Looking for a new compact flash card, but

[beacher]

When I got my Fuji S602 3 years ago, all they did was give you the mgb/gb size, and now I'm seeing numbers like 133 X 4 gigs, or 50 X 4 gigs. . . What's up with that?  As usual in advance!

[Thomas S. England]

QUOTE(beacher @ Jan 17 2007, 02:53 PM) [snapback]116325[/snapback]

When I got my Fuji S602 3 years ago, all they did was give you the mgb/gb size, and now I'm seeing numbers like 133 X 4 gigs, or 50 X 4 gigs. . . What's up with that?  As usual in advance!

The gig count is of course, the amount of space available for your images.

the other number is supposed to be a measure of how quickly the card can write the data being sent to it as your pictures are taken.
I say "supposed" because that write speed can be influenced by the camera you use, but the higher that number, the faster the data can be written to the card and the faster you can take more photos.

If you take a quick series of images, sending a lot of pixel information to a card, at some point, the card gets so busy that it can't accept anymore data.  That's what's known as the "buffer".
When you reach the buffer, the card says, "Wait, give me a moment to handle all this information". And while that happens, you cannot take any more photos.

The higher the number, the less time you will  wait to be able to keep shooting.

[Mayo]

Those numbers refer to data-transfer rates.  They are most important when transferring data from the camera/card to your computer.  Modern DSLRs memory buffers pretty much negate any in-camera speed advantages, unless you tend to shoot a LOT of images really fast and fill-up the camera buffer. Digicams may benefit from a faster card if the camera supports faster data transfer speeds.  The actual speed benefits also depend on whether you are shooting RAW, TIF or video with a digicam vs. JPEG.  If you tend to shoot single shots and wait between pictures then a faster card won't make a difference to you.

Here is a review of a number of popular CF and SD cards, as well as an explanation regarding the benefits of using faster cards in DSLRs. After looking over the test results you may be in a better position to decide whether the data transfer speed differences will make a difference to you in the long run.

Prices have come down and I regularly find specials on fast cards so that the difference in cost is minimal and I don't mind paying a little more for a faster card. Check out B and H Photo; the store seems to always have some specials on high-capacity "fast" cards. Costco also has decent prices for CF cards. The capacity is generally more important to me than the card's speed; a 2GB card is more than sufficient in my case for a day of casual pictures/video using my Coolpix 8400 digicam and the cost per MB is less than 512MB and 1GB cards.

[MarkM]

QUOTE(beacher @ Jan 17 2007, 01:53 PM) [snapback]116325[/snapback]

When I got my Fuji S602 3 years ago, all they did was give you the mgb/gb size, and now I'm seeing numbers like 133 X 4 gigs, or 50 X 4 gigs. . . What's up with that?  As usual in advance!

Your current camera may not be able to take full advantage of todays highest speed CF cards, but your next one will   Speed comes at additional cost so you have to figure that in to the equation, and like getting a new computer get the most speed you need and can afford.  Shop quick for KINGSTON CF cards as there are some great rebates now.

[Mayo]

I doubt that a three year old Fuji will be able to take advantage of the faster cards, but a quick search or post on the Fujifilm forum at DP Review will get you an answer.

[Bruce_F]

QUOTE(MarkM @ Jan 17 2007, 12:25 PM) [snapback]116335[/snapback]

Your current camera may not be able to take full advantage of todays highest speed CF cards…

I can attest to that. I just purchased a Sandisk SD card for my girlfriend's Nikon point and shoot. The booklet leads one to believe that any Sandisk card will work. But that is not the case. I had to replace the card I purchased with another to gain back the compatibility.  

If you want a sure thing, I suggest checking with a local camera shop before buying anything.

[Mayo]

Here is a card compatility chart for Fuji cameras.

I like the looks of the S602... I prefer digicams that resemble cameras. Having used motor drives for years I like having a grip so that I can easily hold the camera at my side.

[MarkM]

QUOTE(Mayo @ Jan 17 2007, 02:40 PM) [snapback]116337[/snapback]

I doubt that a three year old Fuji will be able to take advantage of the faster cards, but a quick search or post on the Fujifilm forum at DP Review will get you an answer.

Compatability  in electronics over 6 weeks + 1 day old can be iffy  
It always pays to check the book as MAyo pointed out the camera in question appears to only accept up to 1 GB cards - gigantic 3 years ago, small today.

[Mayo]

The camera may be able to use larger cards even though Fuji says that it isn't possible, so if it was me I would search for the info at the Fujifilm forum and post a question if I didn't come up with an answer. But it's a moot point if you don't need or want to use 2GB and 4GB CF cards.

Having said that, a 1GB card is a nice size for a digicam, particularly if you tend to shoot JPEGs. Some folks favor having two or more 1GB cards instead of one large card in case something happens to the card.

I have read that formatting a card before every shooting session can help prevent data corruption, but I can't say that I have any first-hand knowledge of its efficacy. I thought that I would pass it along; maybe someone else will know something about it.