Canon S2 Recommended SD card for Video

[avdlaan]

I am currently using an old PNY 256 MB SD card. Right now when I shoot video, I can only shoot approx. 6 seconds of video and the camera stops recording. The manual states that the common cause for this is a slow memory card. Given the one that I'm using, I think this makes a lot of sense.

My question then is how fast should I go? How fast are the cards that you guys are using with your S2? Do you have any problems with Video? I was looking at the 133X vs. 50X. Would either speed work well with Video?

Thanks!

[RossW]

Just about any new name-brand card should work OK; if your PNY is really old then even the basic ones are probably faster. However, higher-speed cards aren't really that expensive these days, so something like a SanDisk Ultra wouldn't be a bad idea.

If your card also has a lot of photos on it, or if it's fragmented, that could also limit you to just a few seconds of video. Clear off the images, and do an in-camera re-format. However, I have to mention that depending on the size/quality of the video you are shooting, your 256 MB card could max out at 2 minutes anyway. And even if you get a new high-speed large-capacity card, you'll be limited to 1 GB max for each video clip.

[afra71]

i also suggest that you bring your camera with you when you buy a new SD card so that you can check it for its compatibility with the new card.

[avdlaan]

Just about any new name-brand card should work OK; if your PNY is really old then even the basic ones are probably faster.

I think it's 3 years old. I'm not sure how old is "really" old. Also, I would agree that any current card is faster. My question though is how fast is "fast enough" with the Canon S2. :confused:

However, higher-speed cards aren't really that expensive these days, so something like a SanDisk Ultra wouldn't be a bad idea.

True. I seem to see a lot of "standard" SD cards going on sale now. I just saw a 512MB card in a flyer today for $20.00 after rebates. I was going to purchase it, but then got worried about whether it would solve my issue. I guess that's the main reason I started this thread! :)

If your card also has a lot of photos on it, or if it's fragmented, that could also limit you to just a few seconds of video. Clear off the images, and do an in-camera re-format.

Good suggestion! I tried that, but it didn't fix my problem. I must say though I think I did end up getting a little more video length after reformatting.

However, I have to mention that depending on the size/quality of the video you are shooting, your 256 MB card could max out at 2 minutes anyway. And even if you get a new high-speed large-capacity card, you'll be limited to 1 GB max for each video clip.

Interesting. I'll be shooting in the highest mode possible on the S2 which is 640x480 at 30fps. Of course I'm hoping mostly just for quick clips from 15 seconds to 30 seconds, but that is good info to keep in mind! I guess thinking about it that way means 1GB won't give you more than 8 minutes at the highest quality!

2 questions for you:
1. What card do you currently use?
2. Have you ever had a problem with a buffer warning before you ran out of space on the card (is it fast enough?)?

[RossW]

2 questions for you:
1. What card do you currently use?
2. Have you ever had a problem with a buffer warning before you ran out of space on the card (is it fast enough?)?

I've been using both Lexar and SanDisk brands; both are the "standard" cards... nothing labeled high speed, ultra, etc. I've shot a few video clips, a couple in the 2 or 3 minute range at highest quality, without any complaint from the camera. Ditto for a friend with an S2.

[avdlaan]

I've been using both Lexar and SanDisk brands; both are the "standard" cards... nothing labeled high speed, ultra, etc. I've shot a few video clips, a couple in the 2 or 3 minute range at highest quality, without any complaint from the camera. Ditto for a friend with an S2.

Thanks so much RossW!! That's exactly what I wanted to know. I'm getting buffer warnings 5 seconds into filming! That means the $20.00 card that's on sale right now will work just fine! It's a Kinston SD card.

[Scoth]

I use a 150X Turbo A-Data card. No issues what so ever.

The 4GB are on sale for $109.00 at zipzoomfly.com. YOu can get about four 8 min clips with 640x480 30FPS.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=82502-19&affiliate=pricegrabber

[Jeece]

I use a "generic" brand 512mb 80x card, I bought it at the same time I got my S2.

Shortly after, I ordered a Lexar Platinum (40x), 1gb.

Both can shoot movies in high quality without lag (haven't *really* used the movie feature yet, just 2 ~30sec clips to test it). High speed continuous shooting isn't a problem (for 20 shots), even in max resolution AND super fine quality. (in the manual, Canon says to choose either one).

[avdlaan]

High speed continuous shooting isn't a problem (for 20 shots), even in max resolution AND super fine quality. (in the manual, Canon says to choose either one).

You sold me on it! I hadn't even thought about that! I was finding continuous shooting to be a problem as well, but never attributed it to the SD Card. Thanks for that, I just went out and bought the $20.00 card and my problems are solved. And to think I was going to purchase the high speed card! :lol: