Problems with Transcend SDHC Cards

John Peterson · September 5th, 2009, 11:29 AM

With two Sandisk cards and six Transcend cards I have not been had one single failure with any of them using my six Kensington adapters under any circumstances. The six Kensington adapters are pre-loaded before any shoot.

I wouldn't trade the Kensington adapters for any amount of money in the world and can easily live with the card door not closing when I shoot rather than risk having any of these issues described even once.
If some day I have to shoot in a sandstorm I'll use my SxS cards.

Don't forget, the purpose of both the Hoodman and MxR adapters was simply to allow the door to close - that's it. Not worth it IMO, but on the other hand those excellent Kensington adapters are no longer available so you don't have much choice if you don't already own Kensington adapters.

Of course, if Sony would get off their monopolistic high horse and reduce the price of their proprietary SxS memory cards to a "reasonable" price level none of this would be an issue.

John

Matt Davis · September 5th, 2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Peterson

I have not been had one single failure with any of them using the six Kensington adapters under any circumstances.

Don't get me wrong - I've not had a single failure with any of my 8 MxRs, 2 Kensingtons, and 16 Transcends. The only problem I had was with 2 sandisk SDHC cards having their write-protect tabs snap off, making them totally fubar albeit in a safe fashion.

And ditto - you could not prise that kit out of my dead hands. But I'm a bit icky about buying any more cards at the moment. I love my MxR kit, but right now not sure if I would be persuading anyone to buy in during this 'batch' or 'year' (is 2009 a bad SDHC 'vintage'?), though I have done exactly that with a colleage, and yes he had problems (though it may be the card - Marcus, can you post here yet?).

The only thing I'm a bit wary of is that dull lazy mentality that concludes 'all SDHC cards are bad, anyone who uses them is a moron' meme that can infect the hive mind.

Craig Seeman · September 5th, 2009, 01:40 PM

To add to what Matt says,

TEST THE CARDS FIRST.

But the cards in (two if possible) and let the camera record straight through NON STOP including the slot switch. If they fail at all then the cards aren't reliable. If they can record end to end then try one more time end to end.

After that do some shorter records and periodically delete clips.

If you do that and don't get a media error then you're good to go.

I have two 32GB Sandisk Ultra II Class 2 (yes Class 2) and they've been spot on reliable since I bought them in January 2009.

Malcolm Dyer · September 5th, 2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Frederick

Malcolm,

What card adapter are you using? The Hoodman or an MxR? It seems to make a difference for some.

I am using MxR. I only have Transcend cards.
MxR, MxM and Hoodman were supposed to be all from the same manufacturer.
I understand MxR have switched manufacturers at some point.
Don't know how you distinguish between early and later models.
I don't shoot enough to really test the cards but am becoming nervous about using them for a paying job. Might invest in more SxS.

September 5th, 2009, 11:29 AM	#31
John Peterson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Monroe, NY Posts: 703	With two Sandisk cards and six Transcend cards I have not been had one single failure with any of them using my six Kensington adapters under any circumstances. The six Kensington adapters are pre-loaded before any shoot. I wouldn't trade the Kensington adapters for any amount of money in the world and can easily live with the card door not closing when I shoot rather than risk having any of these issues described even once. If some day I have to shoot in a sandstorm I'll use my SxS cards. Don't forget, the purpose of both the Hoodman and MxR adapters was simply to allow the door to close - that's it. Not worth it IMO, but on the other hand those excellent Kensington adapters are no longer available so you don't have much choice if you don't already own Kensington adapters. Of course, if Sony would get off their monopolistic high horse and reduce the price of their proprietary SxS memory cards to a "reasonable" price level none of this would be an issue. John

September 5th, 2009, 01:40 PM	#33
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	To add to what Matt says, TEST THE CARDS FIRST. But the cards in (two if possible) and let the camera record straight through NON STOP including the slot switch. If they fail at all then the cards aren't reliable. If they can record end to end then try one more time end to end. After that do some shorter records and periodically delete clips. If you do that and don't get a media error then you're good to go. I have two 32GB Sandisk Ultra II Class 2 (yes Class 2) and they've been spot on reliable since I bought them in January 2009.