Question regarding compact flash card for DSLR

[WhiteKnight]

I'm in the market for a compact flash memory card for my new DSLR. I'm not a pro photographer, so I want something decent but I don't need the absolute fastest memory out there. I'm looking at the Transcend 2GB and the Transcend 4GB. According to reviews, the 2GB model has slightly faster read/write speeds, somewhere around .5 MB/s. I can't decide whether I'm better off getting two of the 2GBs or just a single 4GB. Is this kind of speed difference going to be noticeable in actual use, or should I just go with the convenience of the 4GB? Thanks.

 

[Roguestar]

It won't be noticeable while taking photos or whatever, just when you come home at the end of the day and decide to transfer 2GB of photos to your PC at once!

(And even then not by too much.)

 

[WhiteKnight]

I'm ok with it taking a little bit longer when I move the pics to my PC, as long as the actual camera performance is ok.

 

[randomlinh]

I would say 2GB just because I don't want all my eggs in one basket. But if you shoot raw, that can fill up fast.

 

[rivan]

Also, depending on your dSLR, a faster card might make multi-shot writes faster, making the camera's buffer empty faster after a series of continuous shots.

 

[corkyg]

As a very experienced DSLR user (am on my 3rd one), I would recommend the 2 GB. I use a SanDisk Extreme III with my current Canon EOS 5D. The size of the C/F at 2 GB is more than enough even when shooting 100s of pictures at a time. I carry a spare 1 GB just as a reserve, but have never needed it.

If you shoot any action pics - sports, wildlife, etc., the faster speed pays off when you can sequence shots. I have never been held up by the media's write speed.

Randomlinh's comment about eggs in one basket is a good one. Also - should the C/F card go bad on you - it is not as traumatic. I have only had that happen once in 4 years. It was an early model Lexar.

With 2 GB, and the largest RAW format (+L), I can shoot 89 pics. Plain RAW, 119. I usually shoot the largest JPGs which gives me 362.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Those are all good points, thanks for the input. I guess it isn't that inconvenient to carry around a second CF card since they're so small and I'd have my camera bag with me anyway.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Does anyone have an specific recommendations for a solid midrange card? As I've said, I don't need professional grade but I do want something that can keep up. I've looked at the Transcend units, but I'm certainly not tied to them.

 

[corkyg]

That's hard to say. I rely on good name brand stuff like SanDisk and Lexar. Chances are Transcend is probably manufactured by the same plant. I don't have a problem with off brands as long as they stand behind them.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Based on the reviews, the Transcends seem to be decent. I ordered two 2GB cards. Thanks for the tips.