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Lexar 8x vs.Kingston

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djbacklash

Senior member
UPDATE: Rather than wait for some replies, I broke down and went with the 160MB Lexar 8x memory 🙂 I know I said cost wasn't an issue, but when I saw the card was only $120 (after $20 mail-in rebate), I decided to go for it!

I just ordered a Canon PowerShot S300 to replace my old Kodak DC280 and was wondering what memory I should get. My two options are the 160MB Lexar 8x and the 256MB Kingston. Both cost approximately the same so price is a non-issue. I've been using a 32MB Lexar 8x with my Kodak the last year and have been very happy with it. I KNOW I don't need more than a 128MB card but since the prices are so low, I figure I may as well get either the 160MB or 256MB.

Anyway, since both price and space are non-issues, which card is better? By better I mean FASTER. I know the Lexar 8x is pretty speedy in that my camera can take shot after shot with very little waiting in between shots. But is the Kingston noticeably slower (or faster)? I use a USB reader to xfer photos to my pc so it's not the download times that I'm most concerned with. It's the time in between takes, when the camera is writing the info into memory, that I'm concerned with. I don't like having to wait more than a second or two in between shots. If anyone has had experience with both these cards, please let me know what you thought! I should be receiving the S300 in a couple days so I'd like to order some memory asap! Thx
 
well, the kingston is $150 after rebate 🙂 I don't think the canon s300 takes advantage of the 8x lexar, so for $30 more, you get a crap load more memory 🙂 Altho, w/ a CF card reader, the Lexar will be faster than the kingston... for me, that's not too much of an issue if i don't have to worry about running out of space.

where'd you get the lexar anyway?
 
I got it at TechStore.com for $139.95 ($119.95 after rebate). I know I could've gone with the Kingston for $30 more and gotten another 96MB, but like I said before, 128MB would have already been enough for me 🙂 I never filled the 32MB card in my Kodak, though that probably had more to do with me not wanting to lug the camera around.

I read somewhere that the Kingston was closer to the Lexar 4x speed (which is what I'm currently using), and that the 8x was noticeably faster than the 4x when taking pictures.
 
Ok being the incredibly indecisive guy that I am, I've managed to cancel the Lexar order before it shipped. Need to do a little more research on the two before I make a decision 🙂
 
That's actually the definition of Lexar's _X rating. It's the speed at which the info can be stored and retrieved on the media. Of course, you have to have a camera that can take advantage of this speed boost, but if you do, it definitely makes a difference.
 
I've been reading reviews of the S300 and with the included 8MB cf card, the tests indicated like a 1.7sec wait period in between single shots (there's also a burst feature that can supposedly take 2.5 shots/sec or something). Anyway, I figured the 1.7secs was pretty neglible so I went ahead and ordered the 256MB Kingston from PCConnection.com (only place I could find that had it in stock). The only drawback I see is that now I'll have to purchase a separate cf reader. The JumpShot cable that came with my old Lexar media was incredibly reliable and light/compact. All the cf readers I've seen have looked bulky in comparison 🙁
 
Apex, that's what I meant, I didn't think any ol' camera would take advantage of the speed, which is why i was lookin for the link to see what camera they were talking about.

As for a CD read, the "Zio" looks pretty small and compact. Only problem is you either need a usb extention cable or a hub (the unit is a small adapter and has a usb plug built right on it). you can find it at Dell's accessory store for $24 + s/h (why do i know this? i missed the 20% deal and was too lazy to call 🙂).
 
Who makes the Zio?

I know the new Nikon cams natively support the extra speed of the Lexar, but like you said, it's unclear which other cams support it. Since I'm not a pro, I doubt the .x sec differential between the Lexar and Kingston memory (since the S300 takes ~1.7secs in between shots, the faster Lexar would probably just cut into that by a couple tenths of a second) would really affect me. I still would have preferred sticking with the Lexar brand though, since I already have the JumpShot cable and have found it to be perfect for my needs. But then, it's hard to pass up on 256MB, no matter how useless it'll probably be for me 🙂 At maximum quality, the S300 will store 224 pics @ 1600x1200, 512 @ 1024x768, and 1120 @ 640x480! Geez I don't think I've ever taken more than 50 at a time!
 
can your jumpshot cable accomodate the 8x speed? hell, even at 4x it's still ok. I say go for the lexar if you don't think you'll ever reach the 256MB mark. I think it's worth it for the somewhat speedier downloads to the comp... but then again, that's me 🙂

Here is the Zio@Dell

Made by Microtech, i think originally for the mac's, but they have drivers for windows too
 
Yea I'm pretty certain the JumpShot can xfer at the 8x speed. Lexar does, after all, have 10x and 12x models that work with it.

Wow that Zio looks pretty cool! Unfortunately I don't have a front usb port 🙁 I know this is cheesy but I just want a small, black, reader..all the ones I've seen (i.e., SanDisk, Kingston, etc) are totally fugly with bright colors and stuff. My order doesn't ship out until later tonight so I guess I have a couple hours to decide if I want to cancel the order..AGAIN! 🙂
 
Hmm I think I'll go ahead and get the Zio. Oh and it does come with a short cable to connect to your usb port (1 meter/3ft). I havent found the black version anywhere so I guess I'll just get the purple one.
 
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