Good SD card

derekkite · 10-02-2018, 04:20 PM

I've been using Sandisk Extreme Pro for a few years. The ones I bought for my K5 and K3 still work fine, but ones I bought more recently have failed. I have a 32g UHS-2 that quit, and a 64g UHS-1 that doesn't work, bought last year.

What have you found that is reliable and quick?

Adam · 10-02-2018, 04:27 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by derekkite

I have a 32g UHS-2 that quit, and a 64g UHS-1 that doesn't work, bought last year.

Sandisk cards have lifetime warranties, so why not just get them replaced?

**Ex Finn.** · 10-02-2018, 04:34 PM

Sticking with San-disk. Just bought two 128 Gb micro cards. Hope they hold up.

**wtlwdwgn** · 10-02-2018, 04:37 PM

When I got my K-1 I tried a few different SD cards. I have settled on Transcend 64GB cards. Doesn't say any X speed but instead it says R95-W60 MB/s which I think is more appropriate. I've had mine since May of 2016 and they take a licking and keep on ticking.

My local dealer swears by Delkin SD cards for his Nikons. I may try those the next time I need a couple more cards.

**Bob 256** · 10-02-2018, 05:23 PM - **1 Like**

Been using Lexar Pro 128 GB 633x (SDXC/UHS-1 Class 10) in my K-1 for over a year now and no hicups. I use two (one for DNG and one for JPEG simultaneously) and they have been in and out a number of times without problems. I always read them in the reader built into my laptop and make sure to eject before removing. I think Amazon just had a sale for around $45US on these.

Paul the Sunman · 10-02-2018, 06:44 PM - **1 Like**

I've never had trouble with GENUINE Sandisk cards. However, there are very many dodgy knock-offs around on the internet that are complete crap.

MaineNative · 10-02-2018, 06:56 PM

I had one Sandisk card fail with my K-1 about a year ago. First time I have ever had one fail. However, they replaced it quick and easily. It failed within a week, I think. Haven’t had a problem since.

I was told by a dealer once that every Sandisk card gets tested, but not all companies do 100% testing.

**jatrax** · 10-02-2018, 08:00 PM

I'd stick with the Extreme Pro cards. I still have and use the first one I bought, never an issue. But they do have a warranty, maybe send the failed ones in for replacement?

As noted above there have been repeated reports of counterfeit cards on the market. Not saying that is what you had but something to check.

I would also try the manufacturer's format program instead of the operating system. Just might bring those cards back.

derekkite · 10-02-2018, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

I've never had trouble with GENUINE Sandisk cards. However, there are very many dodgy knock-offs around on the internet that are complete crap.

I got this one at B&H, so I hope it is genuine. I have a few that I use regularly and heavily without issue, which is why I bought these ones. I did an RMA, we shall see.

**Digitalis** · 10-03-2018, 12:32 AM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

I've never had trouble with GENUINE Sandisk cards.

Neither have I. However, once a company gains a sterling reputation and sells well there are bound to be counterfeit goods bearing their name.

Personally I get new cards every two years: the old ones get used for card backup with my self-powered Hyperdrive card backup drive. Redundancy and file management is key.

hcc · 10-03-2018, 12:48 AM

Originally posted by Digitalis

Redundancy and file management is key.

+1. Fully support.

siegbert · 10-03-2018, 01:02 AM

Years ago a Transcend card died. Two or three Sandisk cards weren't sufficient heat sealed, so the case opened. I could repair them with a drop of glue.

victormeldrew · 10-03-2018, 03:20 AM

Sandisk Extreme Pro are best. Best for speed, best for reliability and best for support (they will replace ANY genuine card that has failed, however old)

As a result they are also expensive, and also a prime target for forgers who want to cash in. As long as you buy from a reputable source you will be fine, but beware the surprisingly cheap ones on fleabay etc.

noelpolar · 10-03-2018, 05:01 AM

Originally posted by derekkite

I got this one at B&H, so I hope it is genuine. I have a few that I use regularly and heavily without issue, which is why I bought these ones. I did an RMA, we shall see.

I got 2 sandisk extreme pro 64s from B&H last year that failed. Haven't sent them back yet... bit of a hassle... am trying SD formatter to see if that fixes em.

**Digitalis** · 10-03-2018, 05:42 AM

Originally posted by victormeldrew

As a result they are also expensive

If you can afford a digital camera and lenses worth several thousand dollars, memory cards (which are comparatively cheap) the very medium upon which the images are stored - should be carefully considered.

Originally posted by noelpolar

am trying SD formatter to see if that fixes em.

If there are bad sectors or faulty memory cells there is no format that can possibly rectify the issue. At best the cards memory cells can be tested and defective cells can be mapped out - but there will be a loss of card capacity. As a rule of the thumb: when memory cells start failing, it indicates a high probability that more problems will arise.

This is not one of my own cards but as a cautionary tale:

With a capacity of 8Gb and only a year of use: only 30.6mb of memory cells on this card were viable. The hyperdrive was able to recover 4Gb of images, but the rest were scrambled beyond recovery. This card was an OEM device with a generic store brand, a cheap card. I pulled the card apart, and traced the memory and controller IC chip serial number to a manufacturer which was Hynix, based in South Korea. The quality of soldiering of memory chip and supporting electronics was woeful, and the PCB everything was on was no more than a printed ribbon, less substantial than a piece of paper.

10-02-2018, 04:20 PM	#1
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Good SD card I've been using Sandisk Extreme Pro for a few years. The ones I bought for my K5 and K3 still work fine, but ones I bought more recently have failed. I have a 32g UHS-2 that quit, and a 64g UHS-1 that doesn't work, bought last year. What have you found that is reliable and quick?

10-02-2018, 04:27 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by derekkite I have a 32g UHS-2 that quit, and a 64g UHS-1 that doesn't work, bought last year. Sandisk cards have lifetime warranties, so why not just get them replaced? 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:

10-03-2018, 05:01 AM	#14
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by derekkite I got this one at B&H, so I hope it is genuine. I have a few that I use regularly and heavily without issue, which is why I bought these ones. I did an RMA, we shall see. I got 2 sandisk extreme pro 64s from B&H last year that failed. Haven't sent them back yet... bit of a hassle... am trying SD formatter to see if that fixes em. Last edited by photolady95; 10-03-2018 at 06:07 AM.

10-03-2018, 05:42 AM	#15
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by victormeldrew As a result they are also expensive If you can afford a digital camera and lenses worth several thousand dollars, memory cards (which are comparatively cheap) the very medium upon which the images are stored - should be carefully considered. Originally posted by noelpolar am trying SD formatter to see if that fixes em. If there are bad sectors or faulty memory cells there is no format that can possibly rectify the issue. At best the cards memory cells can be tested and defective cells can be mapped out - but there will be a loss of card capacity. As a rule of the thumb: when memory cells start failing, it indicates a high probability that more problems will arise. This is not one of my own cards but as a cautionary tale: With a capacity of 8Gb and only a year of use: only 30.6mb of memory cells on this card were viable. The hyperdrive was able to recover 4Gb of images, but the rest were scrambled beyond recovery. This card was an OEM device with a generic store brand, a cheap card. I pulled the card apart, and traced the memory and controller IC chip serial number to a manufacturer which was Hynix, based in South Korea. The quality of soldiering of memory chip and supporting electronics was woeful, and the PCB everything was on was no more than a printed ribbon, less substantial than a piece of paper. Last edited by Digitalis; 10-03-2018 at 06:09 AM.

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10-02-2018, 04:34 PM	#3
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Sticking with San-disk. Just bought two 128 Gb micro cards. Hope they hold up.

10-02-2018, 04:37 PM	#4
wtlwdwgn Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,838	When I got my K-1 I tried a few different SD cards. I have settled on Transcend 64GB cards. Doesn't say any X speed but instead it says R95-W60 MB/s which I think is more appropriate. I've had mine since May of 2016 and they take a licking and keep on ticking. My local dealer swears by Delkin SD cards for his Nikons. I may try those the next time I need a couple more cards.

10-02-2018, 05:23 PM - 1 Like	#5
Bob 256 Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,375	Been using Lexar Pro 128 GB 633x (SDXC/UHS-1 Class 10) in my K-1 for over a year now and no hicups. I use two (one for DNG and one for JPEG simultaneously) and they have been in and out a number of times without problems. I always read them in the reader built into my laptop and make sure to eject before removing. I think Amazon just had a sale for around $45US on these.

10-02-2018, 06:44 PM - 1 Like	#6
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	I've never had trouble with GENUINE Sandisk cards. However, there are very many dodgy knock-offs around on the internet that are complete crap.

10-02-2018, 06:56 PM	#7
MaineNative Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Photos: Gallery Posts: 280	I had one Sandisk card fail with my K-1 about a year ago. First time I have ever had one fail. However, they replaced it quick and easily. It failed within a week, I think. Haven’t had a problem since. I was told by a dealer once that every Sandisk card gets tested, but not all companies do 100% testing.

10-02-2018, 08:00 PM	#8
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I'd stick with the Extreme Pro cards. I still have and use the first one I bought, never an issue. But they do have a warranty, maybe send the failed ones in for replacement? As noted above there have been repeated reports of counterfeit cards on the market. Not saying that is what you had but something to check. I would also try the manufacturer's format program instead of the operating system. Just might bring those cards back.

10-02-2018, 08:01 PM	#9
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782 Original Poster	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman I've never had trouble with GENUINE Sandisk cards. However, there are very many dodgy knock-offs around on the internet that are complete crap. I got this one at B&H, so I hope it is genuine. I have a few that I use regularly and heavily without issue, which is why I bought these ones. I did an RMA, we shall see.

10-03-2018, 12:32 AM	#10
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman I've never had trouble with GENUINE Sandisk cards. Neither have I. However, once a company gains a sterling reputation and sells well there are bound to be counterfeit goods bearing their name. Personally I get new cards every two years: the old ones get used for card backup with my self-powered Hyperdrive card backup drive. Redundancy and file management is key.

10-03-2018, 12:48 AM	#11
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Originally posted by Digitalis Redundancy and file management is key. +1. Fully support.

10-03-2018, 01:02 AM	#12
siegbert Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 38	Years ago a Transcend card died. Two or three Sandisk cards weren't sufficient heat sealed, so the case opened. I could repair them with a drop of glue.

10-03-2018, 03:20 AM	#13
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Sandisk Extreme Pro are best. Best for speed, best for reliability and best for support (they will replace ANY genuine card that has failed, however old) As a result they are also expensive, and also a prime target for forgers who want to cash in. As long as you buy from a reputable source you will be fine, but beware the surprisingly cheap ones on fleabay etc.