Memory tips

1. When you get a new memory card, most cameras will require that it is formatted before use. Always shoot a few test shots to verify images are being properly recorded.

2. Verify the proper orientation for inserting the card into the camera from the camera manual. Find the side of the card that has the sockets, labels on the memory cards usually faces the back of the camera. Be very gentle, never force the card.

3. Never, ever allow the card to enter the card slot without being aligned to the slot, it will bend the pins in the cameras card reader and destroy the camera.

4. Always check that you photos are being properly recorded ( shoot test shots before) and verify while taking them (at the site or event):
• The images are there
• The  file type and size is correct
• The white balance setting and ISO are reasonable

5. Make sure that you have a good charge in the camera battery (and the laptop if you are using one), before starting the download as a large card may need easily 10+ minutes to download.

6. If you suspect that the download was incorrect or incomplete, avoid deleting the originals from the card until the photos are verified in the computer, on a professional job ideally you would keep the photos in the card as a backup until the job is delivered.

7. If you have difficulties with the download, try rebooting the computer or the software. If you still have trouble, try using another program to import the photos.
8. Back up your files. Burn CD’s, download to multiple computers, and use back up hard-drives on your main computer.

9. When the card is not in the camera, keep it in the plastic case, and avoid dirt or moisture getting in the sockets of the connectors. The case will offer some protection against physical impact to the card (a rare, but usually fatal occurrence for memory cards)

10. Prior to inserting a card, visually check the sockets of the card are all clear, if dirt has been forced into the sockets there is a risk that images will not record, the socket will be jammed and that the cameras card reader could be permanently damaged (bent/broken pins).

11. If the camera or card is very cold (outdoor winter conditions), avoid changing the card as soon as you soon as you get indoors, you want to avoid changing either the card or lens until everything comes to room temperature to avoid getting condensation inside the camera or the connector.

12. If you are using large cards for the first time, get a second battery to carry in your camera bag, and bring your battery charger. If you are traveling by car, get an adapter that lets you charge while you drive.  A Nikon D300 shooting JEPG will get about 2800 images on 16GB card. The battery will last for as many as 700-1000 photos in natural light and 200 or less if you are using the built in flash. In cold temperatures (below freezing) the number of photos per charge may be reduced by more than 50%. Older batteries will need more frequent charges.

13. Take advantage of your larger card to get a better photo, set the shutter release to continuous high speed and squeeze off a few shots at time, often the second or third in the series is clearer than the first.( less camera shake). Use the auto bracketing function to ensure you have a good exposure, especially where bright sunlight makes seeing the monitor difficult. (if your camera has a “blinking” feature that shows the overexposed areas, turn this feature on, it is easy to see in  the bright sun).

14. Larger cards will allow you to shoot RAW images, (rather than shooting JEPG to save space). If you have never shot RAW before, shoot a few test shots to be sure your photo software is compatible with RAW.

15. If your DSLR shoots video, keep in mind that you will need a card with a higher minimum write speed to shoot video, than you need for stills, HD or 1080p video will need a faster card than needed for basic video (check to find the minimum specs for your camera). Shoot some test footage with any new card.

16. Always have a few extra memory cards with you. You may want to use a spare unformatted card to get copies of photos taken by other photographers, it will be safer to use one card per camera than to try to mix photos you have taken with imported folders, especially when the cameras are not the same brand, or the photos are different file types, or make contain duplicate file numbers.

17. If you are using the Red One, digital cinema camera (or similar product), we cannot assure any cards we offer will meet the extreme write speed requirements. Shoot test footage (including overcranked), and use at your own risk.