Are All SD Memory Cards Created Equal?

[dweitzel0]

The variety of SD memory now available is truly amazing. There is standard memory, high speed memory, secure memory, extreme memory, video memory and much more, all in varying capacities. Do you have a preference for the size and type of memory you use? Do you prefer a particular brand? Do you prefer multiple cards with less memory or one large card? Is there any difference between the momory types or is it only the result of an effective marketing departments?

 

[SonyaM]

I prefer cards that are no larger than 2GB for fear of losing data if a card corrupts. I use SanDisk Extreme III or Extreme IV most of the time, but I also have a few Lexar cards in my kit. For back up purposes during paid sessions I have a Digital Foci Picture Porter Elite 120 GB drive that I carry with me. I just plug in my card and upload photos on the spot so I always have 2 copies of my files. It also has a built in viewer that allows me to make sure I got the shot I wanted before I leave the location. Probably not exactly what you were looking for, but I hope this helps.

 

[webshark3]

Tell that to my SIL whose 2GB generic corrupted.

Not all SD are created equal, but quality concerns usually come into play with write/read times and extreme temperatures.

I've had some really good generics, and one really bad one (Kingmax). The card wasn't bad, but Kingmax designed it out of spec with SD standards (created a 4GB non-sdhc) which casued file corruption on 1 specific device I owned. That was a pain to find the issue.

I'm more apt to lose smaller cards on vacation as I try to swap them out than 1 big one in my camera, so I prefer bigger, but SonyaM is right, no matter what, make a second copy as quickly as possible.

I currently use a 8GB Sandisk Extreme III in my Sigma and it'll hold about 500 RAW shots (or 1 day at Disney ).

General rule of thumb on marketing; you'll get what you pay for. Also, most cards may be limited by the buffer in your camera, so it may not make sense to buy a fast expensive card when your camera can't match it.

Here's a good site with some reference numbers. Numbers will vary based on camera.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/camera_multi_page.asp?cid=6007-9424

 

[SonyaM]

Your SIL's situation is exactly why I don't go ABOVE 2GB. If I were to lose 4,6,or 8 GB of data at once I'd be a wreck. 2GB, like you said, is only partial loss for a day at Disney if a card decides to die. Same thing for weddings and other important events. Losing part of the photos is much less devistating than losing them all. (Now I just need the D3 that can write to 2 cards at once, giving an instant backup)

 

[webshark3]

Your SIL's situation is exactly why I don't go ABOVE 2GB. If I were to lose 4,6,or 8 GB of data at once I'd be a wreck. 2GB, like you said, is only partial loss for a day at Disney if a card decides to die. Same thing for weddings and other important events. Losing part of the photos is much less devistating than losing them all. (Now I just need the D3 that can write to 2 cards at once, giving an instant backup)

Ah, but it's all relative. My parents backed up years of legal documents onto a 1GB.
The same 1GB won't last me a morning in Disney. And to play devil's advocate (as SD card failure isn't too frequent). Why lose 2GB on one of 4 cards, when I could have saved them all with 1 good 8GB?

There is no right answer, just different ways of managing risk of course.

Now weddings.. I think I agree. When you got a paying customer, heck, I better see 2 of everything.

I do make sure my cards and batteries are seasoned in the equipment they'll be in. Help you establish some trust.