Digital camera accessories

[Sylvia]

I just bought a "SanDisk" 1 GB SD memory card/disk, for my new Canon S2 IS, for $90.  Now I see advertised a PNY 1 GB memory disk for $60.  Is there a difference in quality or should I return the former and get the latter?

[ShutterbugGail]

I had a PNY memory card that I gave to my daughter. No problems with it to date.  I use SanDisk and Lexar. I'm not sure of the warranty on PNY, but if you have problems with SanDisk or Lexar, they often repair or exchange the card without question and with no charge if there is a problem.

Make sure all things are equal. If your SanDisk is an ultra II, I recommend that you keep it. It is a high speed card and the extra speed is much better when shooting video at full resolution and frame rate, and when shooting in continuouos mode. If you've paid $90 and it is not a high speed card, in my opinion, you've paid to much.

My 1 Gig Ultra II was $100 from Amazon, but I also got a $20 rebate. Memory cards are frequently discounted, at least in the U.S. where I live.

Related reading: Memory cards

http://www.digicamhelp.com/memory-cards/index.htm

[Sylvia]

The SanDisk is Ultra II.  How do I know if it's high speed?

[ShutterbugGail]

The SanDisk is Ultra II.  How do I know if it's high speed?

The Ultra II is the designation of their high speed card.

http://www.sandisk.com/pressrelease/20030828b.htm

SanDisk makes a faster, even higher priced card. But it really is geared for professionals and photo enthusiasts using digital single lens reflex cameras who have write-time speed demands than most of us digital camera users ever need.

I think the price you paid for the Ultra II is fair. You may find it for a little less money if you shop around but only you can determine if it's worth the time.

[rogercorke]

I've just bought a new Canon Ixus digital camera and I've got to buy an SD card. There's a bewildering array of brands of cards, with some claiming to be high speed and all costing very different prices. Are all brands safe?  Will they all work equally well with a Canon Ixus? Are there any brands to avoid? Any help would be really arrpeciated.

Roger Corke
UK

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Roger,

Welcome to the Q&A Board!

If you stick to a name brand memory card, such as SandDisk, Lexar, Kingston, Viking, PNY, you'll be okay.

The new Ixus digital cameras have features that would benefit from using a high speed card: when shooting videos at it's highest resolution and frame rate (640 x 480 pixels @ 30 frame per second) and when using the continuous shooting mode. Testing by professional reviewers has shown that performance of continuous high speed shooting is excellent if you use a fast Secure Digital card in the camera.

If these features aren't that important to you, you probably don't need to spend the extra money for a high speed card. I believe your camera uses the DigicII processor and it is quite fast when using standard speed cards.

I'm personally only familiar with the SanDisk and Lexar high speed SD cards. I use a SanDisk Ultra II and am pleased with it.

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

Memory card capacity
http://www.digicamhelp.com/learn/camera-questions-and-answers/memory-card-capacity.htm

[rogercorke]

thanx. that's just what I needed to know!

roger