Canon A710 IS Memory Card & Batteries

[halfbuck]

I'm purchasing a Canon A710 IS soon. For the last few years, I've used an A70 and like it. I'm sure I'll enjoy the upgrade! :)

I have a couple of questions concerning memory cards and batteries?

Batteries:

Will 2700 mAh and 2900 mAh batteries work OK in this camera?

Memory Card:
Do I need to be concerned with a certain speed?

What about brands, are they pretty much all the same? I've seen some very inexpensive 2GB SDHC cards on Walmart's website.

Thanks!

[RebelRat]

The batteries should be good to go.

I generally use Sandisk Ultra II in all my cameras. Always reliable and fast to write.

[Graystar]

When it comes to batteries, capacity is never a problem. The more the better! You just have to make sure that your charger is compatible with the mAH rating. Some chargers aren’t designed to be in constant use for the amount of time it takes to charge high capacity cells. The LaCrosse BC-900 is a very popular charger with those “in the know,” and will charge those big cells.

For my A710 I use a 4 GB Transcend SDHC Class 6 card that I got from newegg.com for 50 bucks, although the price is now 42. It’s worked perfectly so far. In general, Transcend flash cards get very good reviews at newegg.com, which is probably one of the most reliable sources of end user experience.

Class 6 is the fastest Class for SDHC. Considering how little there is to be saved by buying a Class 2 card, a little future-proofing by going with a Class 6 just makes sense. I’ve yet to note where the faster card provides a benefit, although I’ve read elsewhere that there are some areas where the 16MB card provided by Canon fails to meet the camera’s specs, and you need a faster card to realize the full speed of the camera. Certainly, if you’re taking Large Superfine under continuous at 1.7 pics per second, you’re gonna need a card that can maintain a speed of 6 MB per second. Only the Class 6 cards can do that.

[outpost05]

I havebeen using MAHA Pwerex 2700 batteries.
I have used both Standart and Ultra II Sandisk cards. The Ultra II downloads faster using the card reader. Haven;t noticed any difference in camera use.

[reppans]

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28595

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26910

[halfbuck]

Thanks for the info.

I purchased a SanDisk SD 2 GB memory card today (SDSDB-2048-A10). Only $15 after rebates at Circuit City!

BUT, I can't find a speed rating on the packaging or on SanDisk's website. Anyone have any info? I don't think I'll be doing much burst shooting, but I don't want any problems recording high speed video.

I may go back and get another one (or two).

Thanks.

[David Metsky]

I have the basic Sandisk card for my SD300 which takes the exact same video mode. It has no problems keeping up for unlimited (1G) shooting.

-dave-