Digital camera accessories

[kiwied]

Hi, I have a Nikon coolpix 5400 5.1, with a starter cf card at 8x speed. I'm intersted in getting a larger storage cf card, but confused on speed. Whats the maximum, best card and speed that I can get for my cam?
Thanks Eddy

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi, I have a Nikon coolpix 5400 5.1, with a starter cf card at 8x speed. I'm intersted in getting a larger storage cf card, but confused on speed. Whats the maximum, best card and speed that I can get for my cam?
Thanks Eddy

Hi Eddy,

Welcome to the Q&A Board! Nope, you're not going to get many images on that measly starter card that comes with the 5400.

I've been very pleased with my Sandisk Ultra II 256 compact flash card and my Lexar 512 mb CF card with a speed of 12X (though I'd probably buy 24 X if I were purchasing today).

Both cards have been trouble free. I personally prefer having two cards, rather than one larger. In the event one becomes corrupted or lost, I have another.

At my 5400 BLOG, I list the cards recommended by Nikon (right-hand column about midway down the page).

http://www.digicamhelp.com/nikon-coolpix-5400/nikon-coolpix-5400-tips.htm

Keep in mind that an extremely fast card beyond what is recommended by Nikon may not improve the write time of the 5400. But it can improve the transfer time of images when transferring from a card reader to computer. Here's some related information:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/memory-cards/memory-card-speed.htm

[San]

I used a Sandisk 1GB Ultra II card and it has the same speed as the normal sandisk 512MB card. The Lexar CF 8X included with the camera is actually faster. Why is that. Also I see that today Lexar 80X 512Mb card is available cheaper than the 24X card. Do you think the 80X card will be slower than or atleast the same as the 24x card.

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi San,

Welcome!

I really don't know why a slower card seems to work faster than a faster rated card. Sometimes it could have to do with the types of photos you're taking. For example, a color photo is a much larger file size than a black and white, so it will take longer to write to a card. I do know, however, that the highest speed Nikon recommends in it's manual, is 24X.

It's also difficult to say whether to 80X card will be slower than or atleast the same as the 24x card. Where you may definately see a big difference is when you transfer images to your computer, particularly if you're using USB 2.

There are two links to additional information in the reply to Eddy above.

[Deb]

Hi, I came across this compactflash card study and thought I'd pass it on. (http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007)

It includes a discussion of and review of compactflash cards, a read/write speeds comparisons database and speeds-in-camera stats. Notice that the same card can operate faster or slower depending on the camera and card-to-computer speeds can also vary.

The techno-geek in me found this all fascinating!  

[holly]

I would like to purchase a UV filter for our CoolPix 5400 and have been searching on line - the Nikon website recommends a set that is 72mm and retails for $114 on amazon.com - I have found several reputable appearing sellers on ebay who are selling 52mm filter sets and including an adaptor that will fit my 5400.  Is the primary difference between 52mm and 72mm an issue of size and whether or not it will fit on the camera?  Has anyone had experience purchasing non-Nikon adaptors and filters?  I'd prefer to save the money and go with the ebay set but I don't want to make an error.  Thanks!

[Deb]

Hi there Holly and welcome!

As long as the threads match up you shouldn't have a problem with trying out non-Nikon filters.

However, the 52 mm set you mentioned will result in vignetting due to its small diameter. I'd keep your eyeballs open for 72mm filters.