compact flash memory question

i don't think the speed will matter much, because S400 may only use type I CF...

256 MB should hold a bit over 150 or so at the highest resolution and least compression. i have a 3 MP camera and each file is a shade over 1 MB. with 4 MP, i magine each picture will be about 1.5 MB.

 

I've been asking similar questions.

I recently switched to CompactFlash from SmartMedia and find it hard to believe that there are so many speed ratings. SanDisk with their Ultra and Ultra II seem to have faster ratings but Lexar are interleaved with them with the 40x and 80x cards. I believe that 40x is 6 MB/sec. and Ultra II is 10 MB/sec.

I would expect that, if you're not using a professional camera, it won't matter a whole lot, though.

 

The speed you see on ebay are all just mumble jumble to get you to buy their stuff. You maybe be taking a chance w/ the no name brand CF from ebay, but it works out, good for you. I stick w/ the sandisk and viking brand CF.

Check powershot.com for CF/pic spec on the S400. Looks like you can get 123 pics w/ a 256MB CF at highest resolution.

 

i have a few CF cards, and depending on your camera model, the faster cards can improve your "write" time, and reduce lag between saving shots, there is about a 3 second difference between my 4x card and the 16x card.

 

Best to check with other S400 owners. Look for Canon digital camera groups on usenet or Yahoo Groups and search their archives to see which card gives the best performance in the S400. I'd guess 12x would probably be plenty fast for the S400 and the price range for 1x to 12x is pretty flat. It's not until you hit the 30x and up range that there's a significant price premium.