I just rec'd a Canon SD870is. For a P&S would a fast SD card really make a noticible difference?

Question

I just rec'd a Canon SD870is. For a P&S would a fast SD card really make a noticible difference?

Answer 1

Probably not.

Here is why:

"Independent tests of professional digital SLRs indicate that many are unable to exceed a speed of 4 MB/sec writing to a CompactFlash card. This equates to a speed just slightly better than 24X. This being the case, there will be very little speed difference between a 24X-rated card and a 40Xrated card in these cameras. However, the 40X card will move information more quickly from the camera or card reader to the computer."  Rangefinder Magazine.

This probably holds true especially for P&S cameras which have much less sophisticated image processing electronics than do DSLR's

Answer 2

I would say yes. Even though these SD models are tiny and point & shoot, they do feature Canon's latest Digic III processor, which takes advantage of a fast card.

An ultra fast card is not necessary for writing small jpeg files to the card etc. but you need a fast card especially when you want to record movies (they're processor intensive), continuous shooting and for when transferring files to your computer.

Most camera review testers use the Sandisk Extreme III SD (Class 6) card in their tests. It's an excellent card and I wouldn't use anything less. Yes, it may be 'extreme' overkill for writing jpeg files to the card...but if you want speedy camera performance and intend to shoot movies, then it's the one to get.

The good thing about the popular Sandisk Extreme III is that it's very cheap to buy these days. The slightly slower Sandisk Ultra II (Class 4) would also be perfectly adequate...

from one review...

"It's worth spending the extra money for a high speed SD or SDHC card"