Photographers are gearheads. We love to know what the latest-and-greatest technology is and what piece of gear will produce optimal results. I admit it. I love the technology side of photography and I enjoy pixel peeping even when I know it doesn't really help my photos. Surprisingly, however, I am frequently shocked at how clueless photographers are about memory cards.
Memory Card Tip #1: Do not listen to the MANY photography instructors who teach that brand doesn't matter, or that Sandisk and Lexar are both the same. That is simply incorrect. The truth is that there are loads of very relevant differences between the two. For example, Sandisk has had several exclusives with Nikon in which they create a memory card that is able to access the full processing power of the camera. Nikon and Sandisk worked together on a memory card for the D90 and recently did so again with the Nikon D7000. Lexar also has some useful advantages over Sandisk, but that's for another post.
Memory Card Tip #2: I constantly hear professional photographers teach that photographers need to get a super-fast memory card only for shooting video. While it is true that HD video produces large files, digital RAW files produce more data in a shorter period of time when photographers shoot a quick burst of multiple RAW files. Fast memory cards are even more vital to still photographers who shoot bursts than HDSLR users.
Memory Card Tip #3: Never “erase all images” on your card. Always format the card. DSLRs provide both an “Erase all images” option and a “format card” option. Choose the format card option in order to prevent a host of different errors that can arise by simply erasing all images. Formatting the card will re-organize the folder structure and prevent database errors.
Memory Card Tip #4: While we're discussing how to erase all images, never erase any of the images by using the computer. This will taint your database and can cause even more errors than “Erase all images.” If you persist in erasing images by using the computer, you Canon shooters will face the famed ERR-99 (side note: that is a general error that is not specific to memory card problems, but memory card problems are one of the things that can draw the error).
Memory Card Tip #5: Because I properly format my memory cards and never edit the contents of the card from the computer, I rarely have technical issues with memory cards. However, I have broken several memory cards by not storing them properly or ripping them out of the card reader. This is particularly true with SD memory cards, which have delicate little pieces of plastic on the underside which can easily be bent or broken off if misused. Treat 'em like a baby.
Memory Card Tip #6: According to Lexar, using high-capacity memory cards uses more battery life from your camera. The reduction in battery use is slight, but I think it's a handy bit of knowledge.
Memory Card Tip #7: Both Lexar and Sandisk professional-level cards come with a free program that can help you recover the images on your card if you accidentally delete them. If you delete something accidentally, STOP SHOOTING, bring the card home, run the card through the program, and you'll probably get the shot back–even if you formatted the card. I have not tried Sandisk's program for memory cards, but I give high marks to Lexar's Image Rescue Software.
Memory Card Tip #8: If you are unsuccessful at recovering images on a corrupted Lexar memory card, you can actually send the card to Lexar at NO COST and they will have a technician perform professional data recovery on the card, put the images on a DVD, and mail you a new card and the images. Now THAT is impressive service! As far as I know, Sandisk doesn't offer this level of customer support. I checked their website for information and couldn't find anything comparable. Does anyone knowledge about this?
Memory Card Tip #9: Okay, I admit that this one is only marginally connected to memory cards. It is just a recommendation that you subscribe to a blog written by Jeff Cable. He's one of the head marketing guys at Lexar and always has interesting things to share on his blog.
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Replace them annually as a rule. We are tough on these little guys. In and out and in and out of our cameras, computers, printers,a thousand times. They can corrupt easier as they get older. Annual replacement as a general rule…
Hi, I’m currently shopping for memory cards for my Cannon Rebel T3i and I was wondering what your recommendations are.
So I have a Lexar and I deleted the content on my computer. Is that where I went wrong? Because every time I delete files on the computer the storage is still depleting.
More a questions than a comment.
Anyone have insight or are knowledgeable about Eye Fi mobi Pro memory Cards?
Also, is it better to download to your Computer from your Camera directly with the USB cable or a higher quality USB 2.0 or 3.0 portable Card reader?
If I need to copy photos onto my computer, can I cut them or just copy, then delete them by formatting the card- in camera??
Because you said not to delete them with the computer…
Thanks for the help, in advance…
Thanks for the insight about not deleting your images on your card. As you say, you should format the card because this will help prevent you from erasing all of your images. Should you buy a certain type of SD card to do this, or should all cards provide you with this option?
MY NEWLY INSTALLED SANDISK 32GB SDHC CARD PUT IN CANON SX52OHS HAS NOT OPENED UP PICTURES TAKEN WITH IT.I HAD EARLIER THAT DAY PRINTED SOME OF THE EXPOSURES TAKEN WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM ONLY TO GET TO LAB. &MY CAMERA STARTED SAYING ‘MEMORY CARD ERROR’
Excellent article. I use memory cards often, but didn’t know much about them, thank you! I’ ll try to use it more carefully. Recently I had a problem with a memory card and in the end I lost all the information that was on it. But then I found an article by which I restored the data on the card https://hetmanrecovery.com/recovery_news/sdxc-memory-card-recovery.htm Now all is ok.
Nice
Good advice for such an important component to photographers.
I like to store my memory cards from my camera on my Google drive but also keep a folder of the cards used. I put a new one into my camera when I travel. I am finding it hard to find and purchase a good folder or container to store my memory cards in – is there any product on the market that holds memory cards . I do not want one that holds about 10 per container I would like a container or folder that holds many in one folder/container.
formatting a card several times causes any damages to card or quality of video recorded.
Great tips and post! Superb ideas have been shared. About memory cards I know one thing that SD Card Duplication Services is making best.
but i can’t find the “format card” option on my camera, nikon coolpix p510. but i was able to do it before but now it was lost. i don’t know what to do.
I had a card that had some problems….I have reformatted it I’m worried to use it again.. Is it safe would you reuse it
Great article! Thank you for the information. I didn’t find your article biased at all. I personally shoot with a canon 5D IV and use Lexar and love it. I’ve had no issues. For me, using a larger card means no card changes and fewer chances of losing a card with important images. I always reformat and keep that baby in my camera. Lost a card after a session and won’t ever let that happen again. This system works best for me. Just a different perspective on the whole card size debate. 🙂
Outstanding info,when a Lexar card was displaying images on a sigma digital yrs ago ,wellwell:)all the images disappeared in frt of Road Atlanta PRGuru Earl Fannin and I ,10.5 hrs of racing,never recovered by pros,off to Sandisk FOREVER…No Problemo…..
cards are like camera bodies,not lenses,work the end result backwards ,PERIOD.
Peter Kerez,Rock&Roll/AutoRacingPhotog,Georgia
I was looking for something like this.I found it quiet interesting, hopefully, you will keep posting such blogs.Keep sharing.
Hello, Can I use the same memory card (32 class 10-SDHC) for video and photos. I can switch this (tried) with my new camera-camcorder. Is this ok? thank you for reply.
Great information here, thank you! I did a Google search and ended up on your website. I am looking to purchase a new memory card and was curious which is the best, reliable, etc. I was also thinking a high capacity was better but your info here changed my mind, just in time lol. I will purchase two 16gb instead. Most helpful!