OT: SD/CF adapter

[Jeff Rutledge]

I've looked around and can't find the answer I'm looking for, so it's time to tap the intellectual keg that is PPCT.

Is there an adapter available that will allow me to use an SD memory card in my digital camera? I'm looking at getting the Canon Powershot S50 camera. It has a CF slot (assume Type 1?). I don't have any CF cards, but have a few SD cards. I'd like to be able to use my SD card in the camera with an adapter. That way I could just remove the card from the camera, slap it into my iPAQ and share the pics.

Could it be that simple?

PS: Sorry if this is on the newbie side, but I don't know much about digital cameras, etc...

[Jeff Rutledge]

I've looked around and can't find the answer I'm looking for, so it's time to tap the intellectual keg that is PPCT.

Is there an adapter available that will allow me to use an SD memory card in my digital camera? I'm looking at getting the Canon Powershot S50 camera. It has a CF slot (assume Type 1?). I don't have any CF cards, but have a few SD cards. I'd like to be able to use my SD card in the camera with an adapter. That way I could just remove the card from the camera, slap it into my iPAQ and share the pics.

Could it be that simple?

PS: Sorry if this is on the newbie side, but I don't know much about digital cameras, etc...

[WindWalker]

They exist, but I can't verify how well they will work with your camera.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/digi-superstore/coad.html

[Crystal Eitle]

Why not get a camera that takes SD cards? (I know, Canons are the best, but there are still other options out there).

Canon is coming out with an Elph that takes SD. I don't know when, though.

[Crystal Eitle]

Have you looked at the Pentax Optio S or the Canon EX-Z3? Those are both good quality cameras that take SD.

I went through this recently because I wanted an SD camera. My other criteria were that it be teeny-tiny and have no shutter lag. I wound up with a Casio EX-M2, which is pretty good for what it is (but not spectacular).

[Crystal Eitle]

Waitaminnit - you have a Dell? That means you have dual slots. I'd say go ahead and go with the Canon. CF memory is cheap, way cheaper than SD. And that way you know you have a card just for pictures - and you can still pop it into your PPC for picture viewing!

[Jeff Rutledge]

Originally Posted by Crystal Eitle

Why not get a camera that takes SD cards? (I know, Canons are the best, but there are still other options out there).

Canon is coming out with an Elph that takes SD. I don't know when, though.

Well, the main reason is that I'm not that familiar with digital cameras so I'd like to minimize the risk of spending a bunch of money that doesn't do what I want. This especially difficult because I'm not completely sure what I want.

A good friend has the S40 and loves it. He bought it for the same reason I am (when he found out his wife was pregnant) and his tastes are always close to my own. So while I'm not married to the S50, I'm definitely comfortable with that decision.

Have you looked at the Pentax Optio S or the Canon EX-Z3? Those are both good quality cameras that take SD.

I found the Pentax and it looks pretty interesting (I do like the lens cover on the Canon though). I can't find the EX-Z3 anywhere. Maybe it's not available in Canada.

Waitaminnit - you have a Dell? That means you have dual slots. I'd say go ahead and go with the Canon. CF memory is cheap, way cheaper than SD. And that way you know you have a card just for pictures - and you can still pop it into your PPC for picture viewing!

Actually, my wife and I both have iPAQ's. She has a 1910 and I have a 3870 (likely to become a 5550). I already have a few SD cards so that helps. In fact, I have a 128MB SD card just lying around.

I'm thinking the best thing to do is try out the adapter Windwalker posted above to see if it works (it was only $12). I'll test it with my friend's S40. If it works, I'll probably go ahead and buy the S50. My wife isn't due until December so I have a bit of time.

It's nice to know there's some knowledge out there though as this is a totally new area for me.

Thanks for all your help!

[Crystal Eitle]

Here's a good site for learning about digital cameras:

http://www.dcresource.com/

If you're not sure which camera you want, I also recommend getting one from a store, snapping some pictures, and returning it if it's not the right one (just make sure you keep all the packaging!). I returned two different cameras before buying the Casio.

I'd say you can't go wrong with a Canon, though. They take great pictures. I hope the adapter works out.

[Jeff Rutledge]

Thanks for the site. I'll definitely check it out.

Good suggestion with the packaging. I am one who generally tosses it right away (even though I should know better). I'll make sure I hang on to it for a while this time.

Originally Posted by Crystal Eitle

I'd say you can't go wrong with a Canon, though. They take great pictures. I hope the adapter works out.

It's being shipped ground from the US so who knows how long it will take to get here, but I'll let you know how I fair.

[TobyWong]

JR you should check out future shop, they carry alot of digital cams and have a very liberal return policy (aka loaner program). Last time I checked it was 30 days no questions asked (verify this for yourself). I would recommend pick one up, try it out, take your time and if you don't like it just swap it for another.

[Janak Parekh]

That adapter, most likely, won't work. The reason is because the SD card almost definitely sticks out the back. Unless your camera has "extra space" there, you'll be in trouble.

There is only one adapter, to my knowledge, that offers "flush" mounting SD cards in the adapter, and I posted on it a while ago. Unfortunately, it's not easily available in our hemisphere.

--janak