Best type of SD card to use - regular, mini, micro?

Oro · 08-12-2010, 03:20 PM

I am new to SD cards, just picked up an istDS. I was going to buy a basic 2GB SanDisk card from Radio Shack. I have been using a SanDisk 2GB card like that in compact flash format in an istD for a few years now; I have no complaints.

Is there a reason to get something different?
Would a higher capacity 4GB SDHC card read/write appreciably faster? Or would it be slower?
Is there a benefit to using a mini or micro via an adapter, or a drawback?

I tried googling this subject, and also searching this sub-forum, but couldn't find any clear answers anywhere. I understand to use SDHC I will need to flash the istDS, but it can use them. I understand there are "speed" ratings (class 2,4,6, etc) but I do not seem listed for cards I see advertised.

Last edited by Oro; 08-12-2010 at 03:28 PM.

deadwolfbones · 08-12-2010, 03:23 PM

I'm not sure if the *istDS is able to use SDHC cards, as it came out right around the transition period between SD and SDHC.

Only regular form factor SD cards will fit in the camera. With Micro/Mini SD you'd have to use an adapter, so there's no point in using those.

future_retro · 08-12-2010, 03:25 PM

This is a really good thread about cards

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/108577-so...card-card.html

I'd get something larger, maybe 4GB
Card speed depends on the speed rating, not the capacity
Mini and Micro SD cards are usually more expensive for the same speed and capacity

Oro · 08-12-2010, 04:05 PM

Thanks, folks.

Yes, the DS can take SDHC, you just update the firmware via your PC and the USB cable. Pentax has the software on their website.

OK, I see now I should just go strictly by "class." I do have a set of adapters and an SD multi-format card reader (for no good reason). So that was part of why i asked. Other than possible future use in a mini/micro device, then it appears there is no benefit. Thanks.

Last edited by Oro; 08-12-2010 at 04:10 PM.

pxpaulx · 08-13-2010, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by Oro

Thanks, folks.

Yes, the DS can take SDHC, you just update the firmware via your PC and the USB cable. Pentax has the software on their website.

This is true! The funny thing is, I just purchased an *ist DL a few months ago. It was new old stock (randomly found it on best buy's deal/auction site cowboom). Anyway, popped one of my SDHC cards in and it didn't work! What is funny, is that I had to go digging for a normal SD card (those are dated by about 5 years now!); luckily the microSD card I had for my cell phone was standard SD, so I could use that.

08-12-2010, 03:20 PM	#1
Oro Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Seattle-ish, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41	Best type of SD card to use - regular, mini, micro? I am new to SD cards, just picked up an istDS. I was going to buy a basic 2GB SanDisk card from Radio Shack. I have been using a SanDisk 2GB card like that in compact flash format in an istD for a few years now; I have no complaints. Is there a reason to get something different? Would a higher capacity 4GB SDHC card read/write appreciably faster? Or would it be slower? Is there a benefit to using a mini or micro via an adapter, or a drawback? I tried googling this subject, and also searching this sub-forum, but couldn't find any clear answers anywhere. I understand to use SDHC I will need to flash the istDS, but it can use them. I understand there are "speed" ratings (class 2,4,6, etc) but I do not seem listed for cards I see advertised. Last edited by Oro; 08-12-2010 at 03:28 PM.

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08-12-2010, 03:23 PM	#2
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	I'm not sure if the *istDS is able to use SDHC cards, as it came out right around the transition period between SD and SDHC. Only regular form factor SD cards will fit in the camera. With Micro/Mini SD you'd have to use an adapter, so there's no point in using those.

08-12-2010, 03:25 PM	#3
future_retro Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Western Washington Posts: 572	This is a really good thread about cards https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/108577-so...card-card.html I'd get something larger, maybe 4GB Card speed depends on the speed rating, not the capacity Mini and Micro SD cards are usually more expensive for the same speed and capacity

08-12-2010, 04:05 PM	#4
Oro Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Seattle-ish, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41 Original Poster	Thanks, folks. Yes, the DS can take SDHC, you just update the firmware via your PC and the USB cable. Pentax has the software on their website. OK, I see now I should just go strictly by "class." I do have a set of adapters and an SD multi-format card reader (for no good reason). So that was part of why i asked. Other than possible future use in a mini/micro device, then it appears there is no benefit. Thanks. Last edited by Oro; 08-12-2010 at 04:10 PM.

08-13-2010, 06:01 AM	#5
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by Oro Thanks, folks. Yes, the DS can take SDHC, you just update the firmware via your PC and the USB cable. Pentax has the software on their website. This is true! The funny thing is, I just purchased an *ist DL a few months ago. It was new old stock (randomly found it on best buy's deal/auction site cowboom). Anyway, popped one of my SDHC cards in and it didn't work! What is funny, is that I had to go digging for a normal SD card (those are dated by about 5 years now!); luckily the microSD card I had for my cell phone was standard SD, so I could use that.