Memory Cards Explained with Joe Fitzpatrick

 

Memory Cards Explained with Joe Fitzpatrick

 

Types of Memory Cards

• CF: used in professional and advanced amateur cameras
• XQD: in some Nikon and Sony cameras
• CFast
• CF Express: replacing XQD, backwards compatible
• SD: most common, several types, all backwards compatible, smaller than CF without pins
• Micro SD: GoPro, Drones, Smartphones – several types, all backwards compatible

 

SD (Secure Digital) and Micro SD Cards - Deciphering the Symbols

• 95 MB/s -usually designates top write speed measured by the manufacturer
• SC, HC, XC, or UC – classes of speed ratings. SC is only used on older cameras now.
  HC is most common
  XC and UC are newer and have 2 rows of pins – check manufacturer’s recommendations
• Roman numerals next to SD logo (I) – most common, 1 row of contact pins
  (II) – 2 rows of contacts, used in new high-end cameras
• Speed class – designated by a “C” with a number (2-10) inside
  This is the sustained write speed – the most important! Best is a C-10
• UHS Classes – designated by a “U” with a number (1-3) inside Best is U-3
  3 = 30 MB/s minimum sustained write speed (may be as fast as 95MB/s in short bursts)
• Newer cards have a video rating
  Video will need faster cards – 30 frames/s has much more data
  - V30 (about $20, most common)
  - V60, V90 ($100, 2 rows of contact pins, used only in newer advanced cameras)
• 32 GB or 64 GB – 32 will hold about 1,000 images – perfect for most photographers
  64 GB is much better for storing VIDEO

 

CF (Compact Flash) Cards

• Typically found in pro-level cameras and very old cameras.
• UDMA 7 - best read speed
• Clapboard number is write speed. (95 MB/s)

 

Always check your manufacturer’s recommendations. A newer, faster card may not be faster in your camera if the camera is not designed to utilize the newer technology.

How long does a memory card last?

• Transistors within the cards last between 500 – 3,000 erase/write cycles.
• Typically not a total failure, may start to give error messages or corrupt images.
  - could try to reformat, best option is download all images and replace card
• Trouble getting images off card? Recovery software is available online.
  - RECUVA – recommended by Joe, Freeware

 

Reformatting

Cleans the directory without having to erase all the individual images.

 

Storage and Backups

• Memory cards will not hold the data forever - they are not a reliable form of storage.
  - The number of use cycles affects the length of storage. A brand new card may hold data for 20 years, while a card that has been used 1,000 times or more may lose data in less than a year.
• Separate Hard Drives are more reliable for long-term storage.
  Drives will not last forever either! Connections and file systems change over time. Make sure you keep your backups updated to your current system.
• 2 backups are recomended– one on site and one off-site
• Cloud storage – iCloud, Dropbox, Amazon Drive, Google
• Backup software – Time Machine, Acronis
• Cloud backup – Carbonite, Acronis, iDrive, Backblaze

Finding Joe

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