Canon EOS5D mk1 memory card

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Mossberg

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I am looking to purchase a compact flash card for my Canon EOS5D mk 1. But, as this is an older camera and these cards advance at such a rate, I need to make sure I get the correct one.

So could any of you experienced EOS5D mk1 (or classic) camera uses tell me which to buy, and probably more important, which NOT to buy. I don't want to purchase a super fast high capacity version for it not to be compatible with the camera.

Thanks to all you folks that are so kind sharing your advice. As a newbie I feel I must be asking some pretty basic questions.
 
Not a direct answer, but may be of interest.

I have a 5Diii and I bought a CF to TF adaptor, and managed to find one where the TF card goes in the top of the adaptor not the side, so the card can be removed without taking the adaptor out of the camera.
I remember from the past that some cameras had a maximum size limit, and it might need a firmware update or to format the card on a PC not in the camera.
 
They definitely take an SanDisk Extreme IV compact Flash 4GB, possibly 8 or 16GB
 
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I've had no issues using a new 32gb card in an old Canon 30d. That came out near enough the same time from memory 2005 ish. I doubt you'd have an issue using anything smaller.
 
The file sizes would be such that you really don’t need a massive card. I remember in the early noughties paying £80 for a 4gb card.
 
Also, if they’ve not used the camera for a while, you might need some more batteries. And IIRC the 5d takes the older batteries where the charger isn’t fussy re 3rd party batteries.
 
Phil V said:
The file sizes would be such that you really don’t need a massive card. I remember in the early noughties paying £80 for a 4gb card.
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I remember paying €80 for a Sandisk Ultra 4Gb at Schiphol in April 2006.. I think the price of a 1Gb card came down to under £100 in 2004. 5D came out in 2005 IIRC and 2Gb and 4Gb were already the norms then, which you could use with the Epson storage or FlashTrax devices...
 
Phil V said:
Also, if they’ve not used the camera for a while, you might need some more batteries. And IIRC the 5d takes the older batteries where the charger isn’t fussy re 3rd party batteries.
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Thank you Phil. It came with two genuine Canon batteries, one of which seems OK, the other not so good. I was thinking of getting another one and thought about getting a Duracell - is this a good choice as a cheaper alternative.

I did get a battery grip with the camera, and this has an insert that takes AA batteries, so that is a fall-back if needed.
 
Mossberg said:
Thank you Phil. It came with two genuine Canon batteries, one of which seems OK, the other not so good. I was thinking of getting another one and thought about getting a Duracell - is this a good choice as a cheaper alternative.

I did get a battery grip with the camera, and this has an insert that takes AA batteries, so that is a fall-back if needed.
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The AA option is only for absolute emergencies IIRC, I don’t think it’s a reasonable option.
There’s loads of 3rd party battery options, some go for the big brands, some of us just go for ones with good reviews.
 
Phil V said:
The AA option is only for absolute emergencies IIRC, I don’t think it’s a reasonable option.
There’s loads of 3rd party battery options, some go for the big brands, some of us just go for ones with good reviews.
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What brands have a good reputation? I am a big believer in spend wisely, but not always easy when you are new to something (hence all the questions).

Another question regarding Compact Flash memory. Is it worth buying 2nd hand or stick to new?
 
Mossberg said:
What brands have a good reputation? I am a big believer in spend wisely, but not always easy when you are new to something (hence all the questions).

Another question regarding Compact Flash memory. Is it worth buying 2nd hand or stick to new?
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CF cards are cheap as chips, I wouldn’t bother with s/h unless for the reason of saving the planet.
I’ve no idea what brand any of my 3rd party batteries are. Sorry that’s not useful.
 
Phil V said:
CF cards are cheap as chips, I wouldn’t bother with s/h unless for the reason of saving the planet.
I’ve no idea what brand any of my 3rd party batteries are. Sorry that’s not useful.
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No problem Phil, I appreciate your time coming back to me.
 
Mossberg said:
What brands have a good reputation? I am a big believer in spend wisely, but not always easy when you are new to something (hence all the questions).

Another question regarding Compact Flash memory. Is it worth buying 2nd hand or stick to new?
Click to expand...

I think that it may be an idea to ask about a particular brand you have seen, simply because people may have forgotten a good or bad name, but if the name is mentioned, it would jog their memory.
I have been using inexpensive brands for a long time, and haven't has a problem with any I have bought, but have seen some that didn't work out.

Many of the less expensive ones are sold under different names, but by carefully looking at the wording of an ad, and marks on the casings, they can usually be recognised.

I have bought DSTE (often) DOT.FOTO (quite often) DuraPro, PowerTrust and a couple of other names that have worked well, the only one I can remember that was not a success (came with a camera) was Patona, and one to definitely avoid is Bonacell

Be very wary of batteries that state a higher capacity then the original, if the ratings are fake, it is most probably poor quality.

I bought an LP-EP6 for my 5Diii about a year ago, and it lasts as long as a new Canon battery, I will look at the name later.
 
Thanks Sangoma, I appreciate your looking at the brand on your battery as first hand experience of kit is invaluable.
 
Some cheaper CF cards will bend the pins. Particularly older cards. The SanDisk ones are okay. If it doesn't go in easily, stop!

The format of CF cards changed over time so I have cameras which work with up to 2GB (from 2002) up to 32GB (2005) and more than that (2009). That is on Nikons so you need to check the limits on your own camera. You will probably find the speed of some modern cards can outpace the write speed of the camera.

One of the cheapest places to buy used CF cards is CEX, the high street/online second hand shop. 32 GB SanDisk 120MB/S is £15 plus about £3 postage at present.
 
The one I bought for the 5diii is a DSTE.
I don't see any 511s of that make on ebay.

However, you can get 2X Bonacells for less than £14 or 2 with a charger for £18.50, and even if they are lower capacity than stated, you can't really lose.

I have only ever had two batteries swell up, one a genuine Canon from a G10 and the other a genuine Panasonic from a TZ1, both many years ago.

We have at least 50 batteries from various cameras, the only genuine batteries are the ones that came with the cameras.
Apart from sometimes having a lower capacity than the original, have never had any problems.
 
I have the DSTE batteries and have had no problems with them. Some good prices on amazon at the moment. Just check weather they are the lp-e6 or the lp-e6n etc.
 
luthy said:
I have the DSTE batteries and have had no problems with them. Some good prices on amazon at the moment. Just check weather they are the lp-e6 or the lp-e6n etc.
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I think his are 511s, but on the lp-e6, either the n or non n work
 
Ah got mixed up there but havd used 511 DSTE in my 40D just fine.
 
Thanks for all the help folks.
I have ordered a couple of Duracell batteries from Duracell direct. The two cost £24 including delivery and had good reviews on Amazon.

I have also ordered a couple of CF cards but went for 2nd hand. The guy selling them had been using them in a Nikon camera that he has changed so hoping they work OK.

Again, thank you for your help.
 
@Mossberg

Just a word of cautionary tale (which I personally never experienced)....

  • IIRC the camera is 'new' to you and you have yet to use it i.e. you have never put a CF card in? If that is correct I suggest you use a bright light (torch?) to look into the CF slot to examine the pins. IIRC all you should see are the tips/tops of the pins. If there is any one of them bent, you have a problem..... AFAIK it was only ever reported as one pin at risk, the 'ground pin(?)' which is tad longer than the rest.
  • The above issue is caused by mis-inserting the CF card and forcing it in!
  • Re: second hand cards. Before you insert either one, examine the holes to be sure there is no debri e.g. a broken pin blocking a hole.
  • Lastly, and for fear of stating the blindingly obvious. The card will only go in in one way....the slot and the card are keyed. Once aligned as you drop it in there should be very little resistance but there could be a slight lateral movement. IMO and I what used to do was use very light pressure (that was all that was needed) to push it down to the point (almost fully in) when some resistance is felt. That is when it is touching the pins and that little bit harder pressure was needed for push it home.
  • I know that sounds long winded but it takes but a moment to do it right:)

FWIW I had over some many years the Canon 350D, 40D, 7D & 5Dmk3

The stories I refer to, I got the impression were mostly from novices to dSLR and CF cards, mishandling the insertion of the card resulting in the aforementioned bent pin

Though, some were of the very odd report of a CF card having a broken pin stuck in the card, which if then inserted into another camera mangled/bent a pin:(
 
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Box Brownie said:
Just a word of cautionary tale (which I personally never experienced)....

  • IIRC the camera is 'new' to you and you have yet to use it i.e. you have never put a CF card in? If that is correct I suggest you use a bright light (torch?) to look into the CF slot to examine the pins. IIRC all you should see are the tips/tops of the pins. If there is any one of them bent, you have a problem..... AFAIK it was only ever reported as one pin at risk, the 'ground pin(?)' which is tad longer than the rest.
  • The above issue is caused by mis-inserting the CF card and forcing it in!
  • Re: second hand cards. Before you insert either one, examine the holes to be sure there is no debri e.g. a broken pin blocking a hole.
  • Lastly, and for fear of stating the blindingly obvious. The card will only go in in one way....the slot and the card are keyed. Once aligned as you drop it in there should be very little resistance but there could be a slight lateral movement. IMO and I what used to do was use very light pressure (that was all that was needed) to push it down to the point (almost fully in) when some resistance is felt. That is when it is touching the pins and that little bit harder pressure was needed for push it home.
  • I know that sounds long winded but it takes but a moment to do it right:)

FWIW I had over some many years the Canon 350D, 40D, 7D & 5Dmk3

The stories I refer to, I got the impression were mostly from novices to dSLR and CF cards, mishandling the insertion of the card resulting in the aforementioned bent pin

Though, some were of the very odd report of a CF card having a broken pin stuck in the card, which if then inserted into another camera mangled/bent a pin:(
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A very good and valid point, and the reason why I fitted an adapter to my 5Diii to take TF cards.

I have had it before, and many years ago my daughter lost her GCSE work because of it.
 
Mossberg said:
Thanks for all the help folks.
I have ordered a couple of Duracell batteries from Duracell direct. The two cost £24 including delivery and had good reviews on Amazon.

I have also ordered a couple of CF cards but went for 2nd hand. The guy selling them had been using them in a Nikon camera that he has changed so hoping they work OK.

Again, thank you for your help.
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I gave away a whole heap of CF and SD cards a few months ago, the CF thinking there was no demand for them and the 8Gb extremes (which I paid £75 for in 2010) would've been ideal for you.

Fingers crossed the cards you've bought work.
 
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