Memory Card Question

I recently bought a Kingston 8-GB (elite pro, 133X) Compact Flash memory card and had to send it back because my computer could not detect it in the card-reader console that's hardwired in my computer (it's like a CD/DVD drive, with memory card slots & USB ports). After I took a picture, the card also took 7 or 8 seconds to play back an image on the LCD of my D300, whereas with the Sandisk cards I use the playback is instantaneous. So they finally got around to sending me the replacement, and it does not get detected by my computer, either.

I can get the images off the card by using a USB cable from camera to the card-reader-console USB ports.

I think I should be able to get the images via the card reader. No other card I've used (two other formats, two Sandisk cards in CF format) has had this difficulty.

Also, when I insert the card into the camera, the light on my camera that indicates activity on the memory card stays on for about five seconds, whereas when I use the Sandisk cards the light stays lit for half a second (and one card is 2 GB, the other 4 GB). When I pressed the "multi button" that one uses to display images on the LCD, the LCD displayed the "busy" (hour glass) icon for about five seconds before displaying the first image. It doesn't do that with the Sandisk cards.

So, do you think this is another bad card? I.e., should I get another replacement or are Kingston cards weird like this?

I can't help you with most of your inquiries but I have an 8gb sd card that can't be read by a card reader or my computers I internal card reader at work. My home computer has no roblem with it though. The only suggstion I have would be to try formatting and trying again

The card reader in my computer also does not work. the simple solution is to buy a firewire (or slower) CF reader. and plug it in. About $50 or so.

Sandy r

Very interesting topic that reminded me that I have a 1GB Kingston Elite Pro @ 133X and a Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB 266X in my E-1.

Your question made me test the two against each other. Now this is not a very professional or reliable test that I did. But!!

Since the laptop, DELL, taht I use does not have a CF reader I have a HAMA External 35-in-1 reader with which I did the one test. What I did is this. I first installed the card reader and then inserted the Kingston and the Sandisk alternatively a few times. Although the Kingston was slower, it was not really half the time of the Sandisk. The a just as unscientific test was done inserting it into the camera and switching it on. Again although the Kingston is noticable slower it was not so long that it would make any difference.

Just my 2c

I have had similar problems and it was my equipment, not the card. First, the card reader built into my desktop reads the cards at about half the speed of a USB 1 connection. I may be giving it too much credit here. An external reader was the only way I could read the cards in a reasonable amount of time. A half hour plus was just too long for a 2 GB card. Then I got a UDMA card. For that, I needed to get a new reader of download from my camera. I bought the new reader. I eventually had to disconnect the card readers built into my PC as they were causing erroneous hard drive errors. I haven't figured that one out.

Good luck!

Check the CF list for the Nikon D300. The list will tell you what cards are approved to use with the D300. I use the SanDisk Extreme IV & Lexar Professional and have not had any problems in the Camera or reading.

Rosemarie, memory cards do get cranky, so try formatting your card with your camera and see if that helps your situation. It's very important that you format the card IN CAMERA (using your camera's menus), EVERY time you are done transferring your images to your PC. Don't format the card with your PC, and don't delete images off the card with your PC, just copy them to your computer. I have done this for four years and have never had a card fail or even act weird (they were all SanDisk admittedly). So remember, after you COPY your images to your PC (not "Move" which is really a Copy & Delete), then format the card once back in camera every time.

I do suggest SanDisk or Lexar from here on in, they just WORK. SanDisk is running a rebate right now, and Adorama.com usually has the best prices.

Thanks for your replies.

Yup, the Sandisks are on Nikon's "approved" list, the Kingstons aren't. Lesson in false economy!

(Paul, I usually think, when I copy image files into my computer instead of moving them, that I am being obsessive-compulsive as well as somehat paranoid. Thanks for the confirmation of simply "proper procedure.")

Good topic, I'll echo Paul's response, Transfer images to computer, then reformat in Camera. I have 3 4GB SanDisk Extreme IV cards and have had no problems even after running one card through the washing machine (twice, don't ask) I dried it out with some desiccant and everything seems to work great. (6 months and counting)

I'd make sure the card is properly formatted in the camera too before use, might help avoid some problems. I use Sandisk mostly (up to 8GB UDMA) with my Nikons and have no problems with my external card reader.