Canon T3i Memory Card Advice
Compatibility
The Canon T3i takes 3 types of memory cards…
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SD – Up to 4GB worth of images and video. |
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SDHC – Up to 32GB worth of images and video. |
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SDXC – Up to 128GB (currently) worth of images and video. |
Image Capacity
The information below shows the total number of images that can be recorded (based on memory card size)…
4GB – 570 images (fine) and 150 images (raw)
8GB – 1,140 images (fine) and 300 images (raw)
16GB – 2,280 images (fine) and 600 images (raw)
32GB – 4,560 images (fine) and 1,200 images (raw)
64GB – 9,120 images (fine) and 2,400 images (raw)
HD Video Requirements
In order to record HD video on the T3i, your memory card will need to have a Class 6 rating or higher. If it doesn’t meet this requirement, video recording may stop unexpectedly.
Video Capacity
No matter how large your memory card is, video clips are limited to 30 minute segments. The information below shows the overall recording time based on the highest quality movie frame size (1920×1080):
4GB – 11min (.mov)
8GB – 22min (.mov)
16GB – 44min (.mov)
32GB – 88min (.mov)
64GB – 176min (.mov)
Speeds & Ratings
Class Ratings
Class ratings represent the minimum write speed for a memory card. So a memory card with a class 6 rating will have a minimum write speed of 6 megabytes per second. As mentioned above, Canon requires a class 6 rating or higher in order to record and playback HD video with the T3i. I recommend going with a class 10 rating just to be safe.
Speed Ratings
Speed ratings represent the maximum read/write speeds. If you plan on recording HD video, shooting long bursts of images (10+) in continuous mode or capturing RAW images with your T3i, then I recommend going with a Lexar Professional (133x or higher) or a SanDisk Extreme (30MB/s or higher).
My Picks
Lexar and SanDisk memory cards are the safest bets when it comes to reliability and performance. I’ve used them for years and trust them with all of my pro work. Recently, I’ve been using Transcend cards for personal use and have been pleasantly surprised. Again, if you plan on utilizing some of the more advanced features on the T3i (video, RAW, burst) then go with a Lexar Professional (133x or higher) or a SanDisk Extreme (30MB/s or higher). If you just need something for everyday (personal) use, Transcend (class 10) cards are an excellent value.
Here are my memory card picks for the Canon T3i…
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Check out the T3i homepage for more tips, advice and recommendations. Happy shooting!