SD card read pauses

DeadJohn · 10-27-2017, 11:59 AM

I have an SD card with very inconsistent read speeds. It happens importing in LR as well as during direct Windows copies. A burst of around 5 DNG files will copy quickly, then a 2 second pause, then another batch, another pause, etc.

I've tried reformatting the card via my K-1 and via Windows. The problem continues. I've never gotten an error message or a corrupt file.

Other SD cards work fine and transfer hundreds of DNG files without any pauses. The card reader and destination drive seem to be fine.

Any suggestions for diagnosing or fixing these slowdowns?

Adam · 10-27-2017, 12:04 PM

Is it a reputable brand? If so I'd just file a warranty claim as there's possibly a hardware issue. Or, it could just be a worse-performing card, as only the best can sustain close to the maximum advertised speed.

**UncleVanya** · 10-27-2017, 04:14 PM

Replace it? If others work and that one is an outlier, round file and move on.

But you might try this first... https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/

stevebrot · 10-27-2017, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

But you might try this first... SD Memory Card Formatter - SD Association

What he said ^ ^ ^

Never use the format utility from your computer's operating system to format an SD Card.

Steve

DeadJohn · 10-28-2017, 04:11 PM

Thanks.

I usually format cards in camera. Format is much faster than Delete All Images especially when a card is near full.

I did a full, slow format using the SD Association software. Will use the card next time I'm taking photos that don't matter much to test the card. A timelapse series is a good way to exercise the card.

10-27-2017, 11:59 AM	#1
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	SD card read pauses I have an SD card with very inconsistent read speeds. It happens importing in LR as well as during direct Windows copies. A burst of around 5 DNG files will copy quickly, then a 2 second pause, then another batch, another pause, etc. I've tried reformatting the card via my K-1 and via Windows. The problem continues. I've never gotten an error message or a corrupt file. Other SD cards work fine and transfer hundreds of DNG files without any pauses. The card reader and destination drive seem to be fine. Any suggestions for diagnosing or fixing these slowdowns?

10-27-2017, 12:04 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Is it a reputable brand? If so I'd just file a warranty claim as there's possibly a hardware issue. Or, it could just be a worse-performing card, as only the best can sustain close to the maximum advertised speed. 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:

10-27-2017, 04:14 PM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,454	Replace it? If others work and that one is an outlier, round file and move on. But you might try this first... https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/ Last edited by UncleVanya; 10-28-2017 at 01:40 PM.

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10-27-2017, 09:36 PM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by UncleVanya But you might try this first... SD Memory Card Formatter - SD Association What he said ^ ^ ^ Never use the format utility from your computer's operating system to format an SD Card. Steve

10-28-2017, 04:11 PM	#5
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834 Original Poster	Thanks. I usually format cards in camera. Format is much faster than Delete All Images especially when a card is near full. I did a full, slow format using the SD Association software. Will use the card next time I'm taking photos that don't matter much to test the card. A timelapse series is a good way to exercise the card.