Understanding SDHC Cards Campbell Cameras inFOCUS Blog Campbell Cameras IN FOCUS blog

Understanding SDHC Cards

SDHC Cards are Secure Digital High Capacity Cards that are flash memory cards that provide removable memory for, in this case, video cameras. According to Wisegeek.com, "consumers can get the best performance value of of their digital products by using flash memory cards that support the device's highest standards for data transfer speed." Cards are classified according to the minimal sustained DTS (data transfer speed):

Class 2: minimum sustained DTS of 2MB/sec
Class 4: minimum sustained DTS of 4MB/sec
Class 6: minimum sustained DTS of 6MB/sec

Flash cards are priced not only according to capacity, but also to speed. It is important to know your product's maximum DTS because there is no reason to pay for a Class 6 card if your product has a maximum DTS of a Class 4. Your camera will always perform better is you utilize the correct Class that the camera suggests.

The suggested recording time available with a 16GB card is 6hrs. This is with perfect conditions. For the use of the video camera outdoors the length will be more like 2-3hrs. The suggested recording time for 32gb is 12hrs... again with outdoor conditions it is more like 4-6hrs.

Tip of the day: When you format your SDHC card it will erase everything that is on your SDHC card. Always remember to transfer your footage to your computer or an external hard drive for storage. I always recommend backing up your footage in multiple locations, just incase something was to happen to one of those locations.