dancing2flower Loc: MD>Crystal River, FL

I just registered but have been reading/appreciating this blog for about a month. (First time ever I saw a worthy blog).
I bought a Sandisk Extreme Pro SDXC 64gb 95mb/s read/write for my t3i thinking it would enhance the speed of camera/card read speed from flash in my ballroom dance photos. (I miss the exact moments I press the shutter). Then I was reading card speed discussions and followed all your links to finally find that t3i buffer won't increase enough itself. So I thought ok, I have it so use it. NOW the dilemma is my iMAC OS X 10.6.8 will not read it!! Because the card reader doesn't read it? (Vivitar Series 1 72-in-1 HI Speed) Get one which specifically DOES? (looking at B&H) (Suggestions????). AND what cameras have the fastest buffer speeds? Need new computer as well? Have not checked CVS etc to see if their readers will do. Thanks guys!

amehta Loc: Boston

I believe you only need a new card reader. The description for yours on Amazon says, "Compalible with all versions: SD/HC N,MicroSD, CF. MS. XD and Sim Cards." It was probably produced before the SDXC format was created. The card will work as fast as your computer is capable, but no faster. It's a safe bet that the Canon 1DX has the fastest buffer speed in the Canon DSLR line.

You should look for a card reader which explicitly says it supports SDXC and is USB 3.0 speed. Your computer may not do USB 3.0, but your next one might, so you won't have to get a new card reader then. (one option on Amazon)

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Just connect camera to computer via USB cable instead of removing the card and using a card reader.

dancing2flower Loc: MD>Crystal River, FL

Thank you! and this is one I was considering !

dancing2flower Loc: MD>Crystal River, FL

YAY! it worked!!! and it went directly to Dropbox and iPhoto!
Thanks!!

dancing2flower Loc: MD>Crystal River, FL

I checked out the 1DX. I WISH!! This is a volunteer job by a novice photographer lady dancer! Anything less expensive--closer to the Rebel?

gtwhogger Loc: Lawton

First off May I ask why you are using a 64GB card, you shooting video? I have had experienced Card failures even with retrieval software was not able to recover images of lost data, it's been my experience to use smaller capacity cards like 16GB due to less chance of loosing the whole lot of images on one card plus they are much cheaper than one 64GB card and unless you are shooting rapid shutter releases like at a sporting event or a modeling shoot then large capacity cards are not as much needed unless you start using cameras with 16megapixels or higher, I use 2-16GB cards in my Nikon D3 and D3x and a 32GB in my D800e and I shoot weddings of normally 1500 images, but I also would rather change out a smaller card than possibly loose all images off of just one large card.

Then are you shooting JPEG or RAW? I shoot RAW so image size is much larger as a File size than a JPEG file size.

The only reason I can see buying 64GB or larger is for shooting video unless you shoot Sports and modeling professionally, otherwise it's a waist of money and not much of a gain plus it takes longer to transfer files with large capacity cards filled up and even longer if camera is tethered to computer.

amehta Loc: Boston

Yes, the 1DX suggestion was somewhat in jest. There are reasons to move up from one camera in a line to something several steps up, but I would not say that buffer speed should be one of them, unless you are doing it professionally. Since you know the activity, you can use that to make better shots. Instead of firing continuously, you could watch the movement and take a shot when the moment is right. Then the buffer isn't an issue, but shutter lag definitely is.

If you find that the T3i is getting in the way, the 70D would be a good next step, skipping the T5i. This has excellent AF tracking to keep up with moving subjects. But if you haven't used the best possible technique with the T3i, the results won't be much better with the 70D, especially for action shots. But if you can get the full potential of the equipment, the dancers will love your photos. :-)

dancing2flower Loc: MD>Crystal River, FL

Sorry for delay in replies. Had dance to ready for and go to. Why 64? I panicked after losing the 32gb sdhc originally bought for dance shots. So got 64 for both personal&dance. Found the 32sdhc so gonna use 64 for personal which I prefer to shoot in RAW (flowers butterflies birds sunsets people). It was a panic-impulse mistake.(live in a rural-ish area re shopping so use B&H a lot--had an upcoming dance) I have read of card corruption and don't plan to do a full load on the 64. I do shoot video of dance lessons with the newer sony. WIll get to the video on Rebel asap. I'm FAR far from professional. Feel like I am in a new Master's program! I guess I have to create a card file of contents and use max 32. Or max 16, because I notices the lag times near the end of the year as my cards filled in 2013. All of this started 12-12-2012 with the Rebel. I will likely start shooting RAW dance as the lighting and room color goes yellow.
Your advice is well taken and I appreciate it!

amehta Loc: Boston

It sounds like you are storing your images on your SD card? Most of us store them on our computers, or external hard drives, and back them in a variety of ways. My cards get cleared before each photo session.

dancing2flower Loc: MD>Crystal River, FL

Actually, the dancers do love the photos (but they don't see even half of them!). I am more critical because I know I have so so much to learn. I don't do continuous shots very often--the lights are dimmed and the light distracts many. In exhibitions yes (with judgement), as the lights are up. Lighting is really the problem for me with the dance photos, and when I can formulate the questions I will pose them. I know I have NOT found the best possible techniques with this 3ti yet, but am glad to have the suggestion of 70D. It is hard to find an environment like the dance venue in which to practice. I agree with your point of making the buffer a deciding factor. I am guessing 70D's is faster though. Will check. Thank you so much!!

dancing2flower Loc: MD>Crystal River, FL

I do store on Computer and will be using Picture keeper too. My laptop broke and I am thinking of getting a replacement just for pictures. Or an external hard drive (another thing to learn!!)
Yes I keep my cards. Which source has the best longevity?

amehta Loc: Boston

I'd be surprised if you showed half the pictures. Getting exposure, focus, and the subject right is not easy with photography like this, and taking chances is a good idea with the digital camera. But nobody else should see the experiments which didn't succeed. :-)

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

If you have the latest SDHC card, you will find that you need a new card reader; I had this same problem- I bought a new reader, and plugged it into my Mac- it worked !

amehta Loc: Boston

An external hard drive (or 2, so you have a backup) is much cheaper than a separate laptop. You could also use USB memory sticks for backup, with a 64GB stick costing about $30-35 today.

What do you mean by "I keep my cards." and "Which source has the best longevity?" ?