Dumb Question - What is a Microdrive?

[Radtech1]

Is it the same size/shape as a CF card?
Does it need power from the device it is in?
Can I put one in my 10d?
Would I want to put one in my 10d?

(an embarassed) Rad

[Belmondo]

Same size as type II CF card.
Yes, it gets power from host device
It'll work fine in a 10D
I don't think they're as desireable as they once were. They have moving parts and are subject to eventual mechanical failure. CF cards are getting faster, cheaper, and are ultimately more reliable IMHO.

[eric1]

yes it will fit in your 10D. it's actually got a little hard drive in it. they are
cheaper than CF in the large sizes. they are also less durable. some
people don't have a problem with them, but i prefer CF.

thanks,
eric1

[G3]

It is a tiny high-density disk drive in the shape of a CF card. It is called a Type II CF card. Yes, it will work fine in your 10D. The advantage is that it is cheaper per MB than Type I CF cards. The disadvantage is that it is more sensitive to things like shock and extreme temperature than a Type I CF card. Yes, it does draw power from the camera (or whatever it's plugged in to) same as a Type I card does.

[CoolToolGuy]

One thing to add to the other replies - Microdrives use the 5 volt tap in the CF plug to power themselves. Regular CF cards use the 3 (3.3?) volt tap. All CF slots handle both voltages, but using a Microdrive will drain your battery slightly faster than a CF card.

[karusel]

I's much safer to drop a CF1 than microdrive. Also I assume microdrive is more moisture sensitive. But then again unless you're a die hard pro, that uses his equipment as tools - whatever the circumstances, as long as the shot is made - MDs just as good as CF1, except they are cheaper.

[nosquare2003]

If you treat your MD as a lens (i.e. not to drop it), there won't be any problem. Certainly a CF card is better but a bit more expensive.

[jdbulldog]

As altitude increases pressure decreases. Microdrives were designed to operate at an altitude under 9,000 feet. Above 9,000 feet I have had difficulty with my microdrives as the writing head of the drive begins to float over the hard disk and causes errors. (This was written by Steve's Digicam and seems to be well documented. I had contacted an engineer friend of IBM and he had also stated the same problem)

Of course I often go above 9,000 feet and carry microdrives and CF cards. Microdrives are only affect if you are trying to write to the disc. Otherwise they are safe to travel. Just be cautious with your handling of the MD.

I have used a 1GB IBM drive in the past and I have now upgraded to the 4 GB Hitatchi. I can load 560 Raw shots from my dRebel and I have no idea how many JPEGs. The counter reads 999 and I have shot a 100 shots at High JPEG and the number has not changed.

I paid 215.00 for the MD. It is a OEM from the Creative Labs Nomad MuVo² 4 GB MP3 Player, however, after formating it in my camera it works perfectly.

I have to agree with nosquar2003 about treating it as a lens. I have carried a microdrive shooting sporting events in and outside in all kinds of weather and have not had any problems. All of my friend swear by them. I guess it comes down to your preference and experience with CF and MD.

Hope this helps,
Jerry

[jdbulldog]

I guess I am really out of it. I can't sppell or writee in correct english today.

Sorry.
Jerry

[PacAce]

So as not to confuse anybody, it should be stated that whether a card is Type I or Type II has nothing to do with whether they're microdrives or solid states. The type ony indicated the thickness of the card used to accomodate the device or solidstate memories. It only happens that the microdrives use a Type II card because of their thickness (Type IIs are thicker than Type Is). But not all Type IIs are microdrives. The higher capacity soldstate CF cards also use the Type II body.

[Jim_T]

Here's a shot from an IBM promo of one taken apart showing the coin sized platter:

http://www.mts.net/~jwt/microdrive.jpg

Here's a cute shot I found on the net:

http://www-5.ibm.com/es/press/notas/75aniversario/i/microdrive.jpg