Should you use an SD-to-CF adapter in an older Canon EOS 5D, or just buy CompactFlash cards?
Asked 1/25/2017
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I’m using an original Canon EOS 5D and deciding between standard CompactFlash cards and an SD-to-CF adapter with SD cards. My main reason for considering the adapter is convenience: I already have ways to read SD cards on my computer, while using CF would mean buying a CF card reader or transferring files via the camera’s USB connection. I’ve also heard that older cameras may not work well with some newer SD cards or adapters. For an older DSLR like the 5D, is it better to use native CF cards or an SD-to-CF adapter?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
8
The primary advantage of the former is that it avoids necessitating the purchase of a CF-USB adapter to upload photos to my computer (and from thence to my hardrive).
If this is your main reason then it is not worth it. I have a 40D, and bought an adaptor and a 16GB SD card. So far it all works fine, however removing the SD card from the adaptor is difficult. There is only a tiny bit of the SD card which you can get a grip on so I have to remove it with a pair of pliers and the SD card casing has started to crack. Also because the adaptor is made from a very thin piece of metal, it has started to shave part of the SD card casing off.
So I have just left both devices together, and put the whole thing in a CF card reader. I had originally thought I could buy a few cheap SD cards and just have one adaptor (and maybe a spare), but frequently removing and reinserting an SD card in to the adaptor is not possible, as after 3 or 4 cycles the SD card is becoming damaged.
If you will buy an SD card plus adaptor, fit them together once and use them basically as you would use a normal CF card then I think you will be fine (assuming the quality of the adaptor is adequate), but if you are expecting to be able to separate them frequently then this will not work.
Originally by user60198. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user60198
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For an older DSLR like the original 5D, native CompactFlash is usually the better choice.
The main reason is reliability. Community experience suggests SD-to-CF adapters can be less dependable than using a proper CF card, and they add another failure point. They may also be awkward physically, with some users finding SD cards hard to remove from the adapter and even causing wear to the card casing.
CF is also typically the better option for in-camera performance, especially write speed. An adapter may work, but it can reduce speed and potentially affect buffer-clearing performance.
If your goal is simply easier file transfer, a CF card reader is the cleaner solution. The other option is connecting the camera by USB, which is usually cheaper but may be slower and less convenient.
So: if you care most about dependable image storage and camera performance, use CF cards. If you still choose an adapter for convenience, be aware of the tradeoffs in speed, handling, and reliability.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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