MEMORY CARDS?!?! and BATTERY GRIPS

[FotoPhreak]

*MEMORY CARDS*

What are some of the experienced users views on different brands of memory cards?

I have mostly been focusing on SanDisk because from what I have read they are reliable and reasonable value for money.

However I have just come across a package offer on B&H, which includes a Lexar 1GB 40x Compact Flash Card

See:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=304233&is=REG

A couple of questions:

1. What do you think of Lexar?

2. What do you use as digital storage (i.e. brand/size of memory card, card reader [if so, details], some sort of card reader & storage & possibly viewing device [again, if so details]?

3. Any other comments?

*BATTERY GRIPS*

As others would know I have been making the now somewhat not-so-common decision, when deciding to buy a DSLR, as to whether to get the 300D or the 10D.

Something I think might help in this long and painful waying up of pros & cons, is the following:

1. Are all Battery Grips camera specific, i.e. can any be transferred to any other camera (I know that the 300D & 10D have different ones, but havent researched others)?

2. If the answer to the above is that they are not all camera specific, which battery grip (either the 300D's BG-E1 or the 10Ds BG-ED1) do you think may be carried forward for subsequent camera body upgrades?

Thanks all!

[CoolToolGuy]

My opinion of the Lexar cards is that they are fine cards, but if you buy the 40x version for a Canon you are paying extra for the Write Accelerated technology, which Canon doesn't support. So the extra cost is wasted money. If B&H includes it in a package, then the extra cost won't matter to you. You should also get the recovery software with the 40x Lexar cards, and that you may have occasion to use to recover 'lost' images from a card.
Sandisk has the Ultra II cards, which are faster than the Lexar (when the WA is not used). As far as I can tell, they are the only ones with 60x speed. If you need or want the speed, then they are the way to go.
As for card size, the 1GB Ultra II cards are still selling (not selling actually) at a premium on eBay. That is, they are being listed at more than 4 times the price of a 256MB card, and I think that is greed from the sellers trying to hook the folks who have to have the latest and greatest. I use a 512MB, but I do not shoot RAW. If you need the Ultra II and you want the 1GB, be patient and the prices will come down to earth. If you don't need the absolute fastest, consider the Sandisk Ultra (40x), which has been superceded by the Ultra II. The prices of the Ultra cards are dropping because they are technically obsolete.

I think the grips are camera-specific (at least for the 10D and the Drebel), but who knows what the future will bring?

Have Fun,
Rick

[Vegas Poboy]

I have three different types of memory cards

1. Lexar 128mb x4 picked up from Walmart
It was just something to grab until I went the major store & it works good with no problems but waste of money its too small.

2. Simpletech 256mb purchased from Sams Club
Great price and handy card, I've seen other 10d shooters with it and has had no complaints. It stays in the camera most of the time now.

3. Lexar 1GB 40x and this is my major workhorse for RAW shooting and major events. Sturdy & fast purchased from Newegg.com for $266.00 shipping included. I will purchase another one after the CES show in January the price should drop. I recommended this card to anyone & everyone.

For downloading I purchased the Lexar usb 2.0 media reader since I have another cam that use smart media.
For quick on the road storage I use my dell with Elements 2 & ACDC loaded on it until I get back home. No editing just for viewing.
Hopefully this will help you
Good Luck

[nosquare2003]

Hi, I'm new here and also new to photography. FotoPhreak, I have followed your previous threads that you have not yet decided the 300D & 10D. I don't have any of them but I have tried a few shots from my friends. As a learning amateur, I would say the 300D is good enough for me.

I think that you've got quite a lot of information of 300D and 10D. And I don't think future compatibility is an issue -- as cooltoolguy pointed "who knows what the future will bring?". It also applies to camera body - who knows what Canon will bring next year? Hm, if you wait one more year, there may be a better camera with a lower price. But you will miss many shots and a year for learning.

An advice from an inexperienced user - pick either one and shoot. After you (and I) have developed a better skill, upgrade the camera if necessary.

[FotoPhreak]

nosquare2003 wrote:
Hi, I'm new here and also new to photography. FotoPhreak, I have followed your previous threads that you have not yet decided the 300D & 10D. I don't have any of them but I have tried a few shots from my friends. As a learning amateur, I would say the 300D is good enough for me.

I think that you've got quite a lot of information of 300D and 10D. And I don't think future compatibility is an issue -- as cooltoolguy pointed "who knows what the future will bring?". It also applies to camera body - who knows what Canon will bring next year? Hm, if you wait one more year, there may be a better camera with a lower price. But you will miss many shots and a year for learning.

An advice from an inexperienced user - pick either one and shoot. After you (and I) have developed a better skill, upgrade the camera if necessary.

Nosqueare2003,

Thanks for your advice.

I know I know, I'm procrastinating like nothing else, and probably by the time I have actually made my decision the next model will be out (actually not true, as I have to decide before Christmas as its going to be a present to myself).

I have absorbed absolutely everything people have said from here, dpreview, and various other sources, however the following is still coming to me in my dreams ...

1. Do I buy the cheaper for now with the strict intention of upgrading (also need to consider that Nikon are very close to putting out the 300D's first competitor, which could severely kill the price)?

Or do I buy the more expensive with the idea of holding it for longer, with the downside of having to go through the anquish of wishing could get the 3D.

Being a 300D user yourself, is there anything that you have found that you can't do?

As I think I've just had a brain wave ... most of the pros/cons I have been reading are made when a user has had direct use of both cameras, and in many cases have a high level of experience in both photography itself and various different cameras.

So when I try and way up the benefit/cost of having a dimmed viewfinder or no scroll wheel, I won't know any difference as I have not really experienced these additional features.

Despite this, I know I'll go away and immediately go through the normal routine of ... 'What are the benefits/costs ... can I afford the additional money ... am I likely to change'.

AHHHHH ....

If only I could just make a decision and be done with it so I can actually start enjoying the darn camera which I have waited and researched so long for.

HELP ME IF YOU CAN (... I'M FEELING DOWN => a Johnny Farnham song in case your wondering).

[sds4kst8]

I've only had my 10d for about a month, but have a Promaster 256mb that the local store threw in with the camera. I also picked up a Ridata 512mb for about $130 and that's the one I've used almost exclusively. It seems to work pretty well; no problems to this point.

My biggest problem has been in transfering the files into the computer. I can transfer them fine, but when they're in the system it seems that I've had several "lock-ups" with Windows Explorer when I'm scrolling through each pic chosing which ones to keep or delete. The whole computer doesn't lock up, just Windows Explorer says it exerienced an error and must close. Anyone have any experience like that?

Back to the Ridata...I have several friends who are pro photogs and they swear by the Ridata. I also found the following article on DPReview to be very useful.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/mediacompare/

Good luck.

BTW...FotoFreak, I'd recommend the 10d. It took me a couple of months to finally take plunge and I'm very, very glad I did. Haven't had it long enough to tell you many reasons why, but I played around with the 300d in the store the other day and was very glad I picked up the 10d.

[Vegas Poboy]

I know it's hard to decide on what to buy when the big people is always putting out new products, but take it from a tech freak you can never keep up unless you have unlimited funds. I tried it with almost every major electronic product on the market & failed to keep up.
Also it's hard to sell sub par or out dated items due to everyone is looking to get to the top.
I have three camera systems all by Canon and when I look back they all can do the same thing pretty much, with the exception of digital. It's the person using & knowing his equipment. If you're just a general shooter then go for the Rebel D but if you plan on using it for more than vacations and family shots go with the 10d and grow into the camera. I'm sure Canon like Nikon will upgrade soon but I doubt if it will be for the average consumer market, they have released two of those in the past year. I'm pretty sure the next step for Canon is to replace the 1D or better & the price most likely will double the 10D but thats my opinion good luck.
Poboy

[FotoPhreak]

Vegas Poboy wrote:
I know it's hard to decide on what to buy when the big people is always putting out new products, but take it from a tech freak you can never keep up unless you have unlimited funds. I tried it with almost every major electronic product on the market & failed to keep up.
Also it's hard to sell sub par or out dated items due to everyone is looking to get to the top.
I have three camera systems all by Canon and when I look back they all can do the same thing pretty much, with the exception of digital. It's the person using & knowing his equipment. If you're just a general shooter then go for the Rebel D but if you plan on using it for more than vacations and family shots go with the 10d and grow into the camera. I'm sure Canon like Nikon will upgrade soon but I doubt if it will be for the average consumer market, they have released two of those in the past year. I'm pretty sure the next step for Canon is to replace the 1D or better & the price most likely will double the 10D but thats my opinion good luck.
Poboy

Poboy,

Who would have thought someone with a name so close to Secretion-boy would have convinced me to get the 10D?

I think you've done it, 10D all the way ... for the next 5mins at least anyway!

[nosquare2003]

Congratulations (for 5 mins?)

By the way, I'm not a 300D user and have limited experience from using it. I got my D60 fifteen months ago and still like it very much.

[DAMphyne]

FotoPhreak,
I own both a D30 and 10D, my boss uses a D60, in answer to your question about the BIGED working with other models, the answer is yes. It works with all three, and I suppose(read Hope) that the next Canon up-grade will be compatible.
If I can put my 2 cents worth on your camera choice question, here goes.
The last 35MM camera I purchased was 20 years ago.
At the time, I was faced with a similar choice, buy the high-end semi pro model, or the step-down consumer model. I went for the High-end model because, I really didn't think I would be buying another camera for a long time. I was right, I did buy the good lenses available for the camera, and have never been sorry I did.
I bought the D30 with the same intentions, something I wouldn't feel a 'real' need to replace just because something new hit the market. I suppose I would only have the D30 if I hadn't been careless,(and probably have an L lens added to the kit)
I found myself needing another camera, so I bought the 10D. This camera should last for a long time. It feels very well built, and does a super job doing the photography I require. I can't see anything that is going to happen to my work that should require me to change.
Although up-grades and new models appear all the time my needs are covered.
In short, buy the best you can afford with the knowledge that you may not be able to up-grade in 6 months or a year or 2 or more. Who knows.
One thing for sure, the 10D will always be a better camera, and in the future, you may be able to get that 'New" lens just coming around the corner, meanwhile you'll be using a vrey nice piece of equiptment.
Good Luck and have fun

[FotoPhreak]

DAMphyne,

Thanks for your advice.

One question though, and if anyone else has thoughts on this please feel free to post ...

What would be your recommendation say if I wasn't planning on keeping (i.e. upgrading) for longer than:

6months (10D/300D?)
1yr (10D/300D?)
2yrs (10D/300D?)

I just had a thought, maybe I should wipe the thought of upgrading when the next model comes out? Might solve my problems, or should I consider upgrading.

One thing I have 100% decided is what sort of lense to get ... alL the way.

What I can't work out is which out of the following:

17-40 f/4
70-200 f/4
50 f/1.8
50 f/1.4
24-70 f/2.8
100 f/2.8 macro

[Belmondo]

FotoPhreak wrote:
What I can't work out is which out of the following:

17-40 f/4
70-200 f/4
50 f/1.8
50 f/1.4
24-70 f/2.8
100 f/2.8 macro

I happen to own all the above listed lenses except for the 1.8 50mm. If I had to give them up one at a time, it do it this order:

100 f/2.8 macro
50 f/1.4
17-40L
70-200 f/4
24-70 f/2.8

The 24-70 is an amazing piece equipment, and is the last lens I'd be willing to give up on your list.

Tom

[Vegas Poboy]

On the Lens issue, there is a lens not mentioned that may help you to cover a wider area and that is the 28-135mm IS. Very nice lens to get started I 'm still looking to get one for general everyday carry. Then stack the rest as needed. Remember to purchase what you think you're going to use the most and fill in the rest later.

[FotoPhreak]

Vegas Poboy wrote:
On the Lens issue, there is a lens not mentioned that may help you to cover a wider area and that is the 28-135mm IS. Very nice lens to get started I 'm still looking to get one for general everyday carry. Then stack the rest as needed. Remember to purchase what you think you're going to use the most and fill in the rest later.

What others thoughts on this lense?

[Ferdinand]

After much research and coming across this site:

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007

I went for the Sandisk Ultra II 256MB CF, which gives the best dollar per MB ratio. I got the Sandisk Ultra II 256MB CF from www.accupc.com cause they have good merchant rating at reasonable price, I am in California and including tax it was about $62.00 per 256MB of the Ultra II CF which is has the fastest Camera to Card and Card to PC transfer speed to date.

[CoolToolGuy]

I have the 28-135, and I like it. The local photo store says that the 28-135 is the most popular lens sold with the 10D, and I can see why. It has a good range, and the IS gives you some latitude in low light. My only criticism is that on a 10D or Drebel it becomes roughly equivalent to a 45-215mm lens, and I wish it had a wider low end.
I have recently become attracted to the 24-70 'L' lens, as it is truly a wide-tele zoom on the Drebel, which makes for a nice standard zoom. It has the angle of view of a 38-112, which is a very nice range. The problem is the cost.
If you don't want the wide-angle on your default lens, go for the 28-135.

Have Fun,
Rick

[FotoPhreak]

What comparison is quality does it have to an L?

And before you L users start saying absolutely nothing, even you have admitted that 50mm f1.x's are notable non-L lenses ... so try and be somewhat subjective in your comment.

And then if you can't resist, revert to the 'Canon' inside of yourself ...

[huzzar]

My only comment is while the Lexar card is a fine card... I've not been able to get the $50 rebate promised... I never understand why a company would spend so much money (advertising/rebate). Only to piss off a customer and never have them come back... Plus all the negative email/posts (like this) that communicate their desire NOT to honor rebates??? Oh well, go figure...

[CoolToolGuy]

FotoPhreak wrote:
What comparison is quality does it have to an L?

And before you L users start saying absolutely nothing, even you have admitted that 50mm f1.x's are notable non-L lenses ... so try and be somewhat subjective in your comment.

And then if you can't resist, revert to the 'Canon' inside of yourself ...

I presume you are asking for a comparison of the 28-135 to an 'L' lens. Well, I haven't yet entered through the gates of 'L' (from which all the owners say you can't return ;-) ), so I can't give you a comparison. Sorry.

Have Fun
Rick

[FotoPhreak]

cooltoolguy wrote:
FotoPhreak wrote:
What comparison is quality does it have to an L?

And before you L users start saying absolutely nothing, even you have admitted that 50mm f1.x's are notable non-L lenses ... so try and be somewhat subjective in your comment.

And then if you can't resist, revert to the 'Canon' inside of yourself ...

I presume you are asking for a comparison of the 28-135 to an 'L' lens. Well, I haven't yet entered through the gates of 'L' (from which all the owners say you can't return ;-) ), so I can't give you a comparison. Sorry.

Have Fun
Rick

Can anyone else who has had experience/done their research comment on the 28-135 compared to L lenses?

The only reason I ask is that unfortunately I don't have the $$$'s to go with the 70-200 ... am thinking that in 6months or so will get the 24-70, but initially will just get the 17-40 and the 50 f/1.4.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Memory Card:

The only ones I do not recomend are Sandisk and the Mgicstor Microdrive.

I have read far too many posts about lost data on this and other forums that refer to bad Sandisk cards. I too have one and so far it works,. but from what I have read they seem to be the ones with problems most often.

Battery grips. The BG ED3 that works on the 10D also worked on the D30 and D60,.. no others.

The 300d grip is unique. (they often are)

The battery grip is ,. IMHO the last item you should be concerned with getting as far as priorities go,.. unless you shoot lots of portraits.