How much is a Sony memory stick?

[BWqian]

Hi, anyone can provide some info?

I am interested in buying a Sony W5. But it comes with 32 MB only, doesn't it? So I have to buy a memory stick, either 256mb or 512mb. Do you know normally what the price is for the MS? Anyone knows where can get a cheap price?

Thank you.

[BWqian]

By the way, can I buy memory card for W5 other than Sony brand?

[trueno]

Hi BWqian,

W5, good 5meg camera with catchy LCD display(2.5').

http://www.eastgear.com/shop/index.php?cPath=19_21

i always use this site for price comparison on memory card before scouting in Sim Lim Sq.

I recommend u get just 256mb MS PRO, will do.
Reason:
1) with such a huge LCDdisplay, zap up battery power pretty easily and even if have big memory card also no point using for shots.

2) get PRO, due to faster write speed if u want to shoot video with W5. normal MS don't think can. *got to check it out*

3) 256mb/2mb per picture = 100 + a couple of videos.
100shots for beginner is really alot of shots to take....
P.S: provided your battery LAST all the way or u have spares batteries.

4) 256mb cheap subS$100 - for beginner pls don't waste too much on accessories.
LEARN well on the function of the camera....most impt! W5 has many nice functions to explore...

[BWqian]

Hi trueno

Thank you for your reply.

I have really got confused with so many types of memory sticks.

Now I got a better understanding. Thank you!

[Mike]

Originally Posted by trueno Hi BWqian, W5, good 5meg camera with catchy LCD display(2.5'). http://www.eastgear.com/shop/index.php?cPath=19_21 i always use this site for price comparison on memory card before scouting in Sim Lim Sq. I recommend u get just 256mb MS PRO, will do. Reason: 1) with such a huge LCDdisplay, zap up battery power pretty easily and even if have big memory card also no point using for shots. 2) get PRO, due to faster write speed if u want to shoot video with W5. normal MS don't think can. *got to check it out* 3) 256mb/2mb per picture = 100 + a couple of videos. 100shots for beginner is really alot of shots to take.... P.S: provided your battery LAST all the way or u have spares batteries. 4) 256mb cheap subS$100 - for beginner pls don't waste too much on accessories. LEARN well on the function of the camera....most impt! W5 has many nice functions to explore...

I would like to add the following comment on the points mentioned above.

For points 1 and 3:
FYI, the power consumption of W5 is surprisingly low. From my personal experience, my 256MB MS pro always fills up way before the batteries(2 AA size) run out of power. Just ask around those who uses W5.

For point 2:
I was told by a retailer that any MS that is 256MB and above, sony calls it MS PRO, so it would be impossible to get a "non PRO" MS if you are getting 256MB and above(unless the retailer 'smoke' me lah).

[BWqian]

Oh, Mike, any MS that is 256 MB and above are MS PRO? I am confused. I thought MS PRO is an advance version of MS, which should be faster.

BTW, normally how much is a 256MB MS PRO?

Thank you!

[Mike]

Originally Posted by BWqian Oh, Mike, any MS that is 256 MB and above are MS PRO? I am confused. I thought MS PRO is an advance version of MS, which should be faster. BTW, normally how much is a 256MB MS PRO? Thank you!

PRO refers to:

1) Higher Capacity: Up to 2 GB
2) Greater Durability: -25 to +85 Degree Celsius Operating Temperature Range

Confused? hahaahaa I agree 100% that Sony is doing a really good job at confusing consumers and even retailers.

For faster speed, you should get MS PRO(High Speed). But I think it is fast enough just to get MS PRO 256MB. I have tested many other Digital Cameras in the same category during the last IT show and W5 has the fastest response time. I am not sure if it is due to the different memory media used. Anybody care to enlighten me?

I personally think that the biggest negative point about Sony product is that they uses proprietory memory media, which is damn expensive and cannot be used in non Sony products. If not for the outstanding features of W5, I would have chosen another camera that uses industry standard memory media.

A Sony 256MB MS PRO would cost you around $100. For non Sony MS PRO, you can get 512MB at around $130. If you can wait, there should be a promotion around the end of this month or the beginning of next month. You should be able to get free MS PRO with the purchase of W5.

[BWqian]

Thank you, Mike. I went to SLS, and one retailer offered me $599 for the W5 together with 256 MB MS (I don't whether it is Pro or not).

I don't think I can wait for the next promotion, as I am planning to go overseas next week.

[mageditor]

So u getting this weekend?

Originally Posted by BWqian Thank you, Mike. I went to SLS, and one retailer offered me $599 for the W5 together with 256 MB MS (I don't whether it is Pro or not). I don't think I can wait for the next promotion, as I am planning to go overseas next week.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by BWqian Thank you, Mike. I went to SLS, and one retailer offered me $599 for the W5 together with 256 MB MS (I don't whether it is Pro or not). I don't think I can wait for the next promotion, as I am planning to go overseas next week.

The last promo W5 going for $510 with 256MB MS/Camera Pouch/2 Sony batteries.

Too bad you cannot wait, otherwise it could save you more than $100.

[BWqian]

So cheap?? Too bad....I dunhave the time to wait liao.......

[mini19]

Originally Posted by BWqian Hi, anyone can provide some info? I am interested in buying a Sony W5. But it comes with 32 MB only, doesn't it? So I have to buy a memory stick, either 256mb or 512mb. Do you know normally what the price is for the MS? Anyone knows where can get a cheap price? Thank you.

Look below....
http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=125944

[afbug]

Hmmm.....I got a W1 and a 512 card. The 1 set of batts can last till the card fills up at the highest setting. Approx 175 pics.

I just come back from Taiwan, snapped and reviewed about 350 pics using 2 sets of AA batts and a 512 card at 5M and standard quality setting.

[trueno]

Hi afbug,

Wow, u really have good use on your ratio...battery:512mb memory.

Wondering if u use the LCD display to snap your photos or just use viewfinder most of the time?

[afbug]

Originally Posted by trueno Hi afbug, Wow, u really have good use on your ratio...battery:512mb memory. Wondering if u use the LCD display to snap your photos or just use viewfinder most of the time?

No leh. No restrictions. Just shoot and review. All using LCD screen. I even brought my charger and 3 sets of batts in case. But only use up 2 sets of batts. My batts are 2300 sanyos. So the charger is redundant.

[limkopi]

The 2.5" LCD may be huge, it doesn't eat up batt life like other older generation digicams. W1 has a stated batt life (2xAA) of 340 shots while W5's even longer, up to 400 shots! Super long batt life which is great for travel shooting!!

Anyway, I think both W1 & W5 shld be able to adopt MS of other brands, as long as it's not the smaller, shorter DUO version. There's a shop @ SLS level 4 selling MS @ very attractive pricing. The last time I check'd, they're selling 512mb Sony MS Pro (black colour) @ $125. However, if u can find other MS Pro like SanDisk or Lexar, they shld be cheaper than the Sony ones...

[trueno]

Hi,

I was amazed by the report made by you all saying that W1/W5 can last longer than i expected, from a 256mb memory card. Doing a quick check, Alas....it make use of 2AA 2100mAh*each*(or more)which can be really long lasting. 4200mAh for 2 AA....nice!!! Worry Free!!!

I based on my experience with Ixus 500 which uses its own Infolithium battery which has a rating of 820mAh only. And i cant last for more than 120shots with its 1.8inch LCD display ON constantly.

Regarding about MS PRO, I strongly believe to shoot video clips at 30fps will require a fast write speed from MS PRO. Using a normal MS will result into a 16fps. Learn about this from my F828...while i use it for video clip shots...

[afbug]

Originally Posted by trueno Hi, I was amazed by the report made by you all saying that W1/W5 can last longer than i expected, from a 256mb memory card. Doing a quick check, Alas....it make use of 2AA 2100mAh*each*(or more)which can be really long lasting. 4200mAh for 2 AA....nice!!! Worry Free!!! I based on my experience with Ixus 500 which uses its own Infolithium battery which has a rating of 820mAh only. And i cant last for more than 120shots with its 1.8inch LCD display ON constantly. Regarding about MS PRO, I strongly believe to shoot video clips at 30fps will require a fast write speed from MS PRO. Using a normal MS will result into a 16fps. Learn about this from my F828...while i use it for video clip shots...

Any capacity below 128MB is normal MS. 256MB and above is MS Pro. Your camera cannot shoot movies at 30fps using 128mb cos the capacity is too small. Need at least a 256 to shoot at 30fps as it requires much more space.

When using W1 overseas, i think there is no need to bring charger actually. Just bring 1 or 2 sets of spare rechargables enough. If still run out of juice, just hop into any convience store and buy AA batts.

[limkopi]

Hey pple!

Juz came back from PC Show 2005 (Expo Hall 6). Saw good pricing for both Sony & SanDisk memory stick pro & memory stick duo (512mb & 1 gb) at the BEST BARGAIN booth.

Do check it out... but a word of caution, it's damn crowded there so u gotta try ur best to squeeze in front to get the attention of the busy staff!!!

[felixcat8888]

Originally Posted by afbug Any capacity below 128MB is normal MS. 256MB and above is MS Pro. Your camera cannot shoot movies at 30fps using 128mb cos the capacity is too small. Need at least a 256 to shoot at 30fps as it requires much more space. When using W1 overseas, i think there is no need to bring charger actually. Just bring 1 or 2 sets of spare rechargables enough. If still run out of juice, just hop into any convience store and buy AA batts.

MS(Blue) has got 256MB as well. MS Pro(black) starts from 256MB up to 1 GB and the MS Pro(High Speed) is Grey/Red in colour up to 4GB