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Question

Which memory card should I buy for my new camera?.

Feb 14, 2012 9:07AM PST

I just bought a new Canon Rebel T3i and would like to buy an SDHX memory card. However, my laptop has a Ricoh R5C833 controller that only reads SD and high speed SD. I'm sure that means no SDHX, but can I buy an SDHC? I just don't know enough about this media to buy the right card.

Thanks for your help.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Keep It Small
Feb 14, 2012 9:25AM PST

A very high capacity card is a bad idea. If it fails, or your camera is lost or stolen, you have lost a lot of pics and video unless you have backed it up. I would recommend is get at least class 6 cards so you won't have problems shooting HD video, and no larger than 32 GB cards. But if you are shooting primarily stills, even 32 GB is too large; 16 GB would already hold hundreds of RAW, or thousands of JPEGS.

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Compatibility
Feb 14, 2012 12:47PM PST

I appreciate your answer. I had ruled out SDXC because I'm sure my computer isn't compatible. However, do high speed SD cards go to class 6? Will my SD controller from 2007 be able to read class 6?

I appreciate your input about the SDXC. I usually shoot stills so at 16 GB is likely a good idea. I just want to use my current laptop to download the pictures to my backup device. I read that others who bought this camera felt class 4 was fast enough. I can always upgrade the memory card when I get a new computer. I just don't want to buy a memory card my computer can't read. The info I read about the Ricoh controller only talked about SD and high speed SD and I wasn't sure how to translate that to SDHC.

Am I being clear?

Thanks

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Answer
Before Using Your SDXC Memory Card
Feb 14, 2012 10:19AM PST
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Compatibility
Feb 14, 2012 12:49PM PST

Thanks for the link. It didn't really help because I'm not sure which speed my computer can read. I appreciate your input, though.

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Answer
Memory Cards - SD
Feb 14, 2012 11:27PM PST

There is no SDHX.

There is SD, SDHC, SDXC
SD is any capacity up-to and including 2 gig
SDHC, capacity is 4 gig up-to and including 64 gig
SDXC, capacity is 128 gig up-to and including 2 Terabytes

The Canon T3i can use any of the three cards.

I can't be sure about the Ricoh card reader.
It can use the SD and probably can use SDHC (High Capacity).
But it is unlikely to use the SDXC (Extra Capacity)


Speed is a separate rating and has nothing to do with capacity.
Your camera and card reader can handle any speed rating.

Until you find out about the Ricoh card reader, you are safe to buy and SD memory card up-to and including 2 gig.

I suggest you buy a SD-2 gig with a class 6 speed rating for you first card.

..

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Compatibility
Feb 16, 2012 5:47AM PST

The SDHX was a typo...sorry. I know it's SDXC. I agree with your assessment - the card reader spec says SD high speed high density. It's borderline possible SDHC may work because of the dates of each technology. I also understand speed and capacity are different things. Sorry, if I wasn't clear. I'm going to buy an SDHC card. If the reader doesn't work, I'm hoping the USB cable for the camera will allow downloading of files to the computer.

Thanks for your input.