UHS-I vs UHS-II: Which SD Card Is Better for Fujifilm X-T3?

TL;DR

UHS-II cards clear the buffer twice as fast as UHS-I cards in the Fujifilm X-T3, making them ideal for high-speed photography. While UHS-II offers superior performance, UHS-I cards are more budget-friendly and sufficient for slower photography needs. Consider your shooting style and budget when choosing the right card.

Transcript

what's up guys Reggie be photo here and in today's video I'm going to be doing some testing to see if there's a performance difference between using uhs-1 cards and UHS 2 cards in the Fujifilm XT 3 so the X III is actually one of the few mirrorless cameras that have two UHS two card slots and if you're like me and you're shopping around for SD card... Read More

Key Insights

• 👤 The Fujifilm XT3 is among the few mirrorless cameras equipped with dual UHS-II card slots, enhancing versatility for users.
• 😥 UHS-II cards, while significantly faster, come with a higher price point, influencing purchasing decisions for budget-conscious photographers.
• ☠️ The testing conditions involved using specific SD cards, ensuring consistent and reliable results during experiments.
• 🚄 Performance demands vary by genre; high-speed shooters benefit from UHS-II cards, while slower applications can be effectively handled by UHS-I cards.
• 👾 Buffer clearing speed can substantially impact shooting efficiency during fast-paced photography situations.
• 🤵 Wedding photographers, for example, might prioritize storage capacity over speed, opting for larger UHS-I cards instead.
• 👤 Price comparisons are vital; UHS-I cards may be four times less expensive than their UHS-II counterparts, adding value for certain users.

Questions & Answers

Q: What specific tests were performed in the video?

The video detailed two tests: first, the time taken to clear the camera's buffer after it was full, and second, measuring how many continuous shots could be taken within a ten-second burst. Each test employed different SD card configurations to gauge the performance variances between UHS-I and UHS-II cards.

Q: How much faster do UHS-II cards clear the buffer compared to UHS-I cards?

UHS-II cards were found to clear the buffer approximately twice as fast as UHS-I cards when testing under the same conditions. This speed advantage can be beneficial for photographers who need quick turnaround times, especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios such as sports or events.

Q: What are the benefits of UHS-I cards for certain photographers?

UHS-I cards are more budget-friendly and suitable for photographers who may not require the fastest speeds, such as those focusing on portraits or landscapes. If the photographic style involves slower subjects and less continuous shooting, UHS-I cards can offer adequate performance without the premium price attached to UHS-II cards.

Q: What is the impact of using mixed UHS-I and UHS-II cards in dual slots?

Using a combination of UHS-I and UHS-II cards in the Fujifilm XT3 effectively downgrades the performance to that of the UHS-I card speed. This means that despite having a UHS-II card in one slot, the benefits are lost since the two slots cannot operate at their combined highest speed, leading to potential inefficiencies.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video tests performance differences between UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards using the Fujifilm XT3, assessing speed and buffer clearance.

• Two main tests are conducted: time to clear the buffer after filling it and the number of continuous shots taken in ten seconds.

• Results indicate UHS-II cards clear the buffer twice as fast, making them ideal for high-speed photography, while UHS-I cards suit budget-conscious photographers better.