SECURE DIGITAL TOO FLASH FOR ME
20th November 2011
As the Nikon rumour mill grinds on, so do the rumours that their next range of pro cameras will have both a Compact Flash and Secure Digital card slots. The D3 has two CF slots but some of the other cameras in the Nikon line up have slots for either card. Of course the SD card seems to be the most popular card for compact cameras.
Personally I think putting slots for both types of cards in a pro camera is a big mistake, particularly if you are a sports shooter. Wearing my TalkHockeyRadio hat, we use SD cards in most of our recorders, where they are generally fine, but have come across the occasionally snag.
1. SIZE. One of the benefits of the SD card is its size. But ever tried changing cards in the pouring rain outdoors on a freezing February afternoon? CF cards are a nice size to quickly grab and install. An SD card is far too much of a fiddle to change quickly and safely.
2. EXPOSED CONTACTS: The SD card has them but the CF does not. Would you believe that I have managed to bend a terminal on a SD card when a loose thread from my glove got caught under a contact. I've also exerienced problems with the recorders where a 'No Card' message has come up and its been necessary to remove the card and clean the terminals. I've never had this problem with a CF card. Whilst I would happily slip a CF card into my pocket, I wouldn't chance it with an SD card.
I'm also not sure what the rationale would be for having both card slots on a pro camera. I have a considerable investment in CF cards, and I suppose most pro photographers have. Why would I want to go out and buy a load of SD cards just to put in the second slot?
Personally I think putting slots for both types of cards in a pro camera is a big mistake, particularly if you are a sports shooter. Wearing my TalkHockeyRadio hat, we use SD cards in most of our recorders, where they are generally fine, but have come across the occasionally snag.
1. SIZE. One of the benefits of the SD card is its size. But ever tried changing cards in the pouring rain outdoors on a freezing February afternoon? CF cards are a nice size to quickly grab and install. An SD card is far too much of a fiddle to change quickly and safely.
2. EXPOSED CONTACTS: The SD card has them but the CF does not. Would you believe that I have managed to bend a terminal on a SD card when a loose thread from my glove got caught under a contact. I've also exerienced problems with the recorders where a 'No Card' message has come up and its been necessary to remove the card and clean the terminals. I've never had this problem with a CF card. Whilst I would happily slip a CF card into my pocket, I wouldn't chance it with an SD card.
I'm also not sure what the rationale would be for having both card slots on a pro camera. I have a considerable investment in CF cards, and I suppose most pro photographers have. Why would I want to go out and buy a load of SD cards just to put in the second slot?
