Question about Memory Cards/Sticks...

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

03/13/2004 12:45:07 PM · #1

I just got my refund check today, so next week I will venture out to purchase my new Digital Rebel. The question is... How should I go about purchasing memory cards?

1. What size memory card should I purchase? -(I am getting the camera from best buy, it's tax free and the same price as everywhere else, plus they offer a 4 year extended warrenty that isnt all expensive. I also take my camera around every where and take many photos.)

2. I keep reading about card readers... what exactly are these? Do I need it? And, Is it in my best interest to purchase one?

I will be purchasing more lenses at a later date. I will be getting a bag at The Camera Shop later that same day. Thanks for all the help you guys provide on these message boards!

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

03/13/2004 12:53:21 PM · #2

1) I always prefer splitting the memory purchase in two, for example buy two 256mb cards instead of a single 512mb card.

2) A card reader hooks to your computer and acts like a floppy drive for your cards. It lets you copy from the cards to the computer without any involvement from the camera. It is faster, more convenient, a probably cheaper in the long run (you don't need to be running the camera just to copy over the files). Ones which will take 6-8 different kinds of memory cards are $15-30 and are very versitile and convenient. You can also use the cards for "regular" file storage/transfer, similar to the way you'd use a Zip drive, floppy disk, or one of those new USB "keychain" storage devices. You should definitely get a card reader!

Message edited by author 2004-03-13 12:53:56.

Russell2566

03/13/2004 12:53:38 PM · #3

Size of the memory card really depends on several factors:

How many pictures will you be taking
how long between dumps to the computer
How many MP your camera is (already known, 6.3)

I take a lot of pictures and often don't have access to a computer when I'm taking them, unless I lug the laptop around the woods.

I have a single high speed 256 meg card (SanDisk Ultra II) and I have an X-Drive from ebay. I fill the card with my images then I dump to the X-Drive. I then have a crappy small CF Card for in between just in case. The images take a while to transfer over when you fill the disk...

I would also recomend checking out Ebay from memory card prices. Buy a cheaper one at Best Buy and head online for a good one. I saved about 50 bucks on mine...

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

03/13/2004 12:54:00 PM · #4

I would go for 2 x 512mb or if you can afford it 2 x 1gig, just make certain you get 2 cards rather than 1 large card in case one of the cards fails. Card readers - this is the best way to download photos from the cards to your pc, rather than connect your camera to the pc.

Card readers are cheap, just connect via usb to you pc, pop in the card and your away.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

03/13/2004 01:00:01 PM · #5

Thanks guys. The only problem with Ebay is I dont have any credit cards. So that becomes a difficulty for me.

Where can I purchase Card readers, other than online? What are some good brands to keep an eye out for. Thanks again for all the help.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

03/13/2004 01:01:43 PM · #6

I would recommend using 512MB cards, or at very least 256MB. A 512MB card holds about 210 fine JPG images. I carry one 512 and one 256, and eventually I will get another 512.
DO buy relatively fast cards, though you don't really need the absolute fastest. Sandisk Ultra II cards are great, and reasonably priced.
Better to carry two smaller cards than one large card, in the (unlikely event something goes wrong with one.
A card reader is simply a device attached to your PC that the card plugs directly into, so instead of plugging in the camera you remove the card, plug it into the reader, and it looks just like another drive on your system. A card reader can be MUCH faster to transfer pics if...

- The card reader and PC both support USB 2.0
- The card is relatively fast

I hve a Sandisk USB 2.0 reader that I paid about $20 USD for and it's the only way to go. Transfer from the camera is just WAAAAY too slow!

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/13/2004 01:09:01 PM · #7

Originally posted by kirbic:

- The card reader and PC both support USB 2.0
- The card is relatively fast

I hve a Sandisk USB 2.0 reader that I paid about $20 USD for and it's the only way to go. Transfer from the camera is just WAAAAY too slow!

How can I check if my computer supports USB 2.0? I have USB on there, but the computer is now about 4 years old, so I am guessing it's not compatible.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

03/13/2004 01:18:27 PM · #8

it doesnt support USB 2.0

if its win98 not win98se it may not even support the USB devices at all...

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/13/2004 01:25:57 PM · #9

Originally posted by soup:

it doesnt support USB 2.0

if its win98 not win98se it may not even support the USB devices at all...

I am running Windows ME, Pentium 3, 168MB of ram.*sorry my comp is 3 years old, not 4*

Message edited by author 2004-03-13 13:26:50.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

03/13/2004 01:39:41 PM · #10

its supports USB 1.0

and i would reccomend upgrading from winME - that's the drunk uncle of windows - terrible OS