Internal card reader & SDHC card

[vawitt]

I just picked up a little Pentax Optio M50 to use as a walk-around camera (much smaller than my Oly...). It uses SD cards and I bought a 4 GB SDHC card.

My SD card reader (internal to my computer) won't read it. I have to use the USB cable to move pictures.

My card reader will read the "regular" SD cards.

Anyone else had experience and/or difficulty with the HC cards?

[Chuck S.]

Val, SDHC cards can't be read by SD card readers, either built-in or external. When I bought my first SDHC card late last year, the folks at Fry's Electronics (where I bought the card) were clueless about this problem, and they didn't even carry the dual SD/SDHC readers. I had to buy one online to use the new card efficiently. I believe they've learned the difference in the interim...although I wouldn't bet the ranch on that.

[Inspeqtor]

A few months ago I bought a SanDisk 4GB SDHC card that came with a SDHC card reader. I use that card reader all the time now. I have since bought another identical card with another identical card reader. My thoughts are to keep one in my desk, and keep one in my camera bag.

I just now found that card and reader dirt cheap on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Memory-SDSDRH-004G-A11-Retail-Package/dp/B000J5LA9Q/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1227497562&sr=8-14) for $14.99

[vawitt]

Hi, Chuck and Charles. Too bad the guy at BB didn't know this, or I would have bought the standard SD card.

Looks like I'll be in the market for that card reader! The cable is just too clumsy.

Thanks for the input, guys!

Edit: Just found it online (and they have it at my local) Walmart for $8.88 (just the reader...don't really need a second card...I'll never fill this 4GB)

[Hankw]

Val:

I bought the Targus High speed SD/SDHC/mmc card writer/reader from them and it's fast, Make sure you get the reader that has the above label. There is one the same shape and color but again it wont do the SDHC Cards.

[vawitt]

Hi, Hank, and anyone else reading this post. Just back from Walmart with my new SD/HC reader and, as Hank says, it's FAST! One more little gadget to keep track of, but it sure beats another USB cable.

Thanks for all the help! I'm now cable free! :):)

[Not4wood]

VAl,

I'm sorry you had so much trouble. The Old Blue Cards are extremely slow in both having the image information downloaded to the card from the camera and from the card to the computer.

The SDHC cards are a lot faster, and If you've noticed the speed of the cards have been updated. The Extreme III's went from 133x to 200x and the Ultra II's were upgraded as well.

I am including a link for the San Disk Site which lists by camera types then models so you could see which cards your camera can deal with for the faster speeds. Also, saying that all you will need is 1- 4 gig card is really silly especially if your going to end up at some kind of party or special event like a Wedding or Concert. You will probably need more than just one card. You can get a 2 Gig card at a faster speed for your camera. They are a bit cheaper but just as fast and if you get one of the faster cards you will definately see a difference in download speed from the camera to the card.

BTW, you can check on your Oly as well to see what the fastest card the camera can take.
Go here: http://sandisk.com/Compatibility/Default.aspx