Fast Memory Cards and UV Filters

Avathar77

Avathar77

Avathar77

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Joined
28 May 2010
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London, UK
Two questions in one really!

Does fast memory cards make a difference when taking still photos? I have seen class 10 to be 30mb/s but what is this 200x/300x/400x marking on some others?

Also in some articles I have read it says, it is not needed to have a UV filter fitted to the lens, but most of the places try to sell filters with the lenses!
So do I need a UV filter?

I must say I am a noob when it comes to DSLR and have just bought my first(D3100) yesterday.
 
Fast cards will make a difference if you use continous shooting (especially if you're using RAW mode as well). I'd just start with a normal card and then buy a fast one if the time it takes to clear the buffer becomes an issue.

There is no need for UV filters, some people like to fit them to protect the front of their lenses from physical damage.
 
I've just got a UV filter for my new D5100 with 18-105mm VR lens. It doesn't make any noticeable difference to image quality but does add a layer of protection to the end of the lens which is well worth the £15 it cost (no need for more expensive ones). Not only do they protect the lens from physical contamination and damage, they are also much easier to clean so it's a bit of a win win. It also cuts down slightly on lens flare type effects, as its got coatings on it, in sunny conditions but is not as good as a lens hood.

As for the memory card, as said they make no difference other than when shooting in continuous mode. A faster card wont let you shoot faster, it will just let you shoot more photos before it slows down. Plus they are faster when transferring back to your PC. I use Transcend class 10 cards but SanDisk are also highly regarded, though you never seem to get the advertised speeds which is why I tend not to go for them (plus Transcend are cheaper!)
 
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Well a UV filter is totally pointless on a digital camera, as UV rays have no effect on a sensor like they did on film. Of course you can use one to protect your front element but its probably cheaper to buy a 'protector' filter which will do exactly that.

Fast cards are of course useful if your camera can shoot at speed, plus they are a necessary for shooting video.
 
I'd rather have 2 16GB or even 4 8GB so if one dies or some thieving git has away with my camera at least I still have most of the images!

I will be going on holiday this weekend with:
5X8gb
3X4gb
2x2gb

Will look to dispose of the 2's and 4's when I return as they are just too small for the 5d mkii really.
 
I got two Sandisk 16Mb Extreme, both in the camera at the same time, aand ive set the camera up to make a backup to the 2nd card when shooting :)
OR if i know im going to be taking LOTS photos and i cant back them up to the PC, then i cam use the 2nd card for overflow and have over 800 + photos
 
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