Best Memory Card for Nikons

[annnewjerz]

So since I just got my camera and realized that my 2GB SD card was damaged when the dogs chewed on it (go figure!) I will be ordering some new ones.

My questions are:

- Should I get normal SD cards or the "high speed" SD cards? What is the advantage of the high speed, if any?

- I was planning to buy 2 2GB and maybe one 4GB for the time being (will purchase more before any major trip/vacation). I have heard varying opinions about using larger sized memory cards (i.e. that it's better to use a few smaller capacity v. one large capacity)...what is the max size that all of you DISers would recommend?

- Would you recommend buying a card reader for when I download the pix I take? Right now, I have just been plugging the camera into the computer but I'm sure that can't be great for the battery.

Thanks!
Ann

 

[Quicklabs]

Has your dog been talking to mine!? LOL
I like the Extreme III cards--they seem faster for downloads than the Ultra, but not by a ton.
I use 4 GB cards--that gives me about 350 shots in raw. A smaller card wouldn't do it. If you shoot JPEG fine, you'd get about 550 or so on a 4 gig. I will be taking 6 of the 4 gb cards to Disney when I go in December.
I always use a card reader. It's very fast and easy.

 

[annnewjerz]

Has your dog been talking to mine!? LOL
I like the Extreme III cards--they seem faster for downloads than the Ultra, but not by a ton.
I use 4 GB cards--that gives me about 350 shots in raw. A smaller card wouldn't do it. If you shoot JPEG fine, you'd get about 550 or so on a 4 gig. I will be taking 6 of the 4 gb cards to Disney when I go in December.
I always use a card reader. It's very fast and easy.

Thanks, any particular brand you prefer over the other? I have used SanDisk in the past (just because that was on sale) but I'm not sure how reliable they are compared to other brands I have seen (for example, last trip to WDW I used a SanDisk and I'm not sure why, but when I got home about 40 pictures I had taken at the end of the trip were missing...didn't get a "memory card full" message...so I don't think I was over that card's limit).

As of right now I will probably be shooting in JPEG, I have to work up the nerve to start shooting in RAW. I know it'll be worth it but I have no real experience with editing except using Picasa which I downloaded for free, so I'm still hesitant. Our next trip to The World isn't until December 09, so I have plenty of time to learn

 

[thomas998]

Even the standard card will work find, the faster cards will only show up when you start down loading... so the trade off between them is really just how much time do you want to spend waiting for your photos to down load.

I would say you should stick with known brands, some of the house brands and unknown brands could be iffy at best. Go with Sandisk, Lexar, Kingston...

 

[GrillMouster]

I've heard of specific camera models having difficulty with certain brands of memory cards. For instance, several Nikon D50 owners experienced problems with Kingston brand cards, which worked fine in other camera models. I usually stick with Sandisk because they're reliable. Years ago I took a chance on some dirt-cheap high speed cards from Transcend cards. I had zero problems with them, and the price was so cheap that I bought a couple more of them. Right now I'm using a handful of Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB CF cards. Four GB is a lot if you're only shooting jpgs, but I shoot RAW, and sometimes RAW + JPG, on a high megapixel camera. I prefer to use more than one card, rather than have all my "eggs in one basket". If you shoot in burst/continuous mode, then you'll want a card that's at least as fast as your camera's write speed. Additionally, fast cards transfer files to your computer faster. To take advantage of this faster transfer speed, you may need an external card reader, rather than using the camera or an internal card reader. This may not be a big issue for the casual shooter, but for a pro with a thousand plus wedding images spread across different cards, speed is important.

 

[annnewjerz]

Soooo, Adorama.com has the SanDisk 4gb Extreme III SD card (with a card reader in the package) for $34.95 PLUS a $20.00 rebate, making the memory card + reader $14.95. I'm thinking that's a great deal considering everywhere else I have looked (Best Buy, Target, Amazon, NewEgg) all have them listed for at least $35-$60.

I see Adorama mentioned alot, reputable site that I can feel comfortable ordering through??

 

[handicap18]

With my D50 I used SanDisk, Viking and Kingston. Kingston was the least expensive and that what I have the most of (5 different ones IIRC).

I would also STRONGLY recommend a card reader. When your downloading from the camera directly, you are waisting the camera's battery.

I recently got a 4GB SDHC Kingston for my FIL's camera: $9.50 + Shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134646

 

[wenrob]

Soooo, Adorama.com has the SanDisk 4gb Extreme III SD card (with a card reader in the package) for $34.95 PLUS a $20.00 rebate, making the memory card + reader $14.95. I'm thinking that's a great deal considering everywhere else I have looked (Best Buy, Target, Amazon, NewEgg) all have them listed for at least $35-$60.

I see Adorama mentioned alot, reputable site that I can feel comfortable ordering through??

Adorama is very reputable. I've never had a single issue with them.

 

[annnewjerz]

Adorama is very reputable. I've never had a single issue with them.

Sounds good! SanDisk is offering a manufacturer's rebate...the more cards you buy, the cheaper they are. I was considering only getting one ($34.95-$20.00 rebate = $1495 each), but then I saw if you get two, you get a $45.00 rebate, making the price per card even cheaper. Then I saw that if you get three, you get a $75 rebate, making the cards only $10 each, so needless to say I'm going to get three. Just gotta remember to fill out that rebate form!!!

 

[dr_zero]

Sounds good! SanDisk is offering a manufacturer's rebate...the more cards you buy, the cheaper they are. I was considering only getting one ($34.95-$20.00 rebate = $1495 each), but then I saw if you get two, you get a $45.00 rebate, making the price per card even cheaper. Then I saw that if you get three, you get a $75 rebate, making the cards only $10 each, so needless to say I'm going to get three. Just gotta remember to fill out that rebate form!!!

Oh no you got that disease they told me that I have but cant remember the name where you just cant stop once you get hooked, Youre doomed!

I have used several types with good luck OCZ, Ridata, Lexar all have been good and I know many have used A-data with no issues but I have seen 2 fail and the hassle to replace them under warranty they are off my list to use or buy.

 

[annnewjerz]

Oh no you got that disease they told me that I have but cant remember the name where you just cant stop once you get hooked, Youre doomed!

I have used several types with good luck OCZ, Ridata, Lexar all have been good and I know many have used A-data with no issues but I have seen 2 fail and the hassle to replace them under warranty they are off my list to use or buy.

I do indeed have that disease, but I figure at least it's money well spent. I can either buy 3 cards for $105 ($30 after rebate) now, or spend $105 full price on them later. I'm being THRIFTY! My Husband would be proud.

 

[handicap18]

Oh no you got that disease they told me that I have but cant remember the name where you just cant stop once you get hooked, Youre doomed!

I have used several types with good luck OCZ, Ridata, Lexar all have been good and I know many have used A-data with no issues but I have seen 2 fail and the hassle to replace them under warranty they are off my list to use or buy.

On the nikonian boards they refer to it as NAS (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome). There is no known cure. There is no known end to it. It is very addictive. You can't stop it, you can only hope to contain it. This is why we have boards like this. So you know where to spend your money the proper way.