CF vs SD cards

I was checking out new DSLR camera specs and noticed the Nikon D7000 and Canon 60D are no longer using CF cards but SD cards. I have always used CF cards since my first DSLR (Nikon D70) and they seem to be built better than the SD cards. If one was considering adding one of these cameras as a backup then you would need to get SD cards as well. I was wondering if that is the direction the newer DSLR cameras are going and why?

The manufacturer of the Eye-Fi cards has some interesting information on this. Over at DGrin there is a thread on the Eye-Fi, and SD/CF cards.

I am not pushing the Eye-Fi - it appears to be a great product. But, their research shows the CF card market (for dSLRs) is decreasing and they do not appear to be actively perusing a CF-card based Eye-Fi.

Basically, the SD card market appears to be stronger than the CF card market.

...they seem to be built better than the SD cards.

I'd disagree here. Having started with SD cards, and then moved to CFs when I got an SLR, I'd say they are for all typical uses equally well made. I can't see having a problem with either mechanically in normal use.

From a camera manufacturers point of view, I'd think they want the smallest possible card to save as much space to either reduce the camera size or to cram more or larger components in for the other parts of the camera. Remember that larger card = larger port = larger connector = more cabing/wiring into the boards. It adds up. I'm surprised that they haven't pushed toward SD cards sooner on all camera.

From a user stand point, I don't think there's really much to make someone prefer CF over SD. Speeds are pretty much the same (although that may not have been the case in the past?). The main argument I've heard in favor of CF cards is that they are easier to handle because they are bigger, which seems like a pretty low-priority reason to me.

I shoot with both CF cards (DSLRs) and SD cards (video cameras and audio recorder) and don't really have a preference except that I have to own both types! It'd be a lot easier to only have one. I find that I am prone to fumbling with the SD cards because they are small and I have big fingers but they also have a Lock switch on them which is nice so that you can make a full card Read Only until you have downloaded images. No accidentally deleting files. I can relate to the "feel" that CF cards are stouter and sturdier than SD cards which to me feel a little flimsy but have no idea if this is actually impacting anything. Its just an impression I get.

I think things are moving the route of SD cards but there is some interesting news about new CF card standards that was released by Nikon/Sony and a third company that I am blanking on right now. Check out Nikon Rumors for the press release.

Drew

Interesting to read about the Eye-fi card, I had never heard of this. I can see David's point about the space factor as well. I guess I was looking at it from the perspective as another item to purchase if I was thinking about getting a Nikon D7000. I already have around 10 CF 4gb to 8gb cards and I only shoot RAW which will always need post processing.

Some good points have already been made... additionally, SD slots are found on more "on-the-go" products (laptops, ipad, etc.) and as for holding it in your hand, I never take mine out because I just connect the camera to the computer.... never seem to shoot to my capacity (4gb CF and 8 gb SD in my D300s)

I'd agree that it seems to be going in the direction of the SD card, because of the smaller size. As mentioned by others above, computer manufacturers are now putting SD slots into their products, eliminating the need for card readers. I also have a Sandisk SD card that hinges open and can be put into a USB slot, which eliminates the need for a card reader as well.

Hard to imagine on these small cards, but the new SDXC spec calls for cards that hold a full terabyte of data.

Hard to imagine on these small cards, but the new SDXC spec calls for cards that hold a full terabyte of data.

It actually allows up to 2 TB. And the spec doesn't guarantee that anyone will be actually making anything, but they probably will; What it really does is gives manufacturers a standard to conform to as they head that way in their design efforts.

And of course, the CF manufacturers and association are coming out with new higher speed and higher capacity specs as well. I just see the size advantage of SD as ultimately winning out, since CF doesn't seem like it will offer anything much better, but I don't know a ton about the underlying memory technologies.

As a side note, I was trying to buy some additional CF cards and found that Costco, Best Buy, Target, and I believe Sears are no longer carrying them. When I did find one at Radio Shack it was over $50 for a 4GB and around $40 at Staples. So.... stock up when you find them available at a decent price.

Patricia - I'd suggested purchasing online from a reputable source. You'll probably get a better price and they're still plentiful. The stores you mentioned all focus on P&S cams, phones, or other portable devices, where CF cards aren't really used. So it makes sense that they'd quit carrying them. (FWIW, I've never bought a memory card of any type at an actual store. I usually buy higher end ones and get better prices online.)