How to Select a Memory Card for a

Camera with HD Video

June 9, 2014 . 12K Views . 3 Votes

Instead of carrying around both a digital camera and a

high-definition (HD) video camera, why not consider

purchasing an HDSLR camera? This type of camera

offers the capability to record HD video and take digital

still shots, reducing the amount of money you spend on

electronics. But once you select and purchase a digital

SLR camera, you must determine what kind of memory

card to buy. Memory cards that typically come with

HDSLR cameras are usually low capacity and won’t hold

many photos or videos.

Before buying a memory card, learn about the different types of memory ca

storage capacities. It’s also important to become familiar with the speed class

various memory card formats available, and how to care for your memory c

you’ll be set to buy the best memory card to suit your specific needs.

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Offered by camera manufacturers to the public since 2008, digital SLRs with

capability to capture HD video (also known as DSLR video shooters or HDSL

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only gave the capability to shoot a short 30-second video. With the introduc

increasingly higher-quality memory cards since 2008, HDSLRs have improv

dramatically that they are now even used to shoot entire professional films.

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Owning a digital SLR camera capable of shooting HD video is only part of the

Knowing what memory card to use is just as important. Memory cards for H

in a variety of formats, speeds, and memory storage capabilities. The section

these differences and should provide you with a better idea of what to look f

purchasing a memory card.

Before buying a memory card to use with the HD video function of your dig

camera, first determine exactly what you need to accomplish. Do you want t

short video, or do you need the capability to shoot longer HD videos? The ch

identifies the capabilities of each card type, with the higher memory storage

signifying larger video file storage capabilities. In other words, the more giga

the better. Also make sure to buy a memory card that fits the capabilities of y

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Secure Digital SD Up to 2G

Secure Digital High Capacity SDHC 4GB to 3

Secure Digital Extended Capacity SDXC 32GB+ u

Use the table above to determine the type of memory card that best fits your

While SD memory cards are made for standard video, to shoot in HD, use an

SDXC memory card for the best results.

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Storage capacity also dictates how much HD video you can capture using a H

larger the storage space, the more video you can shoot before filling up a new

card. This is especially true with HD video, as it takes up much more room th

standard video.

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The chart below lists the various capacities of different-sized memory cards.

HD video takes up a little less than twice as much room as standard video. Bu

card with higher memory capabilities to ensure you don’t run out of room o

while filming.

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Photos 6400 photos 3302 photos 1650 photos 820 photos

SD Video 800 minutes 400 minutes 200 minutes 100 minutes

HD Video 480 minutes 240 minutes 120 minutes 60 minutes

Higher GB memory cards provide users with longer recording capabilities. K

what time length you need from a memory card is an important considerati

Comparing the different amounts of storage capacities using the chart above

determine the exact memory card you need.

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The speed of a memory card determines how fast information is written to o

the card. This speed is crucial when taking HD video, as higher-speed cards c

quality video and an increased amount of HD video.

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The chart below contains current speed classes, their capabilities and rates o

performance, and how they compare to the old "x" ratings used on the last ge

memory cards. Speed also helps determine the quality of an HD video, with

speed memory card allowing for higher quality.

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Class 2 Standard Definition Only 2 MB/sec 16x

Class 4 Full-HD Video 4 MB/sec 32x

Class 6 Full-HD Video 6 MB/sec 48x

Class 10Full-HD Video/HD still

consecutive recording10 MB/sec 100x

UHS Speed

Class 1

Real-time broadcasts/Large-

size HD videos50 MB/sec -

One thing to keep in mind: In order to capture HD video, the speed rating of

should be at least speed class 4 or higher, with a speed class of 10 recommend

applications. Also look out for the latest innovations in memory card techno

changes frequently as advancements continue in the industry.

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Make sure to protect your memory cards once you buy them. The section be

useful facts and tips to keep memory cards safe from damage, leading to a lon

1. Memory cards typically go through more than 1 million data cycles, whi

writing, reading, and erasing data before needing replacement.

2. Inserting and removing a memory card also takes its toll on the connecto

allow for data manipulation. Most memory cards can be inserted and rem

roughly 10,000 times before needing replacement. This varies by manuf

3. Do not apply too much pressure on the memory card, and avoid droppin

the card as well.

4. Memory cards should fit into the memory card slot comfortably, withou

5. Keep memory cards away from electrostatic sources, as this can damage t

6. Keep memory cards out of direct sunlight, and do not expose them to tem

extremes.

7. Make sure the memory card is not still transferring data before removin

camera.

Extend your memory card’s lifespan by following the above advice, which c

time and cost savings.

Popular Memory Card Manufacturers

From SanDisk, to Kingston, to Sony, here are some of the most common

card manufacturers on the market. You can find online reviews with u

each memory card. Taking a look at these ratings before making a purch

SanDisk

Dane - Elec

Transcend

PNY

Kingston

Lexar

Sony

Patriot

Samsung

Verbatim

While there are other manufacturers, these are the most common and

compare side by side to pick the best card for your needs.

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Once you know what type of memory card you want to purchase, navigate

Electronics portal on eBay, select Camera & Photo Accessories under Camer

Photography, click memory cards, and start searching for memory card listi

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It is also possible to search eBay listing titles for specific words when shoppin

product of your choice. For example, to find a SanDisk 32GB Extreme SDHC

card, type SanDisk 32GB extreme into the search box, and then click the Adv

button to customize the results. For more advice on searching for products u

keywords, visit eBay’s Search Tips page. And if you still can’t find the exact p

are looking for, try shopping eBay Stores..

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Before bidding on eBay, make sure to read all of the details in the product lis

including the cost of delivery. As an added layer of protection, also find out i

insures their product when it ships and will cover any damages incurred du

For more information about memory cards, ask questions by clicking the As

link at the bottom of the specific listing page.

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Give yourself peace of mind and thoroughly research the eBay seller to ensu

and secure transaction. Start by asking these questions:

What are the conditions and terms of purchasing the seller’s product?

What is the seller’s feedback rating on past transactions, and specifically

involving memory cards?

Does the seller offer a money-back guarantee for their products?

Your last step is to complete your purchase with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best O

your memory card is on its way.

Home Buying Guides Cameras & Photo Camera & Photo Accessories Memory Card Readers & Adapters

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Reduce the cost of buying a digital camera and an HD video camera by buyin

HDSLR camera, which packages a digital and HD video camera in one compa

Also find out how to select a memory card for a camera with HD video. Whe

considering which type of memory card to buy, take into account the length

video you want to shoot. Then find a card with the appropriate GB storage c

needed. It’s also important to become familiar with the card formats, speed c

manufacturer brands available. Finally, remember to take care of your mem

increase its lifespan.

Tags: memory card video digital camera memory

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