Need another SDHC card...

[Criminal_Colt]

I'm looking to buy a new SDHC card for my 450D. I'm thinking 8GB would be ample (4 would probably do it but I don't want to get caught out).

I shoot RAW on a 450D.

I've got my sights set on a Sandisk 8GB but I'm not sure if I need (well, want) an Ultra (Class 4) or Extreme (Class 6).

I think I have a 2GB Ultra right now and it seems ok, would I notice a difference if I got the Extreme? I've never bothered timing anything like continuous shooting to see if it's "below spec" although I doubt it is.

So, anyone got a way I could find out? I can't seem to find reviews detailing how fast a transfer speed is required, more just how the camera performs using the best SDHC available.

So, anyone know? Should I even be caring about this?

Would just like to avoid a regrettable purchase...

[Fortigurn]

I'm using a 16GB Apacer SDHC in my D90. A steady 18MB/s transfer rate. The camera doesn't need any more than that, and USB2 handles it fine.

[Criminal_Colt]

Hmm, well the Ultras have a 9mb/s write speed I think...maybe I do need the extreme. But then yours is the D90...so...apples and oranges?

I'm just not a big one on shelling out for stuff that won't get used.

[GreasyBear]

16gb Ultra II would be more than enough for you I think, the 450D does 4.5FPS right?

How often do you need to use 4.5FPS is the main question.

[SGS]

I picked up a Lexar professional 4GB today, it does 20MB per sec. It was on special in DSE Nunawading for $26. Went in for a 2GB, I couldn't walk past it. They also had 8GB there, I think the were 40 odd dollars.

[dryliquid]

Originally Posted by Criminal_Colt

I think I have a 2GB Ultra right now and it seems ok, would I notice a difference if I got the Extreme? I've never bothered timing anything like continuous shooting to see if it's "below spec" although I doubt it is.

So, anyone got a way I could find out? I can't seem to find reviews detailing how fast a transfer speed is required, more just how the camera performs using the best SDHC available.

You're unlikely to notice a difference with the actual operation of the camera. It's only when downloading the photos to your computer (with a card reader not the camera!) will you notice a difference.

I can get an extra frame in before the buffer fills up (5 raw+jpg instead of 4) with my 8gig extreme III but thats about all the advantage you'll get.

[Lukey]

Just get a Sandisk Ultra II 8GB card, can be had for like <$35 it seems. You really won't notice the difference imo. I was going to buy a fast speed card, then sat back and thought just how often I actually shot in burst mode anyway, let alone burst mode where i'm shooting more than 3-4 images in a row.

I much prefer to shoot one single good shot when out photographing motorbikes... Than hoping for a burst shot to go well.

[Criminal_Colt]

Originally Posted by Lukey

Just get a Sandisk Ultra II 8GB card, can be had for like <$35 it seems. You really won't notice the difference imo. I was going to buy a fast speed card, then sat back and thought just how often I actually shot in burst mode anyway, let alone burst mode where i'm shooting more than 3-4 images in a row.

I much prefer to shoot one single good shot when out photographing motorbikes... Than hoping for a burst shot to go well.

Yeah I don't think you're wrong.

Good, I was pretty much set on an Ultra unless someone was going to say it would ruin my camera.

I do use burst mode - not much but when I do it would annoy me if it was affected regardless. Unless it's going to drag it down below 4fps I won't care though.

[Criminal_Colt]

Yeah I forgot about the buffer completely.

So how does it work? Or how big is it? Can't see specs on it anywhere.

If you x say 12mb-15mb by 4.5( i.e. fps) you get around 60mb/s.

Is that actually a feasible way to work it out? In other words I'd need a card with a speed of 60mb/s??

So confused.

However if the camera buffers it and transfers it later I could have the slowest card in the world and it wouldn't *really* matter.

Oh and about shooting in burst...I'm happy to burst in jpeg rather than raw so I guess that's a non-issue.

[MatterHorn]

The other thing to consider is the copying speed to the PC. Obviously with 8/16GB cards it can take a while if the copy is running at 15mb/sec vs 45mb/sec. For some people it's not an issue - setup the copy and let it run, but something else to consider.

My suggestion is to get an 8/16GB Ultra II, as they're pretty damned cheap and has enough speed for the 450D.

[Criminal_Colt]

I just checked and the card I got with the 450D is of the Extreme III variety.

I'll get an Ultra II as I can always use the ExIII if it's THAT noticeable, which I doubt it will be.

In terms of transfer speeds, I've been using the camera to transfer without realising how bad it performs compared to a card reader (2mb vs 30mb???). Time to try it out when I get home haha. I've not really been phased though, it gives me time to look through the photos as they download lol.

Thanks guys!