Compact Flash memory type I & II ???

[spigidygak]

Okay, just bought me a coolpix 995. . . now need more memory than that crappy 16 MB card they give. I was wondering what the difference is between the type I and type II. . . besides the fact that with type II there is the IBM microdrive, which is compatible with the nikon w00t. But any advantages and reliability between brands from types and what not?

[spigidygak]

Thanks for the info. I was asking the difference between type I & II because unlike yours the 995 supports both. . . which means that damn ibm microdrive is calling me. . .

[Devhux]

Actually, the only difference between a Compactflash type I and Compactflash Type II card is the actual thickness. Both cards are square, and the same length and width.

You are thinking Type II PC Cards (PCMCIA). Big difference.

[Jeffbx]

There IS a difference in CF brands as well - since the controller is built into the card (unlike smartmedia), different mfrs produce cards that run at different speeds. Unfortunately, there's not a speed rating stamped on the cards (except some lexar cards), so you kind of have to try a few or look for some speed comparisons.

Generally, Lexar & Kingston are very good. I don't know about speed of the microdrive, but it's got to be slower than flash memory. I'd go for a large flash card before I'd get a microdrive. A couple 128MB cards will hold a heckuva lotta pictures, and will cost a lot less than the microdrive.

[spigidygak]

Hehe, no problem DF. I thought you were mixed up too. . . but since I got no frickin' clue on these cf cards, didn't want to say anything.

[Apex]

BTW, your Nikon 995 IS one of the digital cameras that can take advantage of the extra speed of the Lexar, Kingston, etc cards.

[spigidygak]

GAH. . .thanks apex. . . just make it more confusing for me. I notice how they put different speed ratins on the card. But. . . my question is do you really notice the speed differences taking photos? Especially since I won't be taking shots every single second. My guess is not worth it but maybe I'm wrong?

[Apex]

Well, it really comes in handy when you need it. The more I've used a digital camera, the more I've found the speed helps. Often, you take a picture, and find another shot comes along quickly. I hate missing those. Believe me, you'll use it more than you originally anticipate.

[Jeffbx]

Yeah - as Apex said, you'll notice it once you begin using your camera a lot, especially if there's some action going on. That's the reason I LOVE my Olympus C2500L - it has an 8MB buffer memory that it uses to store the pictures before it writes them to the card. This allows you to take several pictures one right after another without waiting for the image to save.

My old Kodak used to take forever between each shot, and I missed a lot of 'Kodak moments'.

[rajatQ2]

i buy my memory(camera and PC) at crucial.com. they have a utility that lets you punch in the type of gadget you are adding memory to, then it will display a list of your choices. extremely handy. check it out:
http://www.crucial.com/store/ListMfgr.Asp?Category=3Digital+Electronics&x=8&y=5