Class 6 SDHC Card is really Class 10?

[Shawn Storm]

Hi Folks,

Slightly off topic, but related to my GH1 so figured I would post it here. I just bought a new Sandisk SDHC Extreme III 8 Gig card for my GH1 (purchased at Best Buy). The package said it was "Class 6" and showed a picture of the card. Once I opened the package the card looks quite different from the package and has a "Class 10" symbol on it. I was very confused and even took it back to Best Buy to figure out what was up. The salesman had no clue but reasoned that Class 10 is better than Class 6 and that I should just keep it.

I did a bunch of research online and I think Sandisk must of put new re-labeled cards into old packaging? Here is a clip from a DPReview article that may solve my confusion:
The SanDisk Extreme SDHC 32GB cards will be shipping worldwide to major retailers in August. Also in August, the current 4, 8 and16GB capacity SanDisk Extreme SDHC cards will be upgraded from Class 6 to Class 10

Here is a link to a picture of what I actually got:
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-8GB-Extreme-III-SDSDX3-008G-P31/dp/B002GEQDK4

Anyways - it was a confusing day of trying to figure out what was happening and being worried that I might have a hard time returning the card if defective, etc. If I get a chance I am going to call Sandisk just to make sure. I am posting all this here so you folks don't have to go through the confusion that I did! :)

I assume this card will work well in the GH1 for Video?

-shawn-

[Barry_Green]

Should work very well, yes.

Many "Class 6" cards are probably quite a bit better than "Class 6". It's just that up until very recently, "Class 6" was the highest specified class. They just recently introduced Class 10, and so manufacturers now have a chance to re-rate their cards. Probably what happened here. It's probably identical to the prior "Class 6" card but with a "Class 10" label on it, since the old Extreme IIIs were probably all really Class 10 performance anyway.

[Shawn Storm]

Weird! Well I am happy I got whatever I got. Sounds like it is basically the same thing as what is on the package, just with a different label.

I called Sandisk and explained the situation and they said it was a packaging mistake (the packaging should match the contents). Luckily they also said I can keep the card and don't have to worry about warranty issues. I didn't realize their cards have a lifetime warranty! Cool.

-shawn-

[Rory_B]

Off topic but related at the same time:

I have a 16gb panasonic class 10 SDHC card. It shows on the package it's capable of 22mb/sec

Does this theoretically mean that Panny left some headroom for a firmware upgrade to the GH1 or HMC150 to make the codec a wee bit more robust?

[Mike@AF]

Don't forget to send in your rebate.

[Rory_B]

Rebate for what? The card?

[Mike@AF]

Yeah, but it looks like Best Buy is not eligible. Sorry.

http://www.abesofmaine.com/abeimg/rebates/q3%202009%20extreme%20mir_high%20res.pdf

[yslee]

Off topic but related at the same time:

I have a 16gb panasonic class 10 SDHC card. It shows on the package it's capable of 22mb/sec

Does this theoretically mean that Panny left some headroom for a firmware upgrade to the GH1 or HMC150 to make the codec a wee bit more robust?
Bits and bytes, people. Bits and bytes.

[Rory_B]

Bits and bytes, people. Bits and bytes.

I'm the last person to worry about bits and bytes. I am simply intrigued by the possibility of a firmware upgrade of some sort allowing for a little less compression to be able to push the wee camera even further.

I had a terrible 1st unit and returned it and then bought a new one elsewhere a week later and the difference between the two is night and day, so I think even panasonic is improving the camera as they roll off the production line.

So if a firmware upgrade is possible to improve quality even more so, then I'm all for it.

[yslee]

I'm the last person to worry about bits and bytes. I am simply intrigued by the possibility of a firmware upgrade of some sort allowing for a little less compression to be able to push the wee camera even further.

I had a terrible 1st unit and returned it and then bought a new one elsewhere a week later and the difference between the two is night and day, so I think even panasonic is improving the camera as they roll off the production line.

So if a firmware upgrade is possible to improve quality even more so, then I'm all for it.
Nothing wrong with the firmware update, but your premise is flimsy.

[Rory_B]

That they've improved the units coming off the production line? I'm not the only one who has had a lemon first time out.

I know how to operate a camera and the results popping off the first unit I had even on a tripod was pretty much some of the worst footage I've seen possible.

With the new one I've tried to break the codec and so far it's held up without a single issue. Going to attempt more tests before my refund timeframe runs up of course.

So I don't think it's a flimsy premise that panasonic had some real clunkers out there. It happens with many products. That's why automakers have mass recalls.

Exploding gas tanks anyone?

[yslee]

I interpreted your statement based on the card's speed.

[Rory_B]

My bad. I certainly don't forsee it happening, but wishful thinking of having a firmware upgrade to match the card's speed would be nice.

Either way I am enjoying the new unit more. I did crazy smash zooms and whip pans this afternoon out my window and into traffic and all i got was excessive jello which is expected. Not a single iota of mud. So I figure newer units hitting the shelves have to be improved a wee bit now.