best memory card

[Kappabeast]

First I just purchased (with the help of my older bro) a 20d and now I need to get the basic essentials :)

I want to purchase a couple 2gb memory cards. any suggestion onf the better to best ones?

Thanks

[sblais]

Sandisk Ultra II, Extreme III or Extreme IV are amongst the best ones, IMHO.

[august23]

I have two 4gb extreme iii's. They're fast as holy hell.

[bobbywang]

I use the Lexar 133x 2GB. They seem to do the job well.

(Way off subject but I still don't understand why people say "IMHO" or "IMO" when whatever you say is already your opinion.)

[Tee Why]

I use a Ridata 150x 2GB CF card from Newegg.com.
Very fast and inexpensive. Totally dependable for over 10K shots so far.

[August 15 Photography]

I agree with Bobbywang both on his memory card and his IMHO and IMO quote..............................unless someone says 2+2=4......that is fact.................or is it??????

[gjl711]

SanDIsk is about the best you can get out there. Check out the following link. It has some throughput tests in a Canon 350. I would assume that any DIGICII camera would have similar throughput numbers. "click me (http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007-7699)"

[purelithium]

I use Transcend 120X cards. They are on par with, if not slightly faster than, the SanDisk ultra2's, which are pretty much the standard card I think.

[KAS]

IMHO, 2+2=4 IS a fact. "IMHO" just confuses things with redudancy, IMO. IMO, we don't really need so many abbreviations.

I could have abbreviated this entire post to:

IMHO224IAF.IMHOJCTWRI.IWDRNSMA.

IMO, that's just harder.

Anyway, I also use the Lexar 133x 4GB cards. They've worked very well for me so far. I also have their card reader, so it makes for fast transfers on to the computer.

[grego]

Best value + very fast and dependable.

Transcend.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Transcend_2GB_Compact_Flash_Card,__19963516/search=2gb+transcend

Have fun. I have 2x2gb 120x's, I also have a Lexar 2gb 133x. They all work well. The Transcends are just more affordable.

[Anke]

Since my first, I have always purchased SanDisk cards, just make sure you buy from a reputable dealer, i.e. not always the cheapest

[BIGTUFFGUY]

I too swear by my Extreme III's

just dont buy them on ebay. There are a ton of fakes out there. Go to a reputable shop

[sblais]

(Way off subject but I still don't understand why people say "IMHO" or "IMO" when whatever you say is already your opinion.)

I only say IMHO or IMO when I state a personal experience/preference with a device. In this case, there can be hundreds of tests done on memory cards. But if I happen to like the wal-mart brand, it doesn't mean that the card performed better than other brands on some tests.

It is like a disclaimer: I believe this to be true, but don't only take my word for it, do your own research ;)

[Vortex99]

I only say IMHO or IMO when I state a personal experience/preference with a device. In this case, there can be hundreds of tests done on memory cards. But if I happen to like the wal-mart brand, it doesn't mean that the card performed better than other brands on some tests.

It is like a disclaimer: I believe this to be true, but don't only take my word for it, do your own research ;)

Agreed 100%

When I provide input about a product that I use, I also include the IMO or IMHO.

So using in these cases is ok. IMO :lol:

Back on topic.
I have Lexar 4 gig 133X can't complain about the media or the customer service, my 3 year old son grabbed my card reader off my desk and of course I was transfering files over..... So after that can't be read or formated. Called Lexar, said can't format my card tech said "RMA". Total RMA time, less then 2 weeks, That sold me on Lexar.
1. no fault of the media it crapped out
2. Lexar replaced it in less then 2 weeks
Price is up there however.

So Lexar 4GB 133X are very good. IMO

[rowdyred94]

IMHO, this chart clears things up nicely. I was surprised to see how little difference there was in write speed among the top contenders.

IMHO, Sandisk Ultra IIs are at a good price/value point. With a little looking they can be had for about $20/GB.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007-7303

[Vortex99]

IMHO, this chart clears things up nicely. I was surprised to see how little difference there was in write speed among the top contenders.

IMHO, Sandisk Ultra IIs are at a good price/value point. With a little looking they can be had for about $20/GB.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007-7303

Well clears up CF cards and 20D.
Interesting chart, however camera firmware could have a very real effect on perfomance in this area. Now an interesting test would be to run the same sort a test with several camera bodies, we could then sort by mean for top 10 based on speed, card, etc... Also I think that we would see (guessing) some cards performing very well in some bodies and poorly on others.

I just have to kick myself, I see that option is already there. Great link thanks very much!

[bobbywang]

you guys made my left eye twitch lol

Nice find on the graph, rowdyre. I think if kappabeast really wanted the best in write speed he would buy the Sandisk IV's according to those results.

But really, just pick any off that list on the top 10 and you most likely won't be disappointed.

[Kappabeast]

Shooting RAW how many pictures will a 2 GB hold?

CF stands for compact flash right?

What is the diff. b/w CF and non CF?

[purelithium]

Compact Flash(CF) refers to the form-factor and type of the memory, just how Secure Digital(SD), XD, Memory Stick, etc. are other types.

My 300D(6.3MP) can slap about 300-330 RAW files on a 2gb card, depending on the ISO(higher ISO, the bigger the file)

[Kappabeast]

so Ultra II 2gb or extreme III 2gb?

Shooting with a 20d mostly likely with a lot of light (savannah's of Africa)

Yes price is a factor. can afford the extreme III but will be able to get more of the Ultra. 1 ext = 2 ultra

I can either get 3 2gb Ultras or 1 2gb ext III and 1 1gb ext III

Is there much of a difference since I am shooting with a 20d and should just get several of the ultra of is there a noticable difference between the two and should pay up and get an extreme.

[rwong2k]

ok how about transcend?
comparable to sandisk? worse?
thanks
Raymond

[ACDCROCKS]

What ever you do, do not buy the Lexar II Patnum 1 gb card, I've had bad luck with them. Sandisk Ultra III cards nice, they come with recovery software if anythign shoulod ever go bad.

[Vortex99]

Kappabeast:
If cost is one of your factors.
Then take a long hard look at the Transcend.

[Vortex99]

What ever you do, do not buy the Lexar II Patnum 1 gb card, I've had bad luck with them. Sandisk Ultra III cards nice, they come with recovery software if anythign shoulod ever go bad.

I always do a quick check of the menufactors web site for any product recalls, memory is notorious for recalls.

Case in point.

http://www.lexar.com/support/cust_advisory.html

[Kappabeast]

Kappabeast:
If cost is one of your factors.
Then take a long hard look at the Transcend.

Well how do they compare?

[purelithium]

Look through all the tests in the Drop-down menu, and make your own determination... the only way you'll REALLY know for sure.

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

[mspringfield]

Well how do they compare?

Better. They are every bit as fast and I have never had a Transcend fail. I have had both Sandisk and Lexar fail. Also take a look at Ridata/Ritek. I actually prefer then to the Transcend.

Michael

[Gr8outdrsmn]

I use the Sandisk Ultra II and have had zero problems with them. I have two 2gb cards, and use them quite frequently.

[johnstoy]

I now shoot RAW and rapid fire at ISO 1600, for low light concert venue photos... The SanDisk Ultra II, is now too slow for rapid fire on my 30D...It's constantly buffering...The 1Gig cards are a hassle in RAW when shooting "bracketed" too...4gigs and up are the order of the day anymore...

[rwong2k]

I now shoot RAW and rapid fire at ISO 1600, for low light concert venue photos... The SanDisk Ultra II, is now too slow for rapid fire on my 30D...It's constantly buffering...The 1Gig cards are a hassle in RAW when shooting "bracketed" too...4gigs and up are the order of the day anymore...

Just curious, would you go for 8gb cards or sick with 4gb's in fear of 'all eggs in one basket theory'

(i know i've asked this a few times before, but just wanted to get some other's opinions)

30d's 5FPS vs 5d's 3fps, wow what a difference when I tried it, wish there was 5fps on the 5d then i'll be weeeee happy =)

[johnstoy]

Just curious, would you go for 8gb cards or sick with 4gb's in fear of 'all eggs in one basket theory'

(i know i've asked this a few times before, but just wanted to get some other's opinions)

30d's 5FPS vs 5d's 3fps, wow what a difference when I tried it, wish there was 5fps on the 5d then i'll be weeeee happy =)

I've yet to have a card falter at all... It would not be a pleasant experience to find one that did... The 4 gig cards are good enough for several hundred RAW shots... However, bracketed shots increase the keeper rates and also eat up more frames... :D

Does it justify getting an 8gig card just for those two minutes or less, that it takes to re set the camera? If it's going to be Elton John, one of the Beatles, or the Rolling Stones, than I would go with the faster 8gig cards... Or at least a second camera to go with...

Shooting straight RAW wasn't as bad as shooting RAW + JPG... The buffering kept me from getting several potentially good pictures...:rolleyes:

And yes, I do get a kick out of the rapid fire availability... But I only use three shots per second when shooting bracketed frames... The buffering just barely makes it for more than a few repetitions..

Presently, the 4Gig cards are going to suffice... However, a couple of super fast 8 gig cards are on the horizon... and that also means more sorting and eventually, at least for me... even more post processing...

[grego]

ok how about transcend?
comparable to sandisk? worse?
thanks
Raymond

I have two 2gb Transcend 120x cards. They work great. I also have a Lexar 2gb 133x. I don't see much of a difference except price.It also has lifetime warranty.
I've seen Lexar pros and Sandisk pro versions go bad. It happens, but lifetime warranties are nice(even though you might lose photos-like i've had once)