Two SD Cards and Write speeds

derelict · 03-25-2018, 05:15 PM

Will putting a second card in my K3 decrease the amount of downtime I have between shots? For example, while it writes a long exposure image to card 1, will the camera then be able to take photos again?

steve_k · 03-25-2018, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by derelict

Will putting a second card in my K3 decrease the amount of downtime I have between shots? For example, while it writes a long exposure image to card 1, will the camera then be able to take photos again?

No it will not. I use the second card to mirror the first. That way if a card fails I have the other as a backup.

Adam · 03-25-2018, 07:39 PM

Originally posted by derelict

Will putting a second card in my K3 decrease the amount of downtime I have between shots? For example, while it writes a long exposure image to card 1, will the camera then be able to take photos again?

Using multiple cards is always slower than using one.

While the camera can allow you to continue shooting while it's writing data, operations that lock it up such as slow shutter speed noise reduction or distortion correction would prevent this. You should consider disabling said processing if speed is your priority.

derelict · 03-26-2018, 05:47 AM

Originally posted by steve_k

No it will not. I use the second card to mirror the first. That way if a card fails I have the other as a backup.

I usually use Kodak, Ilford, or some hand loaded goodness as my back ups...

Originally posted by Adam

Using multiple cards is always slower than using one.

While the camera can allow you to continue shooting while it's writing data, operations that lock it up such as slow shutter speed noise reduction or distortion correction would prevent this. You should consider disabling said processing if speed is your priority.

I will have to see about that then. Where do I find these options?

Glen · 03-26-2018, 08:46 AM

For greater certainly it depends on the settings you use. I usually have mine set to save sequentially. That way the second card is only in use if the first one fills up. I like it this way as it serves as a sort of warning that I'm reaching high numbers of images. It also eliminates the need to stop what I'm doing to switch cards when one is full. Of course there is no backup with this setting so it's advisable to buy the best SD cards you can get and not to buy the biggest SD cards. I've had failures in the past but only when I bought the cheapest drugstore quality cards and I don't do that anymore. Its been my experience that most name brand cards have several quality levels and if you buy the best you will get good quality. I think this is one of those products where you really do get what you pay for.

Since the camera is only writing to one card at a time there should be no change in write speeds.

Adam · 03-26-2018, 12:03 PM

Originally posted by derelict

I will have to see about that then. Where do I find these options?

Distortion corrections are under the lens corrections sub-menu, and also in the control panel, by default.

Slow shutter speed can be disabled through a similar sub-menu:

My recommendation would be to add the relevant settings to your control panel, so that you can quickly make changes if needed.

Lastly, keep in mind that distortion corrections apply to jpegs only, while slow shutter speed NR applies to all files and effectively doubles your exposure time.

panonski · 03-27-2018, 03:28 AM

Originally posted by Adam

Slow shutter speed can be disabled through a similar sub-men:

Lastly, keep in mind that distortion corrections apply to jpegs only, while slow shutter speed NR applies to all files and effectively doubles your exposure time.

slow shutter speed NR - I never understood that corectly - And still don't

**savoche** · 03-27-2018, 04:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by panonski

slow shutter speed NR - I never understood that corectly - And still don't

Dark-frame subtraction - Wikipedia

**aslyfox** · 03-27-2018, 05:06 AM

a slightly difference choice

I write " raw " to # 1

and Jpeg to # 2

and yes I realize that raw is slower

03-25-2018, 05:15 PM	#1
derelict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NoVa Posts: 525	Two SD Cards and Write speeds Will putting a second card in my K3 decrease the amount of downtime I have between shots? For example, while it writes a long exposure image to card 1, will the camera then be able to take photos again?

03-25-2018, 07:39 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by derelict Will putting a second card in my K3 decrease the amount of downtime I have between shots? For example, while it writes a long exposure image to card 1, will the camera then be able to take photos again? Using multiple cards is always slower than using one. While the camera can allow you to continue shooting while it's writing data, operations that lock it up such as slow shutter speed noise reduction or distortion correction would prevent this. You should consider disabling said processing if speed is your priority. 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:

03-26-2018, 12:03 PM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by derelict I will have to see about that then. Where do I find these options? Distortion corrections are under the lens corrections sub-menu, and also in the control panel, by default. Slow shutter speed can be disabled through a similar sub-menu: My recommendation would be to add the relevant settings to your control panel, so that you can quickly make changes if needed. Lastly, keep in mind that distortion corrections apply to jpegs only, while slow shutter speed NR applies to all files and effectively doubles your exposure time. 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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03-25-2018, 05:31 PM	#2
steve_k Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Shelton, CT Photos: Albums Posts: 708	Originally posted by derelict Will putting a second card in my K3 decrease the amount of downtime I have between shots? For example, while it writes a long exposure image to card 1, will the camera then be able to take photos again? No it will not. I use the second card to mirror the first. That way if a card fails I have the other as a backup.

03-26-2018, 05:47 AM	#4
derelict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NoVa Posts: 525 Original Poster	Originally posted by steve_k No it will not. I use the second card to mirror the first. That way if a card fails I have the other as a backup. I usually use Kodak, Ilford, or some hand loaded goodness as my back ups... Originally posted by Adam Using multiple cards is always slower than using one. While the camera can allow you to continue shooting while it's writing data, operations that lock it up such as slow shutter speed noise reduction or distortion correction would prevent this. You should consider disabling said processing if speed is your priority. I will have to see about that then. Where do I find these options?

03-26-2018, 08:46 AM	#5
Glen Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 329	For greater certainly it depends on the settings you use. I usually have mine set to save sequentially. That way the second card is only in use if the first one fills up. I like it this way as it serves as a sort of warning that I'm reaching high numbers of images. It also eliminates the need to stop what I'm doing to switch cards when one is full. Of course there is no backup with this setting so it's advisable to buy the best SD cards you can get and not to buy the biggest SD cards. I've had failures in the past but only when I bought the cheapest drugstore quality cards and I don't do that anymore. Its been my experience that most name brand cards have several quality levels and if you buy the best you will get good quality. I think this is one of those products where you really do get what you pay for. Since the camera is only writing to one card at a time there should be no change in write speeds.

03-27-2018, 03:28 AM	#7
panonski Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Zagreb Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 624	Originally posted by Adam Slow shutter speed can be disabled through a similar sub-men: Lastly, keep in mind that distortion corrections apply to jpegs only, while slow shutter speed NR applies to all files and effectively doubles your exposure time. slow shutter speed NR - I never understood that corectly - And still don't

03-27-2018, 04:56 AM - 1 Like	#8
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Originally posted by panonski slow shutter speed NR - I never understood that corectly - And still don't Dark-frame subtraction - Wikipedia

03-27-2018, 05:06 AM	#9
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	a slightly difference choice I write " raw " to # 1 and Jpeg to # 2 and yes I realize that raw is slower