PowerShot S1 IS and cards over 1GB...

[Majarvis]

Just wondering, for those of you who own an S1 IS, or know someone who does; do 2GB, 4GB, etc CF cards work on the S1 IS?
The reason I ask is because I received this response from Canon;

Thank you for your E-mail inquiry regarding your PowerShot S1 IS.
The greatest capacity memory card confirmed as being compatible with the PowerShot S1 IS is a 1GB memory card. As the camera supports the FAT32 file system, you may be able to use memory cards with capacities greater than 1GB with your camera. However, as greater capacity memory card have not been tested by Canon, there is no guarantee all greater capacity memory card with operate correctly. For this reason, it is advised to inquire with the memory card retailer on their exchange or return policy in the unlikely event a memory card does not operate correctly with your camera.
Should you require further assistance, please feel free to email us or visit our customer support website at http://www.canon.ca (http://www.canon.ca/)


Sincerely,
David M.
Technical Support Representative
Customer Information Centre
Canon Canada Inc.
http://www.canon.ca/digitalphotography (http://www.canon.ca/digitalphotography)

So my question is: Would, for example, a Kingston 2GB Elite Pro work with a PowerShot S1 IS, or am I out of luck?
I just want to make sure before I order something like this off of eBay (since they are quite a bit cheaper than in the stores).

Thanks :)

[Majarvis]

Anybody? The reason I would like to know is that Black's Photography does not carry this product, so I'm forced to order from eBay, which is significantly less than other websites. Since eBay is, for the most part, a non-refundable situation, I need to know if this will work before I order.

Thanks :)

[microwav]

I've used a Magicstor 2.2GB type II CF card with my S1 IS with no problems

[Majarvis]

I've used a Magicstor 2.2GB type II CF card with my S1 IS with no problems
Type II, the thicker one, right?

[microwav]

yep, but can't see how this would affect the capacity of the camera to use a CF type I of the same size

[Salleke]

Yes, you can use a 2 GB CF card in your camera without any problem.
I've used a Sandisk and it was working perfectly. Good luck.

[Qurlyjoe]

Keep in mind, though, that the S1 limits file size to 1GB, regardless of the size of the CF card.

[EDM R6]

why dont you just get a few 1G cards ?. seems like it would be less fuss

[Salleke]

Keep in mind, though, that the S1 limits file size to 1GB, regardless of the size of the CF card.

You are right but that only apply for movie's. You can make one movie until you reach 1 GB file (about 8 minutes in high quality and 30 f/s),
or until your CF card is full if you use a smaller CF card. However you can make several smal movie's until you reach the max capacity of the CF card.
So if you use a 2 GB CF card you can take 2 movies from 1 GB each or several dozens until you'r 2 GB CF card is full.
IMHO it's very fine to use a 2 GB CF card so you can take alot of small movie's and/or many high quality JPG pictures.

[Salleke]

why dont you just get a few 1G cards ?. seems like it would be less fuss

If you like to mix movie's and pictures while shooting it's very convinient to gave a bigger CF card.

[Majarvis]

Thanks guys for the info, very helpful :)
I'm considering getting two 2 GB CF cards for my trip to Montreal next year for the F1 race. I'm just not sure if two cards is overkill, and if I only need one or not.

[Bodryn]

I also have an S1IS. My take on this issue is that I wouldn't risk using anything bigger than 1 GB because I would worry about possible data loss. So far I have lost no data at all after over 10,000 photos with my 3 digicams, keeping my fingers crossed! My plan would be to buy several 1 GB cards since they have been tested. IMHO, it is also perhaps safer to have several cards so that if the data on one goes bad, you wouldn't have lost as much data.

[Jon]

I've used a Magicstor 2.2GB type II CF card with my S1 IS with no problems
You've used a Magicstor without problems? Consider yourself extremely fortunate. They're generally viewed as disasters waiting to happen. as they're less than reliable under normal conditions, and if you get outside of normal conditions, it's all over!

To OP - If the S1 IS supports FAT32, it should be able to handle 2 GB and larger CF cards. If you're unsure, try formatting your 1 GB CF card (in your computer) with FAT32 (this assumes you have a card reader; right-click on the card reader drive and choose "Format" from the context menu).

[Majarvis]

To OP - If the S1 IS supports FAT32, it should be able to handle 2 GB and larger CF cards. If you're unsure, try formatting your 1 GB CF card (in your computer) with FAT32 (this assumes you have a card reader; right-click on the card reader drive and choose "Format" from the context menu).
Thanks Jon :) The S1 IS does infact support FAT32.

[microwav]

You've used a Magicstor without problems? Consider yourself extremely fortunate. They're generally viewed as disasters waiting to happen. as they're less than reliable under normal conditions, and if you get outside of normal conditions, it's all over!

To OP - If the S1 IS supports FAT32, it should be able to handle 2 GB and larger CF cards. If you're unsure, try formatting your 1 GB CF card (in your computer) with FAT32 (this assumes you have a card reader; right-click on the card reader drive and choose "Format" from the context menu).
Re the Magicstor issue, yes I've read many comments that these cards are not reliable etc., but I've personally not had a problem. Maybe it's a case of satisfied customers not saying anything, while dissatisfied customers make a hell of a noise(?) You'd have to imagine that if a product was so bad that a user would be considered extremely fortunate to buy one that operated normally, then it would not be a commercially viable product at all! The only thing I've noticed is that this card draws a little more power than standard CF type 1 cards (which isn't surprising since it's a hard disk rather than a flash device) so battery life is a little reduced.

[LiLT]

I have gotten the 4gb Hitachi microdrive to work for me, The one they sell at best buy works but not the one i got of the net. Has a big problem with overheating when trying to use a camcorder after say 20mins