Need compact flash cards?

I have a 5D2 and was wondering what others are using for CF cards. Specifically what size are you using, # of shots per card and if anybody has seen any bargains on reputable cards out there. I would prefer to stay away from non-known brands since I have had problems in the past.

Thanks.

RichieV

Hey Rich, I don't have a 5d2 but do have a 50d. I use several different CF cards and the one that works best for me is the Sandisk Ultra II. It is a fast read card at 15MB/s. I have an 8GB card and get approx 240 images using raw/jpeg capture at 14.2 megapixels. I've seen 16GB versions..not sure if you can get 32GB, maybe online. You definitely want a fast read card to keep your buffer from filling up and slowing you down. Hope that helps

Contact Gary Farber at Hunt's Photo for typically good deals. Right now there are rebates on 4 and 8 GB cards. digitalguygary@aol.com

I have a 5D2 and use 8MB SanDisk Extreme® IV CF cards. They have 40MB/second read/write speeds and I use the SanDisk Extreme® FireWire Reader to download, it is about 5 times faster than any of the other less expensive readers I've used. When I'm out photographing I hate sitting around waiting for the card to download so it was worth the price, especially since getting the 5D2 with its large files.

I just reformatted the card and the camera shows (an estimated) 285 RAW photos remaining. Last time I filled the card it had 292 RAW images on it. I believe the best price I saw on the cards were from B&H.

I have always used SanDisk and have never had a problem with any of their cards.

I use Sandisk Extreme III CF cards in the 8 GB size for my 5D2. I just got the camera a few weeks ago, switching from a Pentax that took SD cards, so I am also using a Delkin adapter so I can still use my 16 GB SD cards. I bought the Sandisk cards from Adorama. There is a rebate running right now that increases with the number of cards you purchase. With the rebate, the cards were about $35 each. With my usage, the cards hold about 215 RAW+JPEG images (highest quality setting).

When I got my first digital camera in 2005, I got a Lexar 1gb card for $129.95.

I use Sandisc Extreme-III cards on my 5D classic, (30mb/sec), and I think that kind of read/write speed is getting to be a minimum when you're talking about the large files of the 5D2. My 5D won't even recognize all 8 gigs of an 8gb card, so I only use 4gbs. You should start at 8, and even consider 16 if nearly 300 images per card seems low. (It's not.)

Lately I've found some really good deals at Office Max, Office Depot and Staples. The prices vary week-by-week, but by keeping an eye on the Sunday newspaper inserts, I've been able to get 4gb cards for under $20, and the occasional 8gb card for under $30.
If nothing else, it saves the anxiety of trusting someone on line to not give you a counterfeit card.

check out newegg.com they are cheap cheap CHEAP! Cheapest I have ever seen on CF cards

I use Sandisk cards and have not had a problem. Now that the price is down I'm buying the Extreme lll. I don't use anything over 8GB due to the old saying of "Two many eggs in one basket."

I have SanDisk 8GB Extreme III cards myself. Last year B&H was running a special on them and I picked up 2 of them for $15 total after rebate. The current rebate is not quite as good but they are great cards. If you watch FredMiranda regularly you can find someone upgrading from Extreme III to Extreme IV cards and they are getting rid of 8GB Extreme III cards for as little as $20 each.

I use Sandisk 8GB UDMA cards and sometimes you can get them for free with the rebate. Extreme III are good too.

I use Extreme III and Lexar UDMA like Bill, 8gb variety.

Wow NewEgg has the Kingston S2 cards for $22 that is the same as Extreme III.

Thanks for the advice - all. I wound up getting three Extreme III 8GB cards (not too big and not too small) at BH since they had a pretty good rebate on three and I had a $50 gift card to help out. Let us know if anybody runs into a bargain out there.

RichieV

How come you need memory cards for that 4x5?

@Ken - Yea - 8GB cards wouldnt quite cut it on the Ebony. Still haven't taken the 5D2 out of the box for a ride yet. Need to get my tail in gear.

RichieV