Canon S3

[DueyDooDah]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What kind of memory cards do you guys suggest?[/FONT]

I have been perfectly happy with the Transcender line. I get their fast cards and they seem to cost much less than the other guys.

 

[Jeanne B]

So I have gotten as far as putting the camera in the cart and am looking at different memory cards. On the site I am buying it through they have a Sandisk 8GB Ultra II CompactFlash Card. Is this card compatible with the Canon S3 and do I want it? I do not plan on carrying my digital camcorder, so I will probably be taking some video with the camera.

You want SD, not CompactFlash, memory cards and I think 2GB is the largest you can use with the S3. I have several 1GB and 2GB standard and Ultra cards (mostly SanDisk brand). You definitely want Ultra/highspeed cards if you'll be using the video mode and I would suggest more than one card, memory is cheap these days and if you'll be using the video you'll need more than one card. You can usually find good deals online (there's usually someone posting a good deal on these boards). I usually get my 1 and 2GB standards for between $5-$15 and the most I've paid for a 2GB SanDisk Ultra is $40.

Also keep in mind that the S3 will not replace your camcorder, I left my camcorder home on our last trip but next time I'll be bringing it. The S3 takes suprisingly good quality video, not as good as a camcorder, but it can eat up memory pretty quickly (I think 30 minutes uses up 1GB?). If you're not planning on taking much video it will be fine but otherwise you may want to consider bringing the camcorder, better to have it and not need it than to not have it and wishing you brought it (which is what happened to me!! )

The S3 is a great choice BTW!!

 

[eznunzit]

Thank you so much DueyDooDah & Jeanne B! The compact flash card didn't sound right so I am glad I asked. I have started searching for Transcender SD cards and have found some great prices. I do see a 4gb sd card. Do you know why we can't use anything higher than a 2gb in the S3?

 

[DueyDooDah]

It probably formats using FAT16, which is the old DOS limit. If it's capable of formatting FAT32, then this limit goes away. I'm not sure of the S3's capabilities. 2GB is still ALOT of pictures (imagine back in the day when it was 24 or 36 pics per roll, then it won't seem like a big deal). Also, the smaller the card, then less pics you'll lose if the card fails, or is unadvertently lost, formatted, etc. Just pick up a couple of them (or more) and you'll be set.

 

[eznunzit]

Thank you so much DueyDooDah & Jeanne B! The compact flash card didn't sound right so I am glad I asked. I have started searching for Transcender SD cards and have found some great prices. I do see a 4gb sd card. Do you know why we can't use anything higher than a 2gb in the S3?

 

[grover]

same prob for me!

 

[SplshMtn99]

Cathryn, you scared me with your first sentence.

Glad you like your camera. Looking forward to seeing some photos -- from Clearwater perhaps.

 

[garris3404]

The S3 supports SD cards with a max size of 2 GB.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Enjoy, CR, good choice. Looking forward to seeing some pictures soon.

 

[Soupermom]

It's down to $309 again with FREE shipping!

 

[bethbuchall]

Well, I did it. I ordered the S3 through Amazon.

Thanks for all of the information, opinions, and examples. We'll see if I made the right choice. The track meet this weekend convinced me that I want that zoom before the end of track season, so I didn't even wait for my birthday. I can't wait to play around with it.

 

[Soupermom]

Staples has the SanDisk 2GB on sale for $24.99 this week. I've seen better on the internet but you had to send rebates in, and this seemed like less hassle when I was in the store today! Now I need to go order my camera! HTH!

 

[AndrewWG]

Staples also has the 2GB Ultra II SD on sale for $35 I believe. That is a faster card. You can still get a better deal online for fast cards, but if you want one NOW, Staples still has a good deal most of the time. Plus, there is no waiting, shipping costs, etc. The Ultra II card works very well in the S2 IS, so it should be fine for the S3 IS as well.

Andy

 

[theblondebee]

I saw it for $299 at Office Depot today.

 

[garris3404]

Staples also has the 2GB Ultra II SD on sale for $35 I believe. That is a faster card. You can still get a better deal online for fast cards, but if you want one NOW, Staples still has a good deal most of the time. Plus, there is no waiting, shipping costs, etc. The Ultra II card works very well in the S2 IS, so it should be fine for the S3 IS as well.

Andy

My wife uses the SanDisk Ultra II in her S3. It works great, especially when shooting video clips.

 

[Soupermom]

If I'm just taking photos, do I need the "ultra"? Does it make the pictures look better? Also, totally unrelated question...I just came across the re-chargeable batteries/charger I received with my Canon PowerShot 3 years ago. Never been used! Are the still good?

 

[DueyDooDah]

If I'm just taking photos, do I need the "ultra"? Does it make the pictures look better?

Nope, it does not improve quality whatsoever.

 

[eznunzit]

I just checked tracking and my camera w/ accessories, cards, and a dvd and book on taking digital photos are all going to be here on THURSDAY!!! I thought that the book and dvd could be a fun family activity. This weekend we are going to a nature center to have some fun taking photos.

I did find the Transcend 2GB 45x Secure Digital Card for $19.99 each at Tiger Direct so I was happy and got 5 of them! MY DD is happily practicing taking photos with my Olympus C-765. I passed it down to her so she is very pleased. Not bad for an 8yr old. She is passing down her Philips 3.0 digital to her 4 year old DB so everyone has won in this deal.

 

[Soupermom]

Yet another question...about how many photos will a 2GB card hold?

Thanks!

 

[AndrewWG]

Yet another question...about how many photos will a 2GB card hold?

Thanks!

I'm going to guess since I don't have my camera in front of me right now that it will hold well over 1000 depending on how you have your settings. If you are at the largest pic in superfine mode you should still get upwards of 1000 I think.

Andy