Microdrives vs. CompactFlash?

[johnathanesper]

I have read in several expert reviews for the Canon 20d that they do not recommend the Hitachi 4GB microdrives, but rather compact flash type II cards. Is there a reason? I am tempted to just buy a 4GB microdrive for $170 and save myself over a hundred dollars than if I bought a similar size CF card. Should I?
Thanks for the advice!
Johnathan Esper
wildernessphotographs.com

[johnathanesper]

Also, I plan to use my camera extensively in mountainous areas, up to elevations of 15,000 ft. Will a microdrive still work at that elevation?
Johnathan Esper
www.wildernessphotographs.com

[Cadwell]

Both media types (CF and microdrive) are subject to failure. Contrary to popular myth (and you'll here a lot of it parroted on here) there isn't much between the two types in terms of reliability. I've actually had more CF cards fail than microdrives (3 and 0 respectively).

If I were you, though, I'd buy more smaller cards than one big one. Any card is subject to corruption/error and the delete all option is too easy to hit by mistake on most Canon cameras for my liking...

You'll need to check the operating specs on a microdrive with the manufacturer with regard to elevation.

[lomond]

http://www.steves-digicams.com/microdrive.html

See section "Using the Microdrive Above 10,000 FT" near bottom of page.

I would stick with the cards and agree with Cadwell on smaller cards.

[johnathanesper]

Thank you. Both of you have given good advice!

[Lesmac]

I use a Seagate 5GB microdrive that I ripped from an MP3 player (RIO) that works perfectly in my 1DS MKII, it's not as quick as most CF cards, but for the photography I do, it's not an issue (landscapes mainly),and I have a fast SD card in the other slot if I need speed.
Les
http://lesmclean.photoblink.com/

[photofinish]

Hey, Johnathan, liked your website. Nice captures!