Memory-Card Reviews

Because the imac I bought came standard with a very low amount of memory, I purchased this upgrade. I would highly suggest that all Mac users with 64mb or less memory jump at the chance to purchase more memory at such a great value (for instance, buying memory directly from Apple is about 2-3 times more expensive). Some of the benefits are smoother game play with graphic intensive games, the ability to keep more applications open at the same time, and an overall boost in the speed of applications. (Don't forget to allocate more memory for games and applications after you have installed the new DIMM - you'll have to do this by hand in the file-->get info-->memory window).

The one problem I encountered was the installation of the memory. The memory ships without directions, though they are available for download from the manufacturer's website. These are a must. I would also suggest consulting the directions that came with your computer. I found that each provided information that the other did not. My main problem was that, given the small space in which to work, I found it difficult to push hard enough on the edge of the memory for it to snap completely into place.

The upgrade in performance is definitely worth any frustration caused by the installation.

Summary: I had a great deal of trouble with a Viking 512 MB compact flash card, Viking was very helpful in replacing it with two 256 MB cards, but now the only 256 MB card I've used thus far has corrupted data as well. I give Viking tech support manager Patrick Beard 5 stars, he was very professional. However, the product quality rates only 1 star. Average 3 stars. I did get my money back after shipping back the cards.

Details: In early December, just before a big overseas family vacation, I purchased one Viking 512 MB card, and one SimpleTech 256 card. The Viking card was the first one I used, and there were no problems for one week. Then one photo I took showed as a very small image with the caption CF CARD ERROR. I had no idea what this meant at the time and in fact the camera/card seemed to repair that image one hour later. Several days later I noticed a couple of images that were previously fine and now show CF Card ERROR. I had already saved over 300 photos on this card at this point and was concerned enough to switch to the SimpleTech card and saved 200 photos on that card for the rest of the trip.

After coming back into the US, the Viking card would not upload the images into the computer. By the way the camera is G3 and the computer is high end new Dell running XP. The only method I finally got the images into the computer was using Windows explorer. Then I realized 70 images were missing. Viking was very helpful. I shipped them the defective card, and they shipped me two 256MB cards. It took them one week, but Viking also recovered 60 of the images that were missing for me. I estimate that I lost less than 10 images all together. However helpful Viking was, the card was defective, and the whole experience probably cost me 10 hours of time. Unfortunately, one of the 256 MB card has corrupted as well.

The Simple card on the other hand, just worked. No Card ERROR, no problem in uploading into the computer, the way it should be. It has been 4 months.

I popped this into my Canon S100 and with the default resolution, got a reading of 1478 shots available! That's an incredible amt of space and for someone heading off on an extended trip, it should be quite a boon. I have been following CF costs on a dollar-per-meg basis for some time, and while the newest & largest cards have tended to carry a premium, this one does not. It is roughly fifty cents per meg, less than 1/4 of what it cost per meg only 18 months ago!

The Viking card I purchased, is awesome. My photos get onto my computer very fast and the camera seems to work better with this card - (faster times between taking photos). It holds 164 full high resolution photos. If I put my camera on lower settings, it would hold over 300, but I like the fact that I can take 164 huge resolution photos before switching to the next card. Buy three. That's all you'll need for a 2 day trip (if you're trigger happy like me.)
I have purchased Sandisk and Simple Tech compact flash cards and have been disappointed. The Sandisk ones are so slow and take a long time for the card reader to read. The Simple Tech cards I have purchased all fail after time. Half the photo you took is full of electronic letters/colors/lines meaning the cards get corrupt after awhile.

I was disappointed that "Viking" would not honor the rebate as they said I did not send the UPC code from the package. I felt that I sent all they needed with the Amazon bill? I sent the cut out from the wrapping with a UPC code?

My Magellan Meridian Platinum came with software V3.08 so I checked the Magellan website and downloaded software V3.12 and installed it (you will require the Magellen Meridian PC serial cable). Installed the Viking SD128M card and it worked like a dream - no problems. The Meridian User Manual doesn't explain how to check your card but you will find it in the gps menu easy enough. Purchased this SD128M card for about the same price as a Magellan SD64M card would have cost - so I've doubled my memory for my money. Happy Hiking.

I use the SD Card in my Compaq Ipaq. It gives you 118mb of storage and if you're machine is calibrated to accept cards automatically, there's no setup required. I am currently storing several MP3's on mine (used to convert my Ipaq to an MP3 player as well). I would say this is a great card (so far, had it about 2 weeks) and it's cheap compared to the others, although you get 10mb's less, that didn't bother me.

I purchased this 512Mb card to replace the dinky 32Mb card that came with my Canon A80. I decided on a SimpleTech card for two reasons: it's what Canon sells at their accessories site and, more importantly, it was cheaper than the others.

It works fine. Haven't filled the card entirely yet, but I just snapped about 100 pictures in succession with no problem. It even appears to store images slightly faster than the Canon Flashcard that came with the camera. Looks like about 247 pictures will fit on the card at the camera's highest resolution (4Megapixel, 2272x1704 JPG's in superfine mode).

I've taken over 24,000 pixs with these on a Nikon CoolPix 5000 and only once did the 512 give me a fright. But in the end, the pixs were there. It happened during file transfer from the card to a PowerMac laptop. It could've been my fault; a little careless last weekend.

Speed of writing on SimpleTech cards is respectable; price is right though.

I have used this card for about 6 months and never had any problems. I used it in a Canon G5 camera.

Once you manage to properly install this device's drivers on XP it works like a charm. If you will be using this device on Windows XP, do yourself a favor and forget about the included CD-Rom. Go to the SimpleTech web site, follow the links on the site to get to the support pages for the FlashLink product and based on your device's Part number (found on the base of the unit), download the latest FlashLink.exe installation program. Install this before plugging the device for the first time and reboot.

After rebooting, plug in the reader and allow Windows XP to detect it and initiate the Driver installation routine. It will ask you whether you want to install the drivers automatically and after you click Next it will ask you whether you want to allow the installation of Unsigned drivers. Answer yes only if you have downloaded and installed the driver package from the web site, the drivers supplied on the CD-Rom do not work and cause XP to crash.

If you have already installed the CD-Rom drivers and have problems, you must first uninstall them before installing the ones from the Web Site. Open the Windows XP Device Manager, plug in your device, you'll see it appear under the USB Devices branch. Right click on the CompactFlash + SmartMedia reader device and click on Uninstall. Unplug the reader, uninstall the FlashLink software (if you installed it from the CD-Rom) and reboot. Then install the FlashLink software from their web site.

After this hurdle, the device works like a champ. Once plugged, it will show two new drive letters in Windows Explorer, the first for the CompactFlash slot and the second for the SmartMedia slot. Data transfer is really fast, at about 4MB per second.

I give it 4 starts because of the poor job of providing XP drivers in the supplied CD-Rom, despite the fact that the packaging clearly states that it supports XP.

I have a digital camera and it used to take so long just to get my pictures transferred to my computer. Since I got the FlashLink reader, I just slip my compact flash card out of the digital camera, plug it into my reader, and download... fast! Very cool!

I purchased this product because of its combination input. If you follow the instructions (which tell you to load the drivers BEFORE plugging in the unit), it is extremely easy to install. I used the latest driver from SimpleTech's web site - just did a site search on "Flashlink UCS-200 driver" and found the driver. Never even needed to load the CD included with the reader. Note that some of the links on their site lead to missing pages - just be persistent and keep trying other links in the list.
I have a 450 MHz Pentium machine with Windows 98 (first edition), and after loading the new driver, I plugged in the reader to the USB port and it recognized both drives (slots) immediately. Allows hot-swapping (no computer power-down/up required) of either the reader or the cards. Very convenient.
It's worth the extra bucks it costs to get two readers in one package.

I purchased this SanDisk 128 MB Secure Digital Card for my Toshiba PRD-3300 digital camera. The first time I received the SD card from Amazon.com, I plugged it into my camera, formatted the card per the specification in the instruction manual and started taking pictures. The pictures came out scrambled on the replay option. I tried reformatting the card but then I got the message "card error". I thought that the card was defective and I returned it for replacement to Amazon.com. In approximately 4-5 days I received my second SanDisk 128 MB Secure Digital Card. I repeated the same procedure of formatting, picture taking and so on but I was getting the same result and the error message. I was ready to send the card back again, but before I did I thought I'd check around the web to see if there is any compatibility issue of this card with my camera. I went on Toshiba web site to see if I can find any compatibility issue with this card. Sure enough when I checked for new Firmware it had this:
"Latest Firmware Upgrade Features:
Improved compatibility with SanDisk brand SD Cards manufactured after May 2002, specifically for high capacity SD Cards -
128MB SanDisk SD Cards
256MB SanDisk SD Cards
Upgrade your PDR-3300 for use with these cards."

I followed the instructions, upgraded my firmware to the latest revision 1.04A and now my camera recognizes the 128MB SanDisk SD Card and it is working great.

The other two reviewers with a Toshiba PDR-3300 camera are having problems. I wonder if they took the time to visit the Toshiba website. There you can download and install a firmware upgrade to the camera that takes it from 1.02 to 1.04. This update fixes problems with the large capacity Sandisk cards. I could take 8 pictures with the included 8 meg memory card. With this 128 meg card I can take over 150 at full size. The transfer rate is incredible. I see no reason to go with a more expensive brand. Recommended for this camera after the upgrade.

I bought it for use on the Toshiba e755 six months ago. I did not find any problem. It runs surprisingly fast, so I put a lot mp3s in it and my pda can be used as a small size ipod :)

Very solid, Auto mode makes point and shoot easy, Bright clear photos, Easy download, workable manual, tons of features, Feels good in hand. Easy to review pictures

Weaknesses:
Hard to see display in bright outdoors. Batteries go fast. slightly confusing access to Image Display and Capture Menu. The Capture Mode more confusing than handy. Limited shots at high resolution

Summary:
I have enjoyed using this camera, my first digital. I find it easiest to use this camera as a basic "point and shoot" I hardly use the Live Image Display although tempted to. It's fun to play cinematographer, but It burns out the batteries too fast.

I don't mess around too much with the Capture Mode option's offered; shoot Micro, Landscapes, Portraits, or Action. My technique is too spontainious for me to set the mode every time I want a shot.

More functional is the capture menu, not the easiest to locate and manipulate when you want to modify a shooting mode, but helpful when an artistic effect is desired. Items from the Capture Settings Menu that I use; The White Balance feature is good to be aware of, for example, If I shoot in the shade mode, even in bright daylight,I don't worry about backlighting. I also like the Saturation feature, nature can be Psychidelic. I leave all the other options to the default (auto) mode. I skip things like EV Compensation, although well laid out in the manual, it is too much to recall on the verge of a picture, the default (auto) mode will take a good picture.

Another Menu, the Playback Menu allows you to review your thumbnails, delete or rotate your images.

I guess I have to buy a memory card if I wish to shoot in only the 3.2MP mode. I only get 8 shots in the highest quality mode. The lowest setting is most memory efficient at 80+ pictures. 14-18 pictures in middle setting is respectable. Next stop? 5MP maybe a digital SLR

I am an art student and I need quick shots for reference, inspiration, actual graphic work, and documentation of my other work. I have had this camera 3 months and have taken over 1800 pictures and video and I've been very pleased with it. I take it everywhere with me. It's proved itself durable.

If you invest in this camera buy rechargable batteries and extra memory. Plan on this with ANY digital or you will be unhappy with the result. I have used three other digital cameras of different MB capabilities and by different makers...the same is true with them.

This camera has a top display that is not on any other camera in this price range. Very easy to change flash/mode/quality settings without turning on back screen. A definate plus. Saves battery and time.

This camera is a little slow but it is not anything a little patience can not handle. It just takes a little getting used to. There is a setting to take several pictures quickly. I have not had the need to use this feature, but, it may help with those hard to catch quick moments if the need arrises.

The camera is also quicker if the flash is not on. Pictures do turn out better without flash and when not applicable I advise turning it off.

The colors on this camera are GORGEOUS. They are very vibrant and bright. I advise having a photoediting program however with any digital for even BETTER pictures. A small adjustment may be all the difference you need to make a picture that's too dark and useless to the best picture you took all day. Get the best out of your digital!

There are better cameras, but be prepared to pay. This is a great camera for what it is and for the money. Take it from someone whose in the visual field. Some reviewers seem very biased about this camera. Again be prepared to buy rechargable batteries and additional memory with ANY digital camera.

I bought this camera from Target. It is a great camera. My only peeve is that the battery door is weak, and it broke while inserting batteries. I called HP and they promptly replaced the camera. I got my replacement in less than 2 days!! As far as power consumption goes, I don't use the LCD display at all. I also use NiMH rechargables, and I get about 65 pictures each charge. I use the optical zoom sparingly and transfer pictures to my computer about 3 times. I best feature about this camera is that it has a little display on the top, where you can adjust picture quality, mode and flash options. That, I guess saves a lot of battery power. All in all, a great product and I am really happy with it.

I'm very disappointed at its quality. I give it 2 stars because I think if it doesn't fail, it's the cheapest one on the market.
I used it in my Canon G2 digital camera. I only have the chance to fill it up about 5 times. Yesterday, when I was in a garden to shoot pictures, it started to have CF error on the screen. And it consistantly failed at the location of 128M of 487M even I formatted it. With this experience, I don't have confidence to bring it with me on the trips. I'm buying other brand's cards even they're more expensive.

I think a lot of people will give this thing 5 stars cause it holds a lot ... but you know that already, and it's absurd to write about that. So I'll just get this out of the way - yes, this card is 512 megs. Yes, it holds a lot.

Now as for it's quality... I use this card in my Powershot S200 digital camera, and have had some problems with it... occassionaly, it has caused the camera to give an error when it starts up. The card seems to go through 'bad streaks', in which every picture I put on it gets corrupted, for maybe 10 pics in a row.. then it works fine again. Besides this problem, I probably lose 1 in 200 to 300 pictures due to data corruption.

Personally, I take several pictures of any given object, and if one gets lost, it's no big deal. So this occasional data loss has not really been a problem for me. If the pictures or data you will store on this *are* very important, you may want to think twice before buying a Viking.

I have also used this in my Sharp Zaurus, and it has never caused any problems there.

I'll give it 3 stars because most of the time it works fine, and the problems i have had with it haven't been anything serious.

It's probably a little early in the CF card's lifespan to write this review, but I'll focus on potential uses rather than reliability.

I basically bought the card for my HP Jornada 567 Pocket PC 2002. It already had 64 megs of memory, but I wanted more. I also already had a 256 MB card for my Nikon Coolpix 775, so this one was more for the handheld than anything else.

My HP can playback MP3's directly off the CF card without modification, and with drag-and-drop functionality from my notebook's hard drive, which is nice. That way I can store around a hundred songs for music on the go, which I typically listen to in the car, using a cassette adapter through the HP's headphone jack.

I also enjoy watching movies on the go, and with the downloadable Windows Media Encoder, I can reformat almost any movie file into .WMA format, and bring it with me. The card could conceivably store three full-length feature films at 192 x 144 resolution without much problem.

It's also great for carrying large text documents with you wherever you go...like, say, your novel, technical manuals, the Bible, as well as a couple dozen songs, and still have room for a movie or two...amazing! I don't know how I got around without this baby.

Another plus is that you will *never* run out of space while taking photos on vacation with your digital camera, even at the highest settings, unless you do field work for National Geographic.

So far, this card has changed my definition for personal entertainment and functionality. Viking makes pretty good hardware, too. Just watch out for any rebates they offer (there was no offer on *this* card, but be careful).

Now I'm just waiting for the Gigabyte card...

Honestly, if you are buying this item get the extended warranty if available...you could very well need it. I had it for barely a year and it worked great no complaints at all till it just quit working all together. Now it makes a great paperweight. The unit will not power up at all. Bear in mind that my unit has never been mishandled or mistreated. I have also done research on the web and have found similar reviews elsewhere. I am still trying to get Sharp to help me replace or repair it. I'd love to be able to write a retraction in the coming days that Sharp has stepped up and done the right thing. Till then...Stay tuned and best of luck.

I give this camera 5 stars!
The Price can't be beat, especially with the rebate.
The features can't be beat for the price.

It's everything I wanted in a video camera. And the added digital still camera... part makes it even better! The resolution may only be 740x640 or something close ....but Hey you can still print nice 3x5's at least! If not 4x6's.
I love how compact and light it is. It is smaller and lighter then my Sony FD Mavica digital still camera.
I thought I would have to settle for a cheap 8mm video camera...but then I found Amazon.com!

I also love how easy it is to upload pics to the computer using the supplied usb cable.

I don't have a fire wire yet so I just hooked it up through my intel pro pc web camera and uploaded my video's to my computer. It turned out ok....but probably not in digital format. So I will probably end up getting the firewire soon. But it will work.

I love having the ability to playback the video on the camera with sound. And being able to add more to the tape using the dubbing feature.

It is very easy to switch from recording videos to recording still pics. Just a flip of one switch. Plus you can grab images off of your videos on your camera very easily too.

I have nothing bad to say about this camera. I just wish it came with a carrying case. Made for it so everything would fit perfectly. And I wish 2 day shipping didn't take 2 days! But that's life! hahahaha

I'll say it again - this is a great camera, considering the price. The video quality far surpasses VHS-C, for a VHS-C price. I've owned this camera for about a month and it has worked as expected right out of the box.

In my opinion, the digital still camera feature is just an extra selling point for Sharp. The quality of the still photos is about the quality of an image capture from a video tape. It's not even as good as my 3 year old 1.3 megapixel camera I bought used for 50 bucks. So don't buy it thinking you're getting a quality digital still camera.

The camcorder is easy to operate and comfortable to hold (you almost have to use both hands, though.) I like not having to hold it up to my eye, and the large LCD display looks great indoors or out.

The "quick return" feature is nice - it fast-forwards the tape to the end of the last recording, so you don't accidentally tape over something.

I was initially concerned about the short warranty period (90 days), so I purchased it using my American Express card, which extends my warranty one year.

UPDATE: I've had the camera 5 months now and still no problems. I bought a Firewire cable and card for my computer and it works flawlessly transferring video to my computer, which is then recorded onto DVD. I've heard Sharp won't offer tech support for transferring video to computer, but it works great with my Dell computer running Windows XP Home.

This is one of the cheaper SD cards I had seen. I have had this card for about two years and it has never given me a problem to this day. I recommend this product

I have two of these cards. One for my PDA and a 128MB one for my camera. They work as advertised and the transfer rate seems decent.

I bought this card for my KODAK CX6330 3.1MP digital camera. On this camera, at best resolution, I can take 306 pictures and/or 16 minutes of video. After a lot of use, it hasn't failed or gave me any problems. In fact, it's at least 3x faster than the internal memory when taking, deleting and viewing/thumbing through pictures. Video taking is very nice and fast as well, no problems there, it looks great when watched on TV with friends/family. Approximate download times through cable provided with my camera are about 3 minutes for 50megs of data. Mine is manufactured in China. I would recommend it for use in digital cameras. I'm considering buying another card of 256 or 512meg for making longer videos and to have even more shots when on vacation.