SD Memory Cards

[MarkBarbieri]

I was asked this question in a PM. I thought it better to answer in the forum so that others could read or comment.

I just upgraded to a Nikon D90 and im looking to pick up a few SD cards. Which cards do you recommend? Would you suggest paying the extra money for a fast write card? Are the $20 Sandisk cards sufficient or do you suggest sticking with the Extreme III series?

I'm not all that picky about SD cards. I stick with names I'm familiar with (Sandisk, Transcend, A-Data, etc). Performance is these cards is tricky to assess. The speed for writing and reading can be very different and the speed differs depending on the camera/reader. I rely heavily on the Rob Galbraith site. Here is their chart of card speeds for the Nikon D90. They've got speed data for lots of different Nikon and Canon DSLRs and one Sony. For other cameras, you'll just have to guestimate based on his data.

As for me personally, I rely on a big buffer more than a fast card. Once my buffer is full, I find even fast cards to be painfully slow (especially on my 5DM2). There aren't too many cases where I will outshoot my buffer and where the difference between a top teir and mid-teir card will add enough extra shots to justify the cost difference. I also like really big cards (I have all 16 and 32 gig cards for my DSLRs) and it is frighteningly expensive when you want both big and fast.

 

[bob100]

I was asked this question in a PM. I thought it better to answer in the forum so that others could read or commen

I'm not all that picky about SD cards. I stick with names I'm familiar with (Sandisk, Transcend, A-Data, etc). Performance is these cards is tricky to assess. The speed for writing and reading can be very different and the speed differs depending on the camera/reader. I rely heavily on the Rob Galbraith site. Here is their chart of card speeds for the Nikon D90. They've got speed data for lots of different Nikon and Canon DSLRs and one Sony. For other cameras, you'll just have to guestimate based on his data.

As for me personally, I rely on a big buffer more than a fast card. Once my buffer is full, I find even fast cards to be painfully slow (especially on my 5DM2). There aren't too many cases where I will outshoot my buffer and where the difference between a top teir and mid-teir card will add enough extra shots to justify the cost difference. I also like really big cards (I have all 16 and 32 gig cards for my DSLRs) and it is frighteningly expensive when you want both big and fast.

I get the cheapest SD cards available. I've never spent more than $5 for a memory card and the cheapest ones seem to work just as well as the expensive ones.

 

[oogieboogieman]

I get the cheapest SD cards available. I've never spent more than $5 for a memory card and the cheapest ones seem to work just as well as the expensive ones.

I'm a sucker for cheap memory cards. I just don't like messing with rebates.

 

[boBQuincy]

I use Sandisk Extreme III, they seem to be consistently among the fastest in Rob's tests. I carry a Rebel Xsi which has a small RAW buffer so fast cards help.

 

[scoot241]

I have the XSi and use a Sandisk Ultra II. It's been fast enough for me so far.

 

[Groucho]

There have been extremely good after-rebate deals on the Extreme 3 cards recently. On Black Friday last year, I picked up three 8gb Extreme 3 cards for $5, including shipping. ($5 total, not each.)

BuyDig had them a few weeks ago for $5 each after rebate if you buy three; I decided to take a pass as even at that price, I really don't need six 8gb cards. But it's worth keeping an eye on.

 

[Tanzanite]

There have been extremely good after-rebate deals on the Extreme 3 cards recently. On Black Friday last year, I picked up three 8gb Extreme 3 cards for $5, including shipping. ($5 total, not each.)

BuyDig had them a few weeks ago for $5 each after rebate if you buy three; I decided to take a pass as even at that price, I really don't need six 8gb cards. But it's worth keeping an eye on.

Wow good price i need some memory cards where should i buy them from to get best price i am tired of paying high price .