Native Transfer Speed

jteel3 · 12-23-2013, 07:02 PM

Hey All,

I own a K10D and I am wondering what the Max transfer speed is. In other words, which card type 6, type 8, type 10 is the highest the K10D will match the SD card. In other words< why buy a type 10 card when the (K10D) camera is only able to plow through a type 8 at max settings?

Similar question about the K-30-- What is the fastest memory that the K-30 supports?

Thanks,
James

**jatrax** · 12-23-2013, 07:40 PM

The class system, while a good idea at the time, is really antiquated now. The specification for class 10 is for 10MB/s but many new "Class 10" card also state they are rated at 30MB/s, 45MB/s or even 95MB/s.

Some users have tested and reported that the k-5 maximum transfer rate is roughly 18MB/s so it would benefit from a card rated up to that speed. And would max out a standard "Class 10" 10MB/s card. I could not find any tests on the k-30 but even assuming it is no faster than the k-5 then a card rated @ 20MB/s or 30MB/s would be more than the camera would need. AFAIK Pentax has not published any specification so these numbers are based on user reports.

I've no idea about the K-10D though it may not be able to take advantage of the faster cards due to compatibility. Someone else might chip in on that.

As to your question, if you want to be able to use a card you buy today in a future camera I would buy nothing except class 10. Based on the price difference there is IMHO no point in skimping on the card to save a few dollars. My thought is that the slower class 4 or class 6 cards are likely to be made of inferior material to be sold at a price. That is just supposition on my part but if your images mean anything why take chances?

Here is a thread with some additional info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/115-pentax-k-5/170319-maximum-useful-sd-card-speed.html

I use all Sandisk Extreme Pro cards rated @ 45MB/s or 95MB/s. These are most likely far faster than the camera.

Adam · 12-23-2013, 10:52 PM

Originally posted by jteel3

Hey All,

I own a K10D and I am wondering what the Max transfer speed is. In other words, which card type 6, type 8, type 10 is the highest the K10D will match the SD card. In other words< why buy a type 10 card when the (K10D) camera is only able to plow through a type 8 at max settings?

Similar question about the K-30-- What is the fastest memory that the K-30 supports?

Thanks,
James

Since the K10D can shoot at 3FPS max, it won't ever be writing very much data. Any class 10 card should be good enough with it, I'd expect. 30Mb would be the ceiling if it can in fact write faster.

sterretje · 12-24-2013, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by jteel3

Hey All,

I own a K10D and I am wondering what the Max transfer speed is. In other words, which card type 6, type 8, type 10 is the highest the K10D will match the SD card.

The class does not have anything to do with the maximum transfer speed. See Difference between Speed Class, UHS Speed Class, and Speed Ratings (performance) for SD/SDHC/SDXC cards

12-23-2013, 07:02 PM	#1
jteel3 New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jackson, MS Posts: 8	Native Transfer Speed Hey All, I own a K10D and I am wondering what the Max transfer speed is. In other words, which card type 6, type 8, type 10 is the highest the K10D will match the SD card. In other words< why buy a type 10 card when the (K10D) camera is only able to plow through a type 8 at max settings? Similar question about the K-30-- What is the fastest memory that the K-30 supports? Thanks, James

12-23-2013, 10:52 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Originally posted by jteel3 Hey All, I own a K10D and I am wondering what the Max transfer speed is. In other words, which card type 6, type 8, type 10 is the highest the K10D will match the SD card. In other words< why buy a type 10 card when the (K10D) camera is only able to plow through a type 8 at max settings? Similar question about the K-30-- What is the fastest memory that the K-30 supports? Thanks, James Since the K10D can shoot at 3FPS max, it won't ever be writing very much data. Any class 10 card should be good enough with it, I'd expect. 30Mb would be the ceiling if it can in fact write faster. 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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12-23-2013, 07:40 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,992	The class system, while a good idea at the time, is really antiquated now. The specification for class 10 is for 10MB/s but many new "Class 10" card also state they are rated at 30MB/s, 45MB/s or even 95MB/s. Some users have tested and reported that the k-5 maximum transfer rate is roughly 18MB/s so it would benefit from a card rated up to that speed. And would max out a standard "Class 10" 10MB/s card. I could not find any tests on the k-30 but even assuming it is no faster than the k-5 then a card rated @ 20MB/s or 30MB/s would be more than the camera would need. AFAIK Pentax has not published any specification so these numbers are based on user reports. I've no idea about the K-10D though it may not be able to take advantage of the faster cards due to compatibility. Someone else might chip in on that. As to your question, if you want to be able to use a card you buy today in a future camera I would buy nothing except class 10. Based on the price difference there is IMHO no point in skimping on the card to save a few dollars. My thought is that the slower class 4 or class 6 cards are likely to be made of inferior material to be sold at a price. That is just supposition on my part but if your images mean anything why take chances? Here is a thread with some additional info: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/115-pentax-k-5/170319-maximum-useful-sd-card-speed.html I use all Sandisk Extreme Pro cards rated @ 45MB/s or 95MB/s. These are most likely far faster than the camera.

12-24-2013, 05:28 AM	#4
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	Originally posted by jteel3 Hey All, I own a K10D and I am wondering what the Max transfer speed is. In other words, which card type 6, type 8, type 10 is the highest the K10D will match the SD card. The class does not have anything to do with the maximum transfer speed. See Difference between Speed Class, UHS Speed Class, and Speed Ratings (performance) for SD/SDHC/SDXC cards