Looking for K-3 SD-Card recommendation

kirkmahr · 01-03-2014, 07:15 PM

As I wait for shipment to arrive...

I know I need a better SD-Card(s) and a 2nd battery for the K-3. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks in advance.

Kirk

kirkmahr · 01-03-2014, 07:27 PM

I just found this, I did a poor job looking!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/242330-best-sd-card-k-3-a.html

**jatrax** · 01-03-2014, 07:30 PM

Lots of brands, and lots of different quality levels within the brands.

I have standardized on SanDisk ExtremePro, not the cheapest by any means but I've never had problems. Seems to me the memory card is the least expensive part of a camera kit, so why after spending over $1,000 on the camera and lens try to save $10 or 20 by using a cheap card?

Class 10 cards should all work but check the speed as well, I have cards rated at 45mbs and 95mbs.

dosdan · 01-03-2014, 07:37 PM

Sandisk Extreme Pro. See some measurements in this message:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/247218-k3-not-faster-than-...ml#post2634866

Dan.

**zplus** · 01-03-2014, 07:39 PM

I picked up one of these for my K-3:
Amazon.com: SanDisk Extreme Plus 32 GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 80MB/s (SDSDXS-032G-AFFP): Computers & Accessories
Its not the Extreme Pro that everyone says to use, but it is still fast (80MB/s, Class 10 and UHS 1) and much cheaper.

I, too, am interested in batteries, though. Should I get Pentax brand or is off-brand OK?

**zplus** · 01-03-2014, 07:55 PM

Originally posted by zplus

I picked up one of these for my K-3:
Amazon.com: SanDisk Extreme Plus 32 GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 80MB/s (SDSDXS-032G-AFFP): Computers & Accessories
Its not the Extreme Pro that everyone says to use, but it is still fast (80MB/s, Class 10 and UHS 1) and much cheaper.

I, too, am interested in batteries, though. Should I get Pentax brand or is off-brand OK?

These batteries look promising:
Amazon.com: Wasabi Power Battery for Pentax D-LI90 and Pentax 645D, K-01, K-3, K-5, K-5 II, K-5 IIs, K-7: Camera & Photo

**jatrax** · 01-03-2014, 09:20 PM

I have 4 Pentax batteries and two of the Wasabi ones, no difference as far as I can tell. The 2 battery pack with travel charger is nice, the charger is always in my bag.

kirkmahr · 01-03-2014, 09:21 PM

Wow,
Fast replies! I am now picking out the cards on Amazon. Sandisk seem the most popular. I need to do a little review reading on the battery.

Thanks!
Kirk

**frogoutofwater** · 01-03-2014, 09:32 PM

Originally posted by zplus

I picked up one of these for my K-3:
Amazon.com: SanDisk Extreme Plus 32 GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 80MB/s (SDSDXS-032G-AFFP): Computers & Accessories
Its not the Extreme Pro that everyone says to use, but it is still fast (80MB/s, Class 10 and UHS 1) and much cheaper.

I, too, am interested in batteries, though. Should I get Pentax brand or is off-brand OK?

I picked up the 16GB version on these cards and am happy with the significantly improved speed.

Adam · 01-03-2014, 09:40 PM

If you want the best speed I'd pick up one of these:
Amazon.com: SanDisk Extreme Pro 16 GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 95MB/s SDSDXPA-016G-AFFP: Electronics

80 Mb/s should work also, but the camera can take advantage of the higher speed of the extreme pro, so files will be written to the card faster.

Originally posted by zplus

I, too, am interested in batteries, though. Should I get Pentax brand or is off-brand OK?

It's hit and miss, though I'd personally recommend sticking to the oem batteries as many third party batteries have different voltages/capacities and some aren't able to communicate properly with the camera.

kirkmahr · 01-03-2014, 09:51 PM

Thanks for all the feedback.
I ordered 2 of PNY 64GB Amazon.com: PNY Elite Performance 64GB UHS-1 SDXC Flash Card (P-SDX64U1H-GE): Computers & Accessories cards and 2 of the Wasabis & charger. The PNY's had good reviews. If batteries don't work, I am going to test voltage before putting in camera, then I will return & get Pentax only.

This site is really useful. Hopefully I can be of benefit someday. I need to donate to support it.

Kirk

abmj · 01-04-2014, 12:04 AM

I have a Pearstone battery and 2 Wasabis and cannot tell the difference from the Pentax-supplied one except the Wasabis tend to last a little longer. All are good choices. If you get the Wasabi package with included charger, you can put the inconvenient Pentax charger with cord away in a drawer and use the much better, smaller plug-in charger. I stopped carrying that ugly Pentax charger when traveling years ago.

I see you have already ordered cards but will add my "+1" for Sandisk, which is all I will use. I have some old cards of other brands but they are all in my emergency back-up bag and never get used.

**Michaelina2** · 01-04-2014, 07:34 AM

Originally posted by kirkmahr

I ordered 2 of PNY 64GB....

Been using these in my K-3 since 5-Dec... one is dedicated to (slot 1) RAW, the other (slot 2) 14Mb *** JPGs... remember to format them in camera before use... no problems, or complaints.

Cheers... M

kirkmahr · 01-08-2014, 03:21 PM

Originally posted by Michaelina2

Been using these in my K-3 since 5-Dec... one is dedicated to (slot 1) RAW, the other (slot 2) 14Mb *** JPGs... remember to format them in camera before use... no problems, or complaints.

Cheers... M

Thanks for the formatting in camera tip!!

Just got the K-3 today! I will be formatting the SD cards very soon

BTW: I noticed the Wasabi batteries have approx. 25% more charge capacity than the OEM, so that must be why people report they can take more photos with them.

derekkite · 01-08-2014, 10:53 PM

I've had a 16 gb sandisk extreme pro for quite a while. It just works. Bought a second one, 32 gb. Not inexpensive, but reliable and fast.

01-03-2014, 07:15 PM	#1
kirkmahr Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Ham Lake, Minnesota Posts: 27	Looking for K-3 SD-Card recommendation As I wait for shipment to arrive... I know I need a better SD-Card(s) and a 2nd battery for the K-3. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks in advance. Kirk

01-03-2014, 09:40 PM	#10
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	If you want the best speed I'd pick up one of these: Amazon.com: SanDisk Extreme Pro 16 GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 95MB/s SDSDXPA-016G-AFFP: Electronics 80 Mb/s should work also, but the camera can take advantage of the higher speed of the extreme pro, so files will be written to the card faster. Originally posted by zplus I, too, am interested in batteries, though. Should I get Pentax brand or is off-brand OK? It's hit and miss, though I'd personally recommend sticking to the oem batteries as many third party batteries have different voltages/capacities and some aren't able to communicate properly with the camera. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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01-03-2014, 07:27 PM	#2
kirkmahr Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Ham Lake, Minnesota Posts: 27 Original Poster	I just found this, I did a poor job looking! https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/242330-best-sd-card-k-3-a.html

01-03-2014, 07:30 PM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Lots of brands, and lots of different quality levels within the brands. I have standardized on SanDisk ExtremePro, not the cheapest by any means but I've never had problems. Seems to me the memory card is the least expensive part of a camera kit, so why after spending over $1,000 on the camera and lens try to save $10 or 20 by using a cheap card? Class 10 cards should all work but check the speed as well, I have cards rated at 45mbs and 95mbs.

01-03-2014, 07:37 PM	#4
dosdan Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,741	Sandisk Extreme Pro. See some measurements in this message: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/247218-k3-not-faster-than-...ml#post2634866 Dan.

01-03-2014, 07:39 PM	#5
zplus Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 166	I picked up one of these for my K-3: Amazon.com: SanDisk Extreme Plus 32 GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 80MB/s (SDSDXS-032G-AFFP): Computers & Accessories Its not the Extreme Pro that everyone says to use, but it is still fast (80MB/s, Class 10 and UHS 1) and much cheaper. I, too, am interested in batteries, though. Should I get Pentax brand or is off-brand OK?

01-03-2014, 07:55 PM	#6
zplus Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 166	Originally posted by zplus I picked up one of these for my K-3: Amazon.com: SanDisk Extreme Plus 32 GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 80MB/s (SDSDXS-032G-AFFP): Computers & Accessories Its not the Extreme Pro that everyone says to use, but it is still fast (80MB/s, Class 10 and UHS 1) and much cheaper. I, too, am interested in batteries, though. Should I get Pentax brand or is off-brand OK? These batteries look promising: Amazon.com: Wasabi Power Battery for Pentax D-LI90 and Pentax 645D, K-01, K-3, K-5, K-5 II, K-5 IIs, K-7: Camera & Photo

01-03-2014, 09:20 PM	#7
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I have 4 Pentax batteries and two of the Wasabi ones, no difference as far as I can tell. The 2 battery pack with travel charger is nice, the charger is always in my bag.

01-03-2014, 09:21 PM	#8
kirkmahr Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Ham Lake, Minnesota Posts: 27 Original Poster	Wow, Fast replies! I am now picking out the cards on Amazon. Sandisk seem the most popular. I need to do a little review reading on the battery. Thanks! Kirk

01-03-2014, 09:32 PM	#9
frogoutofwater Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 674	Originally posted by zplus I picked up one of these for my K-3: Amazon.com: SanDisk Extreme Plus 32 GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 80MB/s (SDSDXS-032G-AFFP): Computers & Accessories Its not the Extreme Pro that everyone says to use, but it is still fast (80MB/s, Class 10 and UHS 1) and much cheaper. I, too, am interested in batteries, though. Should I get Pentax brand or is off-brand OK? I picked up the 16GB version on these cards and am happy with the significantly improved speed.

01-03-2014, 09:51 PM	#11
kirkmahr Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Ham Lake, Minnesota Posts: 27 Original Poster	Thanks for all the feedback. I ordered 2 of PNY 64GB Amazon.com: PNY Elite Performance 64GB UHS-1 SDXC Flash Card (P-SDX64U1H-GE): Computers & Accessories cards and 2 of the Wasabis & charger. The PNY's had good reviews. If batteries don't work, I am going to test voltage before putting in camera, then I will return & get Pentax only. This site is really useful. Hopefully I can be of benefit someday. I need to donate to support it. Kirk

01-04-2014, 12:04 AM	#12
abmj Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Central California Posts: 600	I have a Pearstone battery and 2 Wasabis and cannot tell the difference from the Pentax-supplied one except the Wasabis tend to last a little longer. All are good choices. If you get the Wasabi package with included charger, you can put the inconvenient Pentax charger with cord away in a drawer and use the much better, smaller plug-in charger. I stopped carrying that ugly Pentax charger when traveling years ago. I see you have already ordered cards but will add my "+1" for Sandisk, which is all I will use. I have some old cards of other brands but they are all in my emergency back-up bag and never get used.

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01-04-2014, 07:34 AM	#13
Michaelina2 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE Michigan USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,300	Originally posted by kirkmahr I ordered 2 of PNY 64GB.... Been using these in my K-3 since 5-Dec... one is dedicated to (slot 1) RAW, the other (slot 2) 14Mb *** JPGs... remember to format them in camera before use... no problems, or complaints. Cheers... M

01-08-2014, 03:21 PM	#14
kirkmahr Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Ham Lake, Minnesota Posts: 27 Original Poster	Originally posted by Michaelina2 Been using these in my K-3 since 5-Dec... one is dedicated to (slot 1) RAW, the other (slot 2) 14Mb *** JPGs... remember to format them in camera before use... no problems, or complaints. Cheers... M Thanks for the formatting in camera tip!! Just got the K-3 today! I will be formatting the SD cards very soon BTW: I noticed the Wasabi batteries have approx. 25% more charge capacity than the OEM, so that must be why people report they can take more photos with them.

01-08-2014, 10:53 PM	#15
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	I've had a 16 gb sandisk extreme pro for quite a while. It just works. Bought a second one, 32 gb. Not inexpensive, but reliable and fast.