Memory cards - wedding related

Hi,

I am a wedding photographer. I am reviewing my memory cards and do have the intention to do some upgrade/changes. I understand that Lexar and sandisk are the most reliable cards around the market.
currently i do have 5D2/5D3/1Ds2. Using Full RAW only.

My current setup are Sandisk CF 16GB x2 for 5D2 (single card hence have the most reliable for 5D2.)
For 5D3 Kingston 32GB CF, Kingston 16GB CF and Sandsik extreme pro SD 32Gb with sandisk extreme 16GB SD.

1. What card size are you using? since 5D3 is dual slot, i am thinking of going for 64GB for both SD and CF. Dont even bother changing the cards for the day. I will stick to 16GB for 5D2 for now. keep changing them to prevent card failure on a single card.

2. How often do you refresh your cards? i.e., changing cards after every 3yrs of usage.

3. Any other thoughts?

Thank you
Scott

can a op please move this to the discussion thread... thank you.
Scott

I use 32gb cards in my 5diis but plan to go 64 when I get 5diiis. I usually end up filling my main cameras 32 gb card and putting in a backup 16 gb card for the last hour of the reception. Some people say use several smaller cards in case one fails so you won't lose everything, but I think it's more likely that ill lose one of the smaller cards than my main card failing.

It's a good question that's been widely debated. Do you get new cards in case yours are wearing out or stick with your current tried and true card? Every 2-3 yrs sounds right to me, and be sure to buy your new ones off season and use them a decent amount to make sure they're solid.

I've decided to use nothing larger than 16GB on the 5D2 as a risk mitigant. I tend to swap cards a few times during the day - preps, ceremony and group shots, formal b&g photos, reception. Typical day I use up about 4-5 8GB cards using full RAW.

I'm guessing the 5D3 RAW size isn't that much larger than a 5D2 so I reckon I wouldn't need to update my CF's for a while.

Cards are mostly SanDisk Ultra / Extreme and a bunch of Kingston Elite Pro (?)

jackinavox wrote in post #15525183
Typical day I use up about 4-5 8GB cards using full RAW.

Same here. I also bring my laptop to full day weddings and have my assistant dump pictures as I fill up my CF cards. I change cards in between different phases of the wedding. I can get about ~250 shots with 8GB so it's plenty of shots. I always carry a spare one in my pocket in case I need to change it. It takes no more than 10 seconds so it's not that big of a deal for me to change it.

I only use high-speed 8GB cards and I don't think I'll ever change.

Just keep adding more to the inventory.

snakeman55 wrote in post #15524002
It's a good question that's been widely debated. Do you get new cards in case yours are wearing out or stick with your current tried and true card? Every 2-3 yrs sounds right to me, and be sure to buy your new ones off season and use them a decent amount to make sure they're solid.

Amazon is having some good deals with Sandisk and Lexar. I just got a sandisk SD extreme pro 32GB to match my Kingston 133x (old card) for 5D3 usage. 1 card reliable, 1 card old and slow -> this is my backup plan for my 5D3. Not going for the 64GB as they are quite x i think.

HiepBuiPhotography wrote in post #15525194
Same here. I also bring my laptop to full day weddings and have my assistant dump pictures as I fill up my CF cards. I change cards in between different phases of the wedding. I can get about ~250 shots with 8GB so it's plenty of shots. I always carry a spare one in my pocket in case I need to change it. It takes no more than 10 seconds so it's not that big of a deal for me to change it.

I had a friend who got laptop to do the backup. First, i do not own one(laptop). Second, I do not want to bring laptop and do all sort of things in a reception. To me, I find it messy taking all the used cards out and in again. I want all cards "locked" into my card case. Mitigate lost of cards.

jackinavox wrote in post #15525183
I've decided to use nothing larger than 16GB on the 5D2 as a risk mitigant. I tend to swap cards a few times during the day - preps, ceremony and group shots, formal b&g photos, reception. Typical day I use up about 4-5 8GB cards using full RAW.

I'm guessing the 5D3 RAW size isn't that much larger than a 5D2 so I reckon I wouldn't need to update my CF's for a while.

Cards are mostly SanDisk Ultra / Extreme and a bunch of Kingston Elite Pro (?)

that's the same reason why i only decided on the 16GB on 5D2 and using the best cards for 5D2.

MFG wrote in post #15525729
I had a friend who got laptop to do the backup. First, i do not own one(laptop). Second, I do not want to bring laptop and do all sort of things in a reception. To me, I find it messy taking all the used cards out and in again. I want all cards "locked" into my card case. Mitigate lost of cards.

Yea, that's why I have an assistant. I wouldn't bring my laptop if I didn't have an assistant.

I use Lexar Pro 800 32GB, I love it, fast and very reliable.

I've used Transcend with great results over the last 6 or so years.

I have some Sandisk but I really prefer Transcend. The 16gb 400x is my go-to CF card.

I've been using just about every brand of card in every size >16GB for several years now. Never had a problem with Sandisk or Lexar. Being that flash has a read/write limit, you might want to replace your cards every few years, but other than that, don't stress it too much. As others have said, the probability of losing a card physically is probably greater than losing one technically.

Try Transcend cards, 400x

The big downside to just one card/two with dual cards for the whole wedding is that if your camera is stolen, you have zip.

Yaryman wrote in post #15579116
The big downside to just one card/two with dual cards for the whole wedding is that if your camera is stolen, you have zip.

true,
in a wedding everything can be stolen. even if you backup the photos to a laptop, with 2 card slots camera.. all can still be gone...