Camera Labs

Seems like most cards (sdhc) are class 4... are their speeds sufficient for newer cameras like SX30s? Any benefit to class 6 for an average user?

class 4 are more than adequate for photos, class 6 is often needed for 1080p hd video.
If you only take photos or use sd video class 4 is plenty.

They recommend class 10 for like the latest Nikon 7000 if you don't want any problems with video...

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Aidan Hill. com
Nikon D7000 | Nikon 70-200MM f/2.8G VR II | Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM | Tokina 11-16mm F2.8| iMac 27" | MacBook Pro 13" | Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Bag |

Class 4 is good enough for photos and sd video on most cameras.

Class 6 is good enough for photos and HD video on most cameras.

Class 10 is recommended for photos, HD video, and simultaneous HD video + photos.

The Canon EOS T2i manual recommends a class 6 for video, but after you take 1-2 photos during video mode, the video stops due to the buffer being full. I ordered a class 10 last night, will let you guys know when I get it.

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Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel T2i, Canon S90
Lenses: Tamron: SP70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD, Canon: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens, 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III, and EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Retired camera: Fujifilm Finepix s700

Guys, please check the movie sections of my reviews - I always try and state which class card is required for the video capabilities. Note it's not the same for all models, but generally, most 720p modes are fine with Class 4, but most 1080p modes tend to require Class 10. Note Panasonic's Motion JPEG 720p mode requires CLass 6 though.

Yep well I know the new Nikon D7000 requires class 10 for video etc...

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Aidan Hill. com
Nikon D7000 | Nikon 70-200MM f/2.8G VR II | Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM | Tokina 11-16mm F2.8| iMac 27" | MacBook Pro 13" | Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Bag |

Where did you see that Class 10 was recommended?

In the D7000 manual, it says Class 6 or higher is recommended for movies... I've been using Class 6 on the D3100 and it works fine.

Definitely get a class 10 memory card if you want to use 1080p video. I bought a class 6 sd card tried it on my canon 550d and didn't work. I went back to the shop the same day and bought a class 10 sd card. Works very well.

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Camera: Canon 550D with battery grip
Lenses: Canon 24-105mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f1.4, Canon 18-55mm, Tamron 70-300mm,
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Are there any brands that are notorious for failing? Or being the most reliable? Or are most the same?

sandisk
duracell
HP
panasonic

Any stinkers in this list?

duracell & HP cards? wow
just use sandisk & you'll be fine

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
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Is it just me or are there few places stocking class 6 cards?

Anyone know an online store with memory sold cheap?

Amazon, of course. (Don't forget to use the affiliate links.)

The main difference I have noticed when using class 6 or slower cards is not the camera performance, as in most cases continuous shots or video goes to an internal buffer, but the time taken to transfer from the buffer to the card.

In real terms this means it takes longer for the camera to be ready for a second burst of continuous or video shooting. It also means if you are transferring shots straight from the camera to a computer things are slower.

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Nikon D90
Nikkor AF-S DX; 18-105 f/3.5-5.6G VR, 55-300 f/4.5-5.6G VR, 35mm f/1.8G
Speedlight SB-700

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[quote=jameswilby5]Definitely get a class 10 memory card if you want to use 1080p video. I bought a class 6 sd card tried it on my canon 550d and didn't work. I went back to the shop the same day and bought a class 10 sd card. Works very well.[/quote]

you bought some cheapo stuff, i have class 6 GOOD RAM card, and it works very well with canon 60D 1080p movie. It was for around 35 bucks.

Although, a class 10 would be useful with RAW shooting, i wait for like eternity to let images write to card.

Also, remember, when you use the most speed, not when shooting, but when transferring to PC. 16 vs 8 minutes can matter sometimes.

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I'm new to DSLR's, so please be patient and take my opinions with reserve. Thank you : ) Yes, i am Canon man.
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