fps and memory card question - The Photo Forum

cjmcluen · 03-25-2008, 10:36 AM

I am buying a d300 in a few days and I am planning on getting the grib to bump it up to 8fps. NOW my question is what CF card should I get for the 8fps because I am clueless on that...... Any help would be awesome!
Thanks!
Chris

Big Mike · 03-25-2008, 10:49 AM

When you take a shot, the image is recorded by the camera then stored in the 'buffer' before it's written to the card. Writing to the card is slower than taking more photos in burst mode, especially at 8fps....so the images start to pile up in the buffer.

So, it's the size of the buffer that will be the determining factor as to how many shots you can take with an extended burst. Also, the file size matters...and you can usually shoot more JPEG images than RAW images.

Of course, the speed if the card does play a factor. A faster card will clear the buffer faster...but the buffers on modern cameras are so big, that unless you are using the camera like a machine gun, you shouldn't have a problem.

I just looked it up on dpreview and it said that the D300 was good for 100 JPEGs in continuous drive. I'm not sure if it would be less with the grip or not.

B.t.w....can anyone tell me why/how this camera shoots faster with the grip attached? This used to be the case with old film cameras, because the grip has a motor that would turn the film faster...but that's obviously not the case with digital. Does the grip just offer more batter power or does it also increase the buffer size or speed?

lostprophet · 03-25-2008, 10:50 AM

thought you needed the grip, the battery from the D2X and the charger to make the camera faster

keith204 · 03-25-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike

B.t.w....can anyone tell me why/how this camera shoots faster with the grip attached? This used to be the case with old film cameras, because the grip has a motor that would turn the film faster...but that's obviously not the case with digital. Does the grip just offer more batter power or does it also increase the buffer size or speed?

For more power. The grip can hold EN-EL4a batteries, which the camera can not. The EN-EL4a batteries must be used to get the 8FPS.

Socrates · 03-25-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike

B.t.w....can anyone tell me why/how this camera shoots faster with the grip attached? This used to be the case with old film cameras, because the grip has a motor that would turn the film faster...but that's obviously not the case with digital. Does the grip just offer more batter power or does it also increase the buffer size or speed?

Maybe the motor turns the storage card faster?

Seriously, the difference is only from 6 fps to 8 fps. I would suspect that the difference is in mirror movement.

Socrates · 03-25-2008, 11:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by cjmcluen

I am buying a d300 in a few days and I am planning on getting the grib to bump it up to 8fps. NOW my question is what CF card should I get for the 8fps because I am clueless on that...... Any help would be awesome!
Thanks!
Chris

Are you aware that you can download a non-printing user manual from Nikon before you buy the camera?

Big Mike · 03-25-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

For more power. The grip can hold EN-EL4a batteries, which the camera can not. The EN-EL4a batteries must be used to get the 8FPS.

I guess what I'm asking is...is it really just 'more power' that allows you to shoot at more fps? If that's the case, couldn't you just swap out the battery for a more powerful one?
I was under the impression that the top shooting speed had more to do with the design of the mirror and shutter...which an external grip won't change.

Quote:

Seriously, the difference is only from 6 fps to 8 fps. I would suspect that the difference is in mirror movement.

Exactly. So is Nikon telling us that it takes that much more power to move the mirror a little bit faster? I guess it could be feasible, since they probably use electromagnetics...but I don't know

keith204 · 03-25-2008, 11:31 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike

I guess what I'm asking is...is it really just 'more power' that allows you to shoot at more fps? If that's the case, couldn't you just swap out the battery for a more powerful one?
I was under the impression that the top shooting speed had more to do with the design of the mirror and shutter...which an external grip won't change.

Exactly. So is Nikon telling us that it takes that much more power to move the mirror a little bit faster? I guess it could be feasible, since they probably use electromagnetics...but I don't know

I see what you're asking...that is strange. I'll have my buddy hook a car battery up to his D300 and see how fast it gets

Big Mike · 03-25-2008, 11:41 AM

I'll bet if you could feed 1.21 GigaWatts into it, you could take photos of the future.

Socrates · 03-25-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike

So is Nikon telling us that it takes that much more power to move the mirror a little bit faster? I guess it could be feasible, since they probably use electromagnetics...but I don't know

It's strictly a hunch but it makes sense to me.

chinpokojed · 03-25-2008, 11:42 AM

Just as an FYI, if you're shooting in 14 bit raw (vs 12 bit) on the D300, you'll only see around 3fps.

Socrates · 03-25-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by keith204

I see what you're asking...that is strange. I'll have my buddy hook a car battery up to his D300 and see how fast it gets

Proceed cautiously. Try a motorcycle battery first.

cjmcluen · 03-25-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates

Are you aware that you can download a non-printing user manual from Nikon before you buy the camera?

ohhh no im not aware of that! Where can I get it?

Socrates · 03-25-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by chinpokojed

Just as an FYI, if you're shooting in 14 bit raw (vs 12 bit) on the D300, you'll only see around 3fps.

Actually, Nikon says 2.5 fps but, in either case, there's no obvious logic to explain it. The 14-bit files are only about 30% larger than the 12-bit files.

chinpokojed · 03-25-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates

Actually, Nikon says 2.5 fps but, in either case, there's no obvious logic to explain it. The 14-bit files are only about 30% larger than the 12-bit files.

Absolutely, but some would argue that the color definition makes it worth it.

Personally I doubt most people would see the difference, just wanted to make sure the OP was aware.

Socrates · 03-25-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by cjmcluen

ohhh no im not aware of that! Where can I get it?

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin...i=&p_topview=1

SpeedTrap · 03-25-2008, 12:21 PM

I use the Grip to shoot 8 FPS on my D300, I use 8 Rechargable AA's and it does the trick.
*FPS only works with the D2X Battery $$$$ or AA's.
But as for cards I am using Sandisk Ultra 2 Cards, they keep up just fine

Tiberius47 · 03-25-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike

I'll bet if you could feed 1.21 GigaWatts into it, you could take photos of the future.

Now I have the image of a dSLR with a Mr Fusion plugged into the hotshoe....

03-25-2008, 10:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
cjmcluen TPF Noob! Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 9 My Photos Are OK to Edit	fps and memory card question I am buying a d300 in a few days and I am planning on getting the grib to bump it up to 8fps. NOW my question is what CF card should I get for the 8fps because I am clueless on that...... Any help would be awesome! Thanks! Chris

03-25-2008, 10:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
Big Mike I am Big, I am Mike Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 17,616 My Photos Are OK to Edit	When you take a shot, the image is recorded by the camera then stored in the 'buffer' before it's written to the card. Writing to the card is slower than taking more photos in burst mode, especially at 8fps....so the images start to pile up in the buffer. So, it's the size of the buffer that will be the determining factor as to how many shots you can take with an extended burst. Also, the file size matters...and you can usually shoot more JPEG images than RAW images. Of course, the speed if the card does play a factor. A faster card will clear the buffer faster...but the buffers on modern cameras are so big, that unless you are using the camera like a machine gun, you shouldn't have a problem. I just looked it up on dpreview and it said that the D300 was good for 100 JPEGs in continuous drive. I'm not sure if it would be less with the grip or not. B.t.w....can anyone tell me why/how this camera shoots faster with the grip attached? This used to be the case with old film cameras, because the grip has a motor that would turn the film faster...but that's obviously not the case with digital. Does the grip just offer more batter power or does it also increase the buffer size or speed? __________________ Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog

03-25-2008, 10:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
lostprophet has a new camera TPF Subscriber Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Reading UK - just follow the signs to Purgatory and take the 3rd exit on the left Posts: 11,237 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	thought you needed the grip, the battery from the D2X and the charger to make the camera faster __________________ Pick your pockets full of sorrow And run away with me tomorrow Equipment List: pair of boots, some trousers, loads of t-shirts and some jackets, got an iPod as well and a phone! some DVD's and books, oh mustn't forget my big woolly socks for when its cold, even got a TPF torch for winning POTM but never got my second one

03-25-2008, 11:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
keith204 TPF Junkie! TPF Subscriber Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bolivar, MO Posts: 1,554 My Photos Are OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike B.t.w....can anyone tell me why/how this camera shoots faster with the grip attached? This used to be the case with old film cameras, because the grip has a motor that would turn the film faster...but that's obviously not the case with digital. Does the grip just offer more batter power or does it also increase the buffer size or speed? For more power. The grip can hold EN-EL4a batteries, which the camera can not. The EN-EL4a batteries must be used to get the 8FPS. __________________ 5DII w/ some L's and primes.

03-25-2008, 11:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
Big Mike I am Big, I am Mike Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 17,616 My Photos Are OK to Edit	Quote: For more power. The grip can hold EN-EL4a batteries, which the camera can not. The EN-EL4a batteries must be used to get the 8FPS. I guess what I'm asking is...is it really just 'more power' that allows you to shoot at more fps? If that's the case, couldn't you just swap out the battery for a more powerful one? I was under the impression that the top shooting speed had more to do with the design of the mirror and shutter...which an external grip won't change. Quote: Seriously, the difference is only from 6 fps to 8 fps. I would suspect that the difference is in mirror movement. Exactly. So is Nikon telling us that it takes that much more power to move the mirror a little bit faster? I guess it could be feasible, since they probably use electromagnetics...but I don't know __________________ Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog

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03-25-2008, 11:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike B.t.w....can anyone tell me why/how this camera shoots faster with the grip attached? This used to be the case with old film cameras, because the grip has a motor that would turn the film faster...but that's obviously not the case with digital. Does the grip just offer more batter power or does it also increase the buffer size or speed? Maybe the motor turns the storage card faster? Seriously, the difference is only from 6 fps to 8 fps. I would suspect that the difference is in mirror movement.

03-25-2008, 11:19 AM	#6 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by cjmcluen I am buying a d300 in a few days and I am planning on getting the grib to bump it up to 8fps. NOW my question is what CF card should I get for the 8fps because I am clueless on that...... Any help would be awesome! Thanks! Chris Are you aware that you can download a non-printing user manual from Nikon before you buy the camera?

03-25-2008, 11:31 AM	#8 (permalink)
keith204 TPF Junkie! TPF Subscriber Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bolivar, MO Posts: 1,554 My Photos Are OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike I guess what I'm asking is...is it really just 'more power' that allows you to shoot at more fps? If that's the case, couldn't you just swap out the battery for a more powerful one? I was under the impression that the top shooting speed had more to do with the design of the mirror and shutter...which an external grip won't change. Exactly. So is Nikon telling us that it takes that much more power to move the mirror a little bit faster? I guess it could be feasible, since they probably use electromagnetics...but I don't know I see what you're asking...that is strange. I'll have my buddy hook a car battery up to his D300 and see how fast it gets __________________ 5DII w/ some L's and primes.

03-25-2008, 11:41 AM	#9 (permalink)
Big Mike I am Big, I am Mike Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 17,616 My Photos Are OK to Edit	I'll bet if you could feed 1.21 GigaWatts into it, you could take photos of the future. __________________ Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog

03-25-2008, 11:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike So is Nikon telling us that it takes that much more power to move the mirror a little bit faster? I guess it could be feasible, since they probably use electromagnetics...but I don't know It's strictly a hunch but it makes sense to me.

03-25-2008, 11:42 AM	#11 (permalink)
chinpokojed No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Atlanta Posts: 94 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Just as an FYI, if you're shooting in 14 bit raw (vs 12 bit) on the D300, you'll only see around 3fps.

03-25-2008, 11:42 AM	#12 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by keith204 I see what you're asking...that is strange. I'll have my buddy hook a car battery up to his D300 and see how fast it gets Proceed cautiously. Try a motorcycle battery first.

03-25-2008, 11:47 AM	#13 (permalink)
cjmcluen TPF Noob! Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 9 My Photos Are OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates Are you aware that you can download a non-printing user manual from Nikon before you buy the camera? ohhh no im not aware of that! Where can I get it?

	Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

03-25-2008, 11:47 AM	#14 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by chinpokojed Just as an FYI, if you're shooting in 14 bit raw (vs 12 bit) on the D300, you'll only see around 3fps. Actually, Nikon says 2.5 fps but, in either case, there's no obvious logic to explain it. The 14-bit files are only about 30% larger than the 12-bit files.

03-25-2008, 11:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
chinpokojed No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Atlanta Posts: 94 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates Actually, Nikon says 2.5 fps but, in either case, there's no obvious logic to explain it. The 14-bit files are only about 30% larger than the 12-bit files. Absolutely, but some would argue that the color definition makes it worth it. Personally I doubt most people would see the difference, just wanted to make sure the OP was aware.

03-25-2008, 11:49 AM	#16 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by cjmcluen ohhh no im not aware of that! Where can I get it? http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin...i=&p_topview=1

03-25-2008, 12:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
SpeedTrap Have G.A.S. TPF Subscriber Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonton Posts: 704 My Photos Are OK to Edit	I use the Grip to shoot 8 FPS on my D300, I use 8 Rechargable AA's and it does the trick. *FPS only works with the D2X Battery $$$$ or AA's. But as for cards I am using Sandisk Ultra 2 Cards, they keep up just fine __________________ Fast Nikon Bodies and Glass www.lightart.ca Come check out the new site!!

03-25-2008, 05:17 PM	#18 (permalink)
Tiberius47 I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 316 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike I'll bet if you could feed 1.21 GigaWatts into it, you could take photos of the future. Now I have the image of a dSLR with a Mr Fusion plugged into the hotshoe.... __________________ Tibby's Photography Tutorials Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO \| Basic Exposure Settings \| Using P, A, S and M Modes How to use Manual Flash \| White Balance \| Bracketing

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