AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

Hello Fellow Hogs. My question is about memory cards. I just ordered a D7100 from B&H and see that the smaller kit that I bought includes a 16 GB Sandisk Extreme 45MB/s Class 10 card. The card in my 12 megapixel D90 is only 8GB, but in fine JPEG it will record over 1000 shots. In theory the 24 megapixel D7100 with the 16 GB card from B&H should record roughly the same #of images I believe, also in fine JPEG. I don't want to shoot raw. The D7100 has 2 memory card slots, and I can choose the second just as a backup should the first one become full. The B&H card shows 45 MB/s whereas the ones on the site and at Best Buy have 90 MB/s. Would you buy one 32 GB card with the faster 90 GB/s faster read, or two cards which I really can't see filling up? Also, is there any reason not to put a 32GB with 90 MB/s and the 16GB with only a 45 MB/s together in the camera. Money is not at all the issue here, just best read times and no incompatibility issues. After 30 years in the business and 2000 weddings, I am now just a happy casual shooter on the weekends. Post was long, but I've read so many answers that start with "We need more information to answer", so I tried not to leave anything out. Thanks to any and all for taking the time to answer.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

You won't have any compatability issues, but I suggest you buy the fastest cards money can buy. The D7100 is known for its small buffer. So faster write speeds will clear the buffer faster for continuous shooting.

amehta Loc: Boston

I think the 45MB/s cards should be fine, but the 90MB/s cards should do slightly better if/when you shoot continuous high. You can mix different speeds sizes, though clearing the buffer will be limited by the slower card. If you're going to do "casual shooting", getting the same card as is in the kit would be fine.

AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

Thanks guys. Sounds like I may upgrade slightly to the 32GB at 90 MB/s and leave the other slot open. Appreciate your input.

photon56 Loc: North America

I use the second slot as a backup to the first one. Hedging on Murphy's Law that I don't miss a good photo due to memory card issue.

teegaboomer

Buy the largest and fastest memory cards you can afford. You can't have a card that is too big or fast. You will be much happier in the long-run. Do your homework before buying prices are dropping daily and newer faster larger cards are being developed almost daily. Always have spares available in case of failure. I carry spare CF and SD cards in a memory safe.

AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

Okay, I'm getting all good advise here. Apparently not only megapixel count, but individual type and make of camera make a difference in the read/write scenario. I understand about the fastest card you can afford idea, and I know I said in my original post that money wasnt an issue, but I don't want to spend $250 on a card when one for $75 or $100 would fill the bill nicely for me. I don't shoot sports, so I don't have any worries about filling the buffer all the time, but I do need a card for this D7100 that will read and write quickly without lagging. I'm not sure that the 16GB 45 MB/s included with the B&H kit it enough. Thinking about one card of 32 GB and 90 MB/s in the main slot of the D7100. I've always been happy with Sandisk. Further suggestions anyone? Thanks

bersharbp Loc: Texas

In general, I disagree with buying large cards. A 16GB card will hold a large number of 'fine' images, even if you are recording jpg and raw. The 7100 has two(2) card slots. 32 GB is a lot of pictures and SD cards are not difficult to find when traveling, if you need more storage

Write speed is what you need to pay attention to. Who cares how long it takes to read an image.

Bob 08701 Loc: Lakewood, NJ

Andy -

Bersharbp's last comment is key - Write speed is a key metric when choosing your card. Best Buy might still have the SanDisk Extreme Plus 16GB on sale for $24.99. The speed is 80 read / 60 write. I've just started using a pair in my D7000 replacing 8GB 15's. I have slot 2 configured as the prime for movies and also as the overflow for stills.

Bob

thelazya Loc: Wendell, MN

It doesn't matter how fast read/write speed your cards are if your camera has a slow write speed. Save your money.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

The title of your post is 'Losing My Memory" could you please repeat it . I forgot what it was about.

AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

Very good Boberic, forgetting what I asked about memory cards. This elderly man goes to his doctor for a followup visit. The doctor says "I have bad news and worse news. The bad news is that you have aids." The old guy says "Aids? Aids? At my age, I can't believe this. But you said you had worse news too." The doc says "You have Alzheimer's disease too". The old man says " Alzheimer's disease! This is terrible, I can't believe that I have Alzheimer's disease. But I suppose it could be worse. I could have Aids!"
Seriously though, I've known my cameras over the years inside out, but I guess havent paid much close attention to the memory cards. Am I to assume that the write speed, which one fellow hog above said was most important, is the speed on the front of the card? I'm on the Best Buy site, and they show a 32 GB Sandisk with 90 MB/s, and then in the information section is says 90 MB/s transfer rate. Stay with me...Then it shows a 16 GB Sandisk card that also shows 90 MB/s on the card as well, but in the information it shows that it has only a 45 MG/s transfer rate! So is the MB/s rate on the card the transfer rate?

amehta Loc: Boston

The read and write speeds are generally different, and unfortunately the more visible number is the higher read rate, but the more important write speed is not as visible.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

The 16GB cards will be fine for JPEGs. I recommend two 16GB cards rather than one 32GB card.

AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

The more important write speed is "not as visible"? Where do I find it on the card hanging on a rack at the store? I would think that information would be prominent, but it's not?