Approaches to Organizing SD Cards When in the Field

[sanyasi]

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I am using 8 gig SD cards. I have now accumulated a number of them for two week trips. I am curious if any one has developed any good techniques for keeping the used from the unused when in the field. I am giving thought to numbering them with a Sharpie and separating them into two cases (used and blank).

 

Many people on this list are professional photographers. Do you have any tricks for dealing with and protecting the cards?

[wparsonsgisnet]

I used to number the cards and use them in a particular order.

 

Now I merely put the empty or partially empty ones in the "useable" bag, and the full ones or those that are too full to be useful in the "done" bag.

 

Not that you asked, but I don't reformat the cards until I have all three image copies in the computer (part of my backup procedure).

[lykaman]

Hi, 2 separate clear plastic containers, lid & container marked Used -- New.

Simple - works 4 me...

[Guest WPalank]

I keep the small plastic covers they come in. If the lettering is facing me as I look at the front of the cover (unused). When I have filled a card or I am done with it, I turn it around when I place it in the plastic cover (contact side facing the front of the cover).

 

Also, I have two separate zippered areas in my bag. I keep all the unused card in one and transfer to the other when used.

[prk60091]

I am using 8 gig SD cards. I have now accumulated a number of them for two week trips. I am curious if any one has developed any good techniques for keeping the used from the unused when in the field. I am giving thought to numbering them with a Sharpie and separating them into two cases (used and blank).

 

Many people on this list are professional photographers. Do you have any tricks for dealing with and protecting the cards?

 

i "lock" the used cards and keep them all in one case.

[jaapv]

I'm really primitive - when a card is full, I lock it and I mark it by tearing off a little shred of paper from anything lying around and put it in the little plastic SD card box with the card. Sometimes I write a number on the shred of paper.

[chkphoto]

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I shoot only 2 & 4 gig cards so in the event a card goes bad I don't lose too many images (which has happened)

 

I use those plastic cases that hold 4 or more cards. The unused are place logo side up or contacts down. The used cards are logo side down or contacts up. It's quick and visual aid for me.

[Ed_K]

My method is the same as chkphoto, so far this works fine on a long trip.

[ho_co]

Similar to DL4guy: Two fabric mesh bags ca 3" x 6".

 

Black bag holds used cards; white bag contains cards ready for use.

[sanyasi]

Thanks all who responded. I guess there isn't some neat trick that someone has discovered. So two bags is it.

[John Thawley]

Thanks all who responded. I guess there isn't some neat trick that someone has discovered. So two bags is it.

 

Yes there is a neat trick. And it was mentioned. It's worked flawlessly for me for years.

 

You have a case that holds all your cards. You put empty ones in the case face up and return full cards to the case face down. Logo side being the "face." It's a no-brainer.

 

JT

[sanyasi]

I did take note of the face up and face down suggestion. For me the two bags will work better, but not disparaging the up or down approach.

 

Thanks

[wparsonsgisnet]

I like the bag solution, too. My stupid assistant is prone to dropping card cases and then I wouldn't know which way the cardsface.

[sanyasi]

I like the bag solution, too. My stupid assistant is prone to dropping card cases and then I wouldn't know which way the cardsface.

 

I am the photographer and the assistance and I know I would screw up on the up and down approach. As a precaution, I always check what is on the card before I erase the stuff that is on it. That strikes me as a best practice.

[bill]

Yes there is a neat trick. And it was mentioned. It's worked flawlessly for me for years.

 

You have a case that holds all your cards. You put empty ones in the case face up and return full cards to the case face down. Logo side being the "face." It's a no-brainer.

 

JT

 

+1 - how hard does it have to be?

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[roguewave]

Here's my $17 solution. A Pelican memory card case from Amazon. Holds 8 8GB cards in a sealed metal case with a strong clasp. Keeps out the dust & very light. I also turn over the full cards. there's also room to leave a page for notes. Incredible value.

[stunsworth]

The unused are place logo side up or contacts down. The used cards are logo side down or contacts up

 

Same here.

[cocker]

+1 - how hard does it have to be?

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

+2