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High-Speed Cards: Why They Matter

With so many options available in the world of digital photography, it can be daunting making sense of all the choices. With memory cards offered at different capacities and speed-ratings (and some with no speed-rating at all), how can you decide what's ideal for you and your type of photography?

The answer is this: speed-rated cards are a smart investment for all photographers and offer a wide range of capabilities. A high-speed memory card can enhance in-camera performance, especially for photographers who take a multitude of pictures, use the video option on their camera, or have the need to shoot photos in quick succession. The true benefit, however, is in post-production work, where transfer speeds can be greatly accelerated and wait times significantly reduced.

The Perks of High Speed

Lexar Platinum speed rated cards.
By definition, high-speed memory cards are designed to perform faster. A speed rating means that each card is tested and guaranteed to be at least as fast as its stated rating. It also means that the camera can write to the card faster, and that fast readers can perform downloads from the camera faster. Lexar Platinum cards are speed rated and come in standardized increments such as 40X, 60X, and 80X. The X represents the transfer rate, and 1X means the card can perform data transfer at 150 KiloBytes (KB) per second. This is important to know because you can match the capabilities of your camera and your needs as a photographer to the speed of card that's appropriate for your level of use.



Capacity and workflow
. These are two key benefits of a high-speed memory card. Not only are you able to increase the number of photos or amount of video you take, but you can improve on the speed in which you take them. While using a high-capacity card greatly reduce the need to stop and change cards frequently, a high-speed card is important if you are photographing a fast-paced sporting event or an important occasion.

More importantly, high-speed memory cards make a huge difference in post-production work. With transfer rates and upload times significantly reduced, photographers enjoy a huge time savings. This gives photographers more time for photo and video editing, and working on other projects.

Reliability. Probably the most critical component for any memory card, reliability is the single most important thing to all photographers. Whether you're shooting a family wedding or taking your own vacation photos, you need to have the peace of mind of knowing your images are all being stored safely and there will be no file corruption. A high-quality, high-speed memory card ensures you don't lose any images-ever.

Perfect for video.
Lexar Platinum memory cards are the ideal choice for capturing smooth, full-motion video on your camera or camcorder. Superior high-speed performance means that you'll experience optimum transfer rates with no dropped frames. Since video clips use a lot of memory card space, be sure to look for the largest capacity card available when you shop.


The Need for Speed

For rapid-fire shooting or video capture, a Platinum-level memory card is the perfect addition to your arsenal. Besides enhancing in-camera functions and greatly reducing photo transfer time, you get the added versatility of high-speed video capture and video transfer, which makes selecting a high-speed memory card an easy choice. If you're not using a speed-rated memory card, now's the time to make the switch!

Lexar Platinum Memory Cards: Designed for High-Speed Performance and Maximum Versatility

Lexar offers a full line of high-speed memory cards, ideal for prosumers and professionals who demand optimal performance from both the memory card and digital camera they use.


All Lexar Platinum-level memory cards come with a lifetime warranty and full technical support.

Lexar Platinum high-speed memory cards are available in CompactFlash®, Secure Digital™, and Memory Stick™ formats, in capacities up to 2GB.







Lexar Product Links
Pro 133X CompactFlash®
Platinum 40X CompactFlash®
Pro 133X SD Cards

Pro Firewire CF Reader
Pro USB CF Reader
Pro 4-Port USB Hub