View Full Version : Memory Cards & Magic Lantern solve the problem of continues filming?


Ana Conlon
April 1st, 2012, 08:12 AM
I just wanted to check that my information was correct.

I have a 550D which I'm planning on using as a second camera for weddings. I currently have a 16GB transcend class 6 memory card which came with the camera. When filming it drops out. I understand that I need to install magic lantern and use a quality memory card to get continuous filming. Any DSLR can only film 4 GB (12min of 1080i) at a time but Magic Lantern ensure you only loose a couple of second before it starts filming again. Have I all this correct?

I also need to purchase more 32GB cards. I know that you must have a top quality card to prevent dropping during filming. I read that transcend class 6 is the best...is this correct? I normally buy from digital rev as I find them pretty competitively priced.

Transcend 32GB SDHC Class 6 Memory Card - digitalrev (http://www.digitalrev.com/product/transcend-32gb-sdhc-class-6/NzQxOA_A_A)

Any other recommendations are very welcome?

Murray Christian
April 1st, 2012, 10:53 AM
Yeah, Magic Lantern has a restart feature that will give you a bit of a gap.

Class 6 SD cards are the bare minumum though. The best (or one of at least) SDHC cards are Sandisk Extreme Class 10s But they cost a lot. Transcend do some class 10 cards too, but they do get some mixed reviews. I've never had any trouble with mine, personally. Other people seem to have nothing but.

Jay Corcuera
April 1st, 2012, 11:28 AM
I've had transcends card and wouldn't recommend them if you're going to be using magic lantern on them.. I've had trouble with their 32gb class 10 card buffeting when using some features with ML installed.. I highly recommend these cards..

BeachCamera.com - Sandisk 64GB Ultra SDXC UHS-I Card 30MB/s (Class 10) (http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=SDSDU064GA11)

I bought he 64gb sdxc card and installed ML on it.. I don't get the buffer signal at all with global draw and focus leaking on.. Some people would recommend buying a smaller card so you don't get screwed if it goes bad or you lose it with all the footage still in there..

Ana Conlon
April 1st, 2012, 03:10 PM
Hi Murry thanks for that, I actually had the class system the wrong way around. I though 6 was better than 10 and Transcend were the card to go for.

Jay Thanks for the link, it's actually really good price. I just need to check if they will post to Ireland. I'm a little concerned that the price might be too good as I've read over and over again to be wary of the price...as in if its too good to be true then avoid! I hope you don't think I'm doubting you but just before I hit the buy button I'd love some more feed back. As it's wedding footage I can't take any risks. Can any else vouch for this type of card? O yeah and I'll probably go for 2x32GB for the reasons you have suggested.

Jon Onstot
April 1st, 2012, 03:30 PM
Ditto the Sandisk recommendation. Class 10 is a must IMO. You'll lose a few seconds of filming when ML fires up the continuation, but it's better than the alternative (manual restart).

Seth Bloombaum
April 1st, 2012, 03:43 PM
Forum sponsor BH Photo Video has them in-stock:
SanDisk 64GB SDXC Memory Card Ultra Class 10 SDSDU-064G-A11 B&H

SanDisk 32GB SDHC Memory Card Ultra Class 10 SDSDU-032G-A11 B&H

I recently purchased Sandisk Extreme (not Extreme Pro):
SanDisk 32GB SDHC Memory Card Extreme Class 10 SDSDRX3-032G-A21, which give you about 1.5x on read speed, but $55 USD. Write speed is the same.

The Ultra cards sure look like a sweet spot for performance and cost.

Jay Corcuera
April 1st, 2012, 05:06 PM
Hi Murry thanks for that, I actually had the class system the wrong way around. I though 6 was better than 10 and Transcend were the card to go for.

Jay Thanks for the link, it's actually really good price. I just need to check if they will post to Ireland. I'm a little concerned that the price might be too good as I've read over and over again to be wary of the price...as in if its too good to be true then avoid! I hope you don't think I'm doubting you but just before I hit the buy button I'd love some more feed back. As it's wedding footage I can't take any risks. Can any else vouch for this type of card? O yeah and I'll probably go for 2x32GB for the reasons you have suggested.

Beach camera is very reputable.. You can find them on eBay as well and check out their reseller rating..