CompFlash compared...surprised.

[toddb]

When I purchased my 10D, they salesmen at the camera shop talked me into getting the Lexar "Professional" 32x 1GB Compact flash ($325). He said that I would definitely tell the difference when shooting. So when I picked up this $53 SanDisk 256MB from my local Costco, I wanted to make sure that it wasn't too slow (I was just going to use it as a backup).

Quick Test (Not super accurate, the first part of my test could be off because I didn't check to see if the files captures where the same size, I know that could have been a factor):

I measured how long it took the red write indicator light to shut off after a burst of 9 pictures where shot:
Lexar(Raw)=72sec
SanDisk(Raw)=60sec
Lexar(JPEG)=40sec
SanDisk(JPEG)=30

Now using my Dazzle 2.0 CF reader, I did some read/write tests of 63MB worth of pictures files:
Lexar(read)=16sec
SanDisk(read)=25sec
Lexar(write)=23sec
SanDisk(write)=29sec


Conclusion: I guess it's not really worth the extra bucks to get the higher end Compact Flash cards. Even though the Lexar was faster when transferring to the computer, I'm not sure if it was worth the extra money. Especially since I was thinking the camera was what needed the extra speedy card.

[robertwgross]

Toddb, you have sort of proven what others have reported over and over. Faster CF media will get you slightly better read and write results, but it certainly is not x32 faster or anything like that. Faster media can get you measurably faster results, but it may or may not be worth the big extra cost of the faster media.

You've also proven what we suspected about typical camera shop salesmen. Sure, you can tell that "pro" media card when you are shooting, because your wallet is that much lighter.

---Bob Gross---

[cubfan]

The Lexar cards(pro) include a free data recovery service I believe. Some have a WA technology that isn't currrently used by the 10D and so it doesn't make use of the speed as well as some cameras. I think I read this somewhere so don't take this as a fact. Still, cheaper cards seem to perform much the same as the more expensive ones. Good luck...Brian

[msvirick]

toddb wrote:


Conclusion: I guess it's not really worth the extra bucks to get the higher end Compact Flash cards. Even though the Lexar was faster when transferring to the computer, I'm not sure if it was worth the extra money. Especially since I was thinking the camera was what needed the extra speedy card.

I agree with you, I bought 2 1 gig cards, a Sandisk and Lextar medium, price difference about $30, but they both seem to do just same and as well.
I agree extra bucks are not worthwhile

[Digital Canon]

I have bought Crucial Memory for my computers for years because they make very good memory and they have the best customer service and extra fast deliverly.

I bought a 512 MB CF card from Crucial for 115.99 and it is just as fast as my two San Disk 256 MB Ultra cards.

I not trashing San Disk as those cards have worked just fine, but I really like dealing with Crucial Memory.

[scottbergerphoto]

check http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-6269-6284 for a comprehensive review of compact flash cards. It's also a great source of forums.