- Joined: June 1999
- Post Count: 33,002
For normal photo-taking, does Class 6 help with burst mode only, or is Class 4 sufficient (I've seen them rated for video use at Class 4)? I know the classes denote the transfer speed:
Class 2 = 2MB/sec
Class 4 = 4MB/sec
Class 6 = 6MB/sec
I'm just not sure how that translates to real world performance if digital cameras need to write large files (over 8 megapixels). Of course, the reason I ask is because Fry's usually has the micro-SDHC cards for sale (with SD adapter for use in normal SD slot if need be), but they seem to only be rated Class 4, and I was thinking if I got the micro-SDHC card (Class 4), I could also use it in my blackberry for data-storage in pinch.
"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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Re: SDHC cards - Class 4 or 6, does it matter?
I agree with Scott that with modern SLR's with a large buffer such as the one in a Canon 40D SLR you don't need a fast card. It's mainly needed to speed up transfers to and from your computer.
However another issue could crop up if you are going to use the card in a Point & Shoot camera set to video mode. When you're shooting 640 x 480 video at 30 fps if you don't have a fast card you could start dropping frames.
The pocket camera that I'm considering now to supplement my 40D is the Canon SD970 IS which may be released this month. I believe that it is capable of shooting HD video at 1280 x 720 @ 30 fps. Shooting video at that resolution requires a fast card.
Canon SD970 IS digital camera specifications: Digital Photography Review
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Arthur C. Clarke
- Joined: June 1999
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Re: SDHC cards - Class 4 or 6, does it matter?
So, I guess I would like to know if Class 4 is suitable for shooting video with the less expensive point-n-shoot digital cameras (as the 40D or 50D is out of my price range, I don't venture past $400 price tags when looking for digitial cameras these days - but if I win the lottery, then I might go a little higher). I did pick up a Canon SX10 IS, which does allow me to shoot video with it.
"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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Re: SDHC cards - Class 4 or 6, does it matter?
From what I've read, many of the small point & shoot cameras are barely able to keep up with a Class 2 Write speed of 2MB/Sec. As cameras get faster the need for Class 4 & Class 6 cards is to:
1. Enable the latest digital SLRs to keep up with the fastest buffer clearing speed for the max number of continuous frames.
2. Record HD video.
This:
Quote:
| Some digital cameras require high-speed cards (write speed) to record video smoothly or capture multiple still photographs in rapid succession. Higher speeds of up to 200x are defined by specification 2.0. |
is from here:
Secure Digital card - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A class 6 card in a point & shoot camera only capable of recording 2 MB/sec is not necessary. But when you replace the camera with something faster you may wish that you had the class 6 speed cards.
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Arthur C. Clarke
