New 'super-fast' CF cards pointless?

[sando]

Okay,

Im looking into CF cards for when I get my camera (you know, pricing it up... realising how much this all costs!!!) and thought about this:

Say, for example:

Type-A CF card's write speed is 10mb/s

Type-B CF cards's write speed is 6mb/s

You'd normally go with the Type-A, right? It's a faster card.

BUT, what if the camera can only write at 6mb/s...? Wouldnt that mean that whatever happens, Type-A and Type-B are effectivly just as fast as one another when in the camera?

So, what is the write speed of Canon SLR's?

And is it pointless getting a card that is faster than the camera?

[AirBrontosaurus]

The max speeds don't always translate into extra write speeds, but the read speeds when transferring the images to your computer is greatly increased.

For instance, the fastest a 20D can write is around 6 mb/sec. However, your computer can read upwards of 50-60mb/sec (Assuming USB2.0). So, if your CF card can read/write at 12mb/sec, then it will write just as fast as the 6mb/sec one in your camera, but should theoretically transfer the files to your computer twice as fast.

It's not pointless, but won't speed up your picture-taking speed. I personally opt for Sandisk Ultra II cards. They aren't the fastest, but they can keep up with my 20D, and write to the PC relatively quickly.

[gryphonslair99]

Your next generation body may write at 10mb/s or even faster. To me a couple of extra dollars is worth being ahead of the game for the future.

[ScottNewMexico]

What is the max write speed for the XTI?

[sando]

Yeah, I know it'll just speed things up when transferring to your PC... but I was just questioning the camera's speed, to ensure that any CF card I get is optimal for the camera.

So, a 20D is 6 mb/sec... so as long as the card is 6 mb/sec write speed then it's all good. :)

[joegolf68]

You are probably correct. As an owner of two Sandisk 2GB Extreme IV's, I bought them knowing that they might not be of value now, but hoping new cameras up their write speeds. If they don't, I've got a sports car in a 40 mph zone.

[basroil]

What is the max write speed for the XTI?

xt/xti/20d/30d all have around the same raw write speed of about 6.5mb/s, which means you'll have 3 raws written for every 4 you take on xt and xti

[sando]

If they don't, I've got a sports car in a 40 mph zone. And it's always nice to know you can go 200mph... even if you can't. :)

[drparker]

Speed test results (http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007) And as mentioned download speed can be more important. I was sitting in my car at the grand Canyon wait for cards to copy to the computer. I was glad that the three 2gig cards were Extreme III and that only two 1gig cards were slower Ultra II cards.

[foxbat]

You are probably correct. As an owner of two Sandisk 2GB Extreme IV's, I bought them knowing that they might not be of value now, but hoping new cameras up their write speeds. If they don't, I've got a sports car in a 40 mph zone.When that theoretical new camera does appear the expensive high-speed cards of today will be $5 each down your local Kwik-E-Mart. Don't overpay now for CF cards, prices fall very very fast.

[Salleke]

When that theoretical new camera does appear the expensive high-speed cards of today will be $5 each down your local Kwik-E-Mart. Don't overpay now for CF cards, prices fall very very fast.

I am with you on this one. One year ago I paid 160 euro's for a 2 GB EXTREME
III and now look at the prices. In a few months I can buy me 3 of them for that
amount.

[Jon, The Elder]

I agree with AirBronto...read speed is what you look for. Your write speed (unless you shoot 15 shot bursts) isn't much of a factor. On the other hand, your CF cards are going to be used for YEARS so investing in a bit faster card in anticipation of faster bodies isn't a bad idea. I have found the SanDisk Ultra II and Extreme are stabile and more than adequate.

[CoolToolGuy]

Rob Galbraith maintains a database of card performance, and his data shows that some cameras benefit from faster cards, even if they can't write at the card speed. The example I recall was with the original Digital Rebel (300D.) It got better performance each time Sandisk introduced a faster card, but not to the max speed of the card.

The other point, as mentioned above, is that your next camera (if you are upgrading) will probably take advantage of the speed. Even if you relegating it to backup duty (because you bought the newest, fastest card), it will be less of a shock when you do use it.

Have Fun,

[ScottNewMexico]

xt/xti/20d/30d all have around the same raw write speed of about 6.5mb/s, which means you'll have 3 raws written for every 4 you take on xt and xti

Cool, thanks for posting that answer. I was not sure. Seems there is no point in buying faster than Ultra II in that case b/c I am not worried about transfer to my computer too much. Wish I had a laptop to do the transfers in the field, that would be nice.

Think there will be any problems using the 8 GB ultra II for the xti?

[Mike Philippens]

Your next generation body may write at 10mb/s or even faster. To me a couple of extra dollars is worth being ahead of the game for the future.
Only when it's reasonable. CF cards get getting cheaper every month or so. I recently found an old invoice for a 32Mb CF card (!) that I bought at a bargain price of $240...
I use Sandisk Ultra II and they're fast enough for me and my 1D. When I buy a new body that would benefit from a faster card, I'd upgrade. In the meantime, I have my money in my pocket...

[drparker]

Just like processors. Buying the fastest has a huge price premium, but the next speed down is a much better value. Same with memory, Extreme III were very expensive until the Extreme IV was released. I'll buy Extreme IV when the Extreme V is released.

That being said. If the budget only allows a very small Extreme III the go with a bigger Ultra II.

[joegolf68]

When that theoretical new camera does appear the expensive high-speed cards of today will be $5 each down your local Kwik-E-Mart. Don't overpay now for CF cards, prices fall very very fast.

Very negative attitude.

[Mike Philippens]

Very negative attitude.
But he's right. Prices do fall very fast and you never know when you're going to buy a new camera. He didn't say that he'll buy a slow card. I don't buy bleeding edge too; my Ultra II is as fast as my camera can do, and it is fast enough in the card reader. Why would I pay much more for an Extreme XV?

[SunTsu]

Memory cards are a commodity product. All CE products that are commodity products leave little room for differentiation and are ultimately prey to rapidly dropping prices and margins. Hard drives, memory cards, etc. are all items that you shouldn't buy more than you need.

I've made the mistake of thinking, "It's on sale...better get lots of memory while it's on sale." As file sizes increase, get bigger storage, but don't get more than you need because it's only going to get cheaper. Knowing I was gonig to buy a 5D soon, I bought a Lexar 4GB 133X card and a Lexar 2GB Platinum card on Boxing Day (Canadian holiday) because they were on sale. I paid $199 for the 4GB card which was down from $299. Well, it's been less than a month and the item has been on "permanent" sale since then.