Tech Tips: Know what type of memory card you have!

Quick tip for anyone planning a big trip overseas that I believe is usually overlooked: You want to capture memories so you think about buying the nicest, newest camera out there. But 2 things that people often forget about: you need to make sure you have adequate batteries and memory cards as well.

Adequate batteries is pretty easy to understand. You need enough battery to last you until the next time you'll find an electrical outlet. Memory cards is a different story.



In Fall 2011 while planning for this trip, I first encountered the memory card class system. Each memory card has a specified speed rating that specifies is minimum read/write abilities. If you plan to take high resolution video/photo, or rapid-fire photos, you need to invest in high class numbered cards. A lot of people recommend class 8's and 10's if you have a DSLR.

For my point and shoot, I could probably function with a class 6 but the performance is noticeably faster when I have a class 10 and am shooting long 720p videos.

That said, if you have a point and shoot, don't trick yourself into thinking that a class 10 card will allow you to take super rapid-fire photos. That is something that is also limited by the speed and ability of the camera itself.

Faster read/write times make everything more fun