offered my experience. Did you mean to type something else? They're your words. If you need to clarify, then there is a miscommunication. No big deal, happens all the time on a forum.

Just because you have a different opinion does not make mine, or anyone else's less valid. This is a forum, and all points of view can be shared. The reader can take it or leave it.

[atomic]

Originally Posted by jfrancho

I don't understand how I could have "misquoted" you. You posted the message, and I read it as an exaggeration, and offered my experience. Did you mean to type something else? They're your words. If you need to clarify, then there is a miscommunication. No big deal, happens all the time on a forum.

Just because you have a different opinion does not make mine, or anyone else's less valid. This is a forum, and all points of view can be shared. The reader can take it or leave it.

I am out of here. This place really sucks. It seems like everyone here loves to prove someone else is wrong. Too much petty bickering here. Jfranco if you only knew half as much as you think you know you would be brilliant.

[gryphonslair99]

Atomic,
I think that you are missing the big picture here. I do not know your photographic experience, but from your own posts you are a DSLR noobie. January of 2007 If your posts are correct. Nothing wrong with being a noobie.

No one here is trying prove someone else wrong. The people here are trying to give the best advise, from experience, to the origonal poster. While some of you post was true about the inherent reliability of solid state. If every memory manufacture has the same quality of components and quality control, the cards would be priced relatively the same. Either that or they are using slave labor. It is a simple matter of economics. In the world of auto racing you will not find someone saying a $30 tire from K-mart is as good as a $300 racing tire from Goodyear. No moving parts in either tire.

I have no idea how important these trips that the origonal poster is talking about in wanting additional media. I would rather advise him/her as if this trip were the most important thing in his/her life rather than some weekend jaunt. The photographic newsgroups are full of posts of problems with no name, cheap or counterfit cards. They are also full of posts about the lost photos from card failures, some of them with dire consequences. If the origonal poster goes out and buys some good cards and has some good experiences on their trips they will be happy with what has transpired. If they go out, buy the cheapest thing they can find, because they were told it was ok and they have problems, they will be hurt, disapointed and maybe even put off from photography. Not a good thing.

Name brand manufactures in any business are where they are because they stand for quality and have proven so by their products. That is why, even in something like memory card, people like jfrancho and I suggested what we did. jfrancho and I have even disagreed before on advise if my memory serves me correctly. We have had different experiences to rely on so we may have posted different advise. That is the basis for most peoples advise here, experience. That is what my origonal response was about, personal experience. Although I prefer Sandisk, my only recomendation to the origonal poster was to stick with one of the better known makers and to stick with 1 or 2 gig cards instead of one large card. Good luck in what ever venture you may follow.

[keblerelf11]

Well thanks everyone. I learned an aweful lot from all the posts. I have since purchased two Sandisk Extreme III 2gb cards from 17th street photo. They will be arriving either tomorrow or Monday, in time for my first trip west the following week. I am very excited to go, and want to thank everyone for their opinions, and all the great info they shared.

[jfrancho]

Originally Posted by atomic

I am out of here. This place really sucks. It seems like everyone here loves to prove someone else is wrong. Too much petty bickering here. Jfranco if you only knew half as much as you think you know you would be brilliant.

That's too bad that you see a counterpoint as bickering. So long.

[gryphonslair99]

Originally Posted by keblerelf11

Well thanks everyone. I learned an aweful lot from all the posts. I have since purchased two Sandisk Extreme III 2gb cards from 17th street photo. They will be arriving either tomorrow or Monday, in time for my first trip west the following week. I am very excited to go, and want to thank everyone for their opinions, and all the great info they shared.

Don't forget to post some of the photos when you get back. We would like to see them. Have fun.

[oldugly]

Jfranco if you only knew half as much as you think you know you would be brilliant.

Jfranco,
From my lurking you seem to have offered good advice and thoughts most of the time. Just imagine what you could do with all that additonal knowledge . Do you suppose "atomic" was the victum of a reactor meltdown? Hang in there.

[jazzology]

I personally have only used sandisk (I Think, read below) and never had any issues.

http://martybugs.net/articles/fakesandisk.cgi

[Blacklynx]

Personally i have only ever used Sandisk extreme 3 cards and have only recently changed to the extreme 4 just becuase it was a great price and even better performance.

i like testing things and have dropped the cards in deep snow taken into -30 and used in Dubai heat, Thailand floods, Cambodian and Burmese Jungle and have had no problems at all.