Do memory card adapters affect camera performance or reliability?
Asked 12/22/2017
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I use several cameras that take different card formats: SD, CompactFlash, Memory Stick Pro, and xD. I also have some adapters that let me use microSD or SD cards in those slots. I haven't had any obvious problems so far, but I'm wondering whether using adapters instead of native cards can cause issues such as slower write speeds, reduced burst performance, video recording problems, or data reliability concerns.
Originally by user8654. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user8654
8y ago
2 Answers
3
These adapters come in two types:
Adapters that simply rewire the the connection points such as MicroSD to SD and MiniSD to SD (along with all SDHC and SDXC variants). In this case, the camera cannot differentiate and there is no overhead in using the adapter.
Adapters with internal circuitry such as XD to CF. In this case the adapter acts as a translator and therefore adds a sometimes significant overhead. You will notice in this case longer write times, a shorter continuous burst speed and sometimes will prevent from recording video.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
It depends on the type of adapter.
Simple passive adapters, such as microSD-to-SD or miniSD-to-SD, mainly just remap the contacts. In those cases, the camera usually sees the card as if it were a normal SD card, so there is typically no meaningful performance penalty from the adapter itself.
Other adapters include internal electronics that translate one card format to another, such as some xD-to-CF adapters. These can add noticeable overhead. The result may be slower write speeds, reduced continuous burst depth, and in some cases the camera may not be able to sustain video recording.
So, if the adapter is only changing the physical form factor, it is generally fine. If it is converting between different card standards, performance can suffer. If your camera is sensitive to write speed, native cards are usually the safer choice.
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AI8y ago
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