Memory card for 500D

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Hi everyone,

I want to buy a new memory card for my 500d which I use predominantly to photograph birds, mainly in continuous bursts. When you consider that I have been using an ancient 2gb card I have not done too badly however...

When a long-eared owl comes into view, completely out of the blue, and my camera freezes up just at the moment of him/her diving for prey, you think: I am a complete idiot! Sort a flippin memory card out before I lose yet more incredible opportunities to "busy" in the view finder!

So, I'm thinking that this is a good option http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/prod...93&PHPSESSID=5 from 7 Day shop.

Any thoughts? Any suggestions as to the card I should get would be great. My budget is about 30 quid.

Many thanks

Christian

[George Bear]

Re: Memory card for 500D

That's an Okay card. But it could be your 500D can't work fast enough.

Check this database for an analysis of cards (CF and SD) it might be useful ... Rob Galbraiths CF/SD Performance Database.

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Re: Memory card for 500D

Thanks George, I'll check that out. I've only been shooting jpeg format and it's still frozen after about 5/6 shots, so it must be to do with my old card. When you say that card is "okay", would you say I'd be better off with an Extreme version (link below).

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_6&products_id=104398&PHPSESSID=9t0avv4njot5jttha5b4nj5k54

4gb would be big enough having thought a little more about it.

[George Bear]

Re: Memory card for 500D

Get the fastest card your camera will support. The problem you describe can be attributed to the small buffer in the 500D and/or a slow card. The speed at which the cameras electronics can write is one limit. The speed at which a card lets it be written to is another. So always get a card that is rated beyond what the camera is capable of. The problem is that Canon don't publish information to help yiou here !!!

Extreme III's are okay ... Lexar Professional are equally okay.

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Re: Memory card for 500D

Yeah, Canon are not forthcoming with this information at all! Thank you for that, I'll seek advice as to the fastest card my 500d will support.


Thanks

[briansquibb]

Re: Memory card for 500D

According to Canon the 500D should be able to do a 170 jpeg burst (or 9 RAW) - so it must be the card

http://www.canon-europe.com/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_SLR/EOS_500D/

[George Bear]

Re: Memory card for 500D

According to Canon the 500D should be able to do a 170 jpeg burst (or 9 RAW) - so it must be the card

http://www.canon-europe.com/For_Home..._SLR/EOS_500D/

I agree ... but as far as I can see Canon don't give a hint as to what card this theorectical burst was done with ... but I may have missed it.

The OP should try a low level format (I think it lets you do that with SD cards) and just test his existing card. Then go on and buy a faster card.

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Re: Memory card for 500D

According to Canon the 500D should be able to do a 170 jpeg burst (or 9 RAW) - so it must be the card

http://www.canon-europe.com/For_Home..._SLR/EOS_500D/

Hi

Yes, I checked that information out too, which heartened me. Thanks

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Re: Memory card for 500D

I agree ... but as far as I can see Canon don't give a hint as to what card this theorectical burst was done with ... but I may have missed it.

The OP should try a low level format (I think it lets you do that with SD cards) and just test his existing card. Then go on and buy a faster card.

Exactly. It would be nice to know how they are substantiating this feat. What does "OP" mean George?

[George Bear]

Re: Memory card for 500D

OP is you ... the Original Poster.

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Re: Memory card for 500D

OP is you ... the Original Poster.

I see, thank you. I'm not really down with the lingo yet. I'll do the format as you suggest and run a test.

[George Bear]

Re: Memory card for 500D

I see, thank you. I'm not really down with the lingo yet. I'll do the format as you suggest and run a test.

Neither am I really :smile: ... yes when the rain goes get down to Martin Mere (or that reserve near Longton) to do the testing :biggrin:... you are quite spoilt near Preston.

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Re: Memory card for 500D

Neither am I really :smile: ... when the rain goes get down to Martin Mere (or that reserve near Longton) to do the testing :biggrin:... you are quite spoilt near Preston.

Yes, it's a smashing place to have as a local patch. I've been up at Pilling which is Barn Owl central - I love it there. Went to Turbury Woods Owl sanctuary yesterday and got a few nice captive shots, but it's nothing compared to wild captures. The thing is, like you say... when the rain goes! I might be waiting a while.

[briansquibb]

Re: Memory card for 500D

The 500D takes SDHC card - go for class 10/66x speed

[birdsbirdsbirds]

Re: Memory card for 500D

The 500D takes SDHC card - go for class 10/66x speed

Nice one briansquibb, that's great advice. Cheekily, can I ask which card of the above specifications that you would go for?