This is the number one questions I get asked with regards to memory cards. When do I erase my pictures from my memory cards?
The answer is short: When I have at least two copies of every images that is on the card. In reality, whenever I return from a photo shoot, I import the card(s) I used into Lightroom. As part of the Lightroom import, every image is copied to a “workspace” which resides on a RAID-1 external drive which consists of 2 physical disks (a Western Digital MyBook Studio Edition II
, to be precise). In addition, Lightroom places a copy of every original onto my Drobo
which is attached to my file server. Thus, I create 4 copies ever time I import an image.
Then, and only then, do I format my memory card. I never erase any picture – I just put the card back into the camera and then format it in-camera. That way, the card is freshly formatted and ready to go the next time I grab my camera.
If you are like me, your memory cards lead a hard live. They’ve been sat on, washed in the laundry, lost, broken and had to endure much abuse. That is, until I discovered memory card holders.
The one featured here is the Lowepro Pixelpak. It’s small and compact, but can still hold 8 SD cards. One of the insets can be taken out, so you have space for a PCMCIA card adaptor or business cards. It protects cards from moisture and shock. It is made from plastic, but the cover is brushed aluminum, so you can find it easier in dimly lit places.
Size: 3.9W X 0.6D X 2.6H inches
Weight: 0.2lbs
Added bonus tip: Insert the cards with their label facing up before taking off on a field trip. When changing cards in the field, put the used cards back into the case with the label facing down. This way, you will always know which cards were used and which ones are still available for use.
Price:
Holder for 8 SD cards: $19.99, Amazon: $11.49
Holder for 4 Compact Flash cards: B&H Photo: $19.99
New 32GB compact flash cards are showing up in stores near you. For example, Kingston increased the capacity of its newly redesigned CompactFlash Elite Pro Flash memory cards to 32GB.
The new card offers a minimum sustained write speed of 133X and transfer rates of 25MB/sec. read and 20MB/sec. 32GB capacity allows you to store approximately 1,000 RAW images shot with a Canon 5D (~13 mega-pixels) or more than 3,600 super-fine large JPG’s. On the new crop of 20+ mega-pixel cameras, the capacity should be around 600 RAW images or 2,000 JPGs. No matter what camera you use, that is a lot of images you can store on this card!
One word of caution, though: If you have an older camera, check your manufacturer’s web site. Not all cameras support 32GB cards or you might need to install a firmware update before you can use this card.
Price: $154.00, Amazon: $62.94
Digital Foci’s Photo Safe II is now available in three sizes (80/160/250 GB). It is the near-perfect travel companion: small, lightweight and with only two buttons to operate, you don’t have any excuses any longer not to make backups of your memory cards in the field. You don’t need a computer – just plug your card into the Photo Safe, hit the copy button and you are done. Once back from the trip, the device can be used as a USB drive to copy its content to your Mac or PC.
TidBITS’ in-depth review of the Photo Safe II can be found here.
Price:
80GB: $119.00, Amazon: $97.72
160GB: $149.00, Amazon: $118.08
250GB: $199.00, Amazon $169.00
