Question about Memory Cards

[bayhli]

I just ordered a couple of Canon A460 cameras as Xmas gifts for my grandchildren. I'm wanting to get larger memory cards before the cameras arrive (too expensive with the photo store) but not sure exactly what sized card I'm after.

The A460 specs say it uses: SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, Multimedia Card. Is this the postage stamp sized card?


What I'm used to and almost ordered, is the Compact Flash card I use with my DSLR but it is larger. I do have a small stamp-sized card for my palm pilot. I'm just not sure how to distinguish between the two by the description of the cards.

Thank you...

[mrod]

Yep, you got it, Pat. There are some DSLRs that take SD cards as well. The D80 is one I know of for sure.

You definitely don't want the CF cards for that camera. I have one of those I use in my classroom at school. Nice little camera for handing to kids (big and small kids!)

Mike

[bayhli]

Thanks so much Mike, I sure came close to ordering the wrong ones. I had no idea cameras took these little ones.

When I researched camera options this model came up as a good starter and sized well for kids. Not pricey so that I won't disown them if there's an accident, they're 9 and 10. I'm happy to have you confirm that.

[Not4wood]

Originally Posted by bayhli

I just ordered a couple of Canon A460 cameras as Xmas gifts for my grandchildren. I'm wanting to get larger memory cards before the cameras arrive (too expensive with the photo store) but not sure exactly what sized card I'm after.

Thank you...

I just looked at B&H and did a search for the Canon A460 and in the specs just scroll down and they will list and show you what Memory Cards you need. I can use the same cards for my Canon SD 450 which is also 5 MP and these also work in my Nikon D80. (In my Nikon I use the 4 GIG card and dont think your camera will be able to take that. If it did, it would show in this link.

Go here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html

You can use the Blue SD 1 or 2 gig or the Black Ultra II 1 or 2 gig cards and they can also be the drop faster SDHC cards. I can't really see a difference between the two. Not a big deal, but I recommend the 2 gig. I used that card in my P&S and shot almost 900 pics in one notch down from the high level and didn't even come close to filling the single 2 gig card. I purchased my camera 2 days before we left on the Trip and I didn't know about keeping the camera settings on the highest level to get the best quality shots.

The only other thing I can tell you as another pointer is remember to tell them to NOT use the Digital Zoom to get closer then the Optical Zoom. The Image breaks down real fast and if its anything important to them they will go nuts.

[bayhli]

Thanks for all the tips Not4wood,

I was actually thinking of only a 1GB card to start them off with; I have visions of snap snap snap at anything when they start out and their parents cursing me out for all the images they'll have to sort thru.

I was hoping I could turn off that extra digital zoom and they wouldn't be any the wiser. Don't know yet if that's an option with this camera. Good point! The other thing with all this zooming is gobbling all the battery power up.

Great pointers, thanks.

What a good price for that camera at B&H (114.00), I paid $140 CDN for these. I did look there but shipping was $33.00 each to Canada so it was not enough of a saving for me to buy from them.

[Not4wood]

Originally Posted by bayhli

Thanks for all the tips Not4wood,

I was hoping I could turn off that extra digital zoom and they wouldn't be any the wiser. Don't know yet if that's an option with this camera. Good point! The other thing with all this zooming is gobbling all the battery power up.

Great pointers, thanks.

I don't know if locking out the extra Zoom is possible but it can't hurt to look.

As far as I know, and I'm no where near an expert on all things camera's that what we have Laurie for the one thing that eats up battery power is not the zoom, its the reviewing the images after its shot. Going thru one is not bad, but everyone has a habit of starting to look around at all the great shots. This eats up the power, big time.

[mrdonb]

Hello,
How about batteries. Rechargables maybe.

[bayhli]

the one thing that eats up battery power is not the zoom, its the reviewing the images

There's something I didn't know - I'll be stopping that!

How about batteries. Rechargables maybe

Thank you - uses AA batteries so a simple wall charger should do the trick.

[WayneS]

My two cents worth on camera cards Pat.
Don’t consider large capacity cards, as I have seen several cases this past year where friends of my kids have bought 2 and 4 Gb cards, put hundreds and hundreds of pictures on the card, without uploading to their computers, then lose their camera, drop it in the lake, have it stolen, or even a defective card. The camera can be replaced, but the pictures can not. My suggestion with young folks is smaller capacity cards, where they are forced to upload frequently. I personally make a point of uploading after every shoot just as a precaution.

Wayne

[bayhli]

Yes, I'd have to agree with you Wayne. I ordered them 1GB cards today but I really just wanted 512 MB until they are a little more familiar with things; I just had trouble finding them.

I think that's good advice for all of us - these cards fail too so all of our eggs shouldn't be in that one basket!