Best Canon EOS 30D SD Memory Cards
The Canon EOS 30D uses Compact Flash memory cards. 128GB is the maximum card memory size that is compatible.
A CF card over 128GB will either not be recognized or the EOS 30D will display an error message.
Recommended CF Cards
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SanDisk Extreme Pro CF 128GB
- Records and captures cinema quality 4K and Full HD video.
- Transfer speed of up to 160MB/s (1067X) read speeds.
- Industry leading shot speed performance of up to 150MB/s (1000X) write speeds.
- Designed for professional photographers and videographers
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SanDisk Extreme 64GB CompactFlash Card
- Write speeds of up to 85 MB/s for faster shot-to-shot performance.
- Transfer speeds of up to 120 MB/s for increased efficiency.
- Video Performance (VPG-20) for Full HD video recording.
- RTV silicone coating protects card from shock and vibration.
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Lexar Professional CF Card 64GB
- High speed performance—leverages UDMA 7 technology to deliver a read speed up to 1066x (160MB/s).
- Supports the VPG-65 specification for professional-quality video.
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p Full-HD, 3D, and 4K video.
- High-speed file transfer to dramatically accelerate workflow.
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Compact Flash Card Types
Compact Flash cards come in two sizes. The CF cards are referred to as Type I or Type II.
The difference between the types is how thick the cards are. The width and length of the cards are identical.
- Type I - 3.3mm thick
- Type II - 5mm thick
The Type II spec were thicker so Microdrives could be used in the Canon EOS 30D. A Microdrive was a small mechanical harddrive.
When Compact Flash memory cards were first launched they had high prices and limited storage capacities. Microdrives made it possible to have large storage sizes.
Microdrives are no longer being built. Due to being mechanical, failure was a matter of time. So you cannot find them used.
Another usage of the Type II sized slot is for Compact Flash card adapters. The adapters allow you to use SD or Micro SD cards in a Compact Flash slot.
Card Reader
The UGREEN 4-in-1 card reader is what I use with my CF cards.
The UGREEN reader is compatible with USB 3.0. Transfer speeds over USB 3.0 will be much faster than the Canon EOS 30D.
The card reader can read the following memory card types:
- CompactFlash Cards
- SD, SDHC, & SDXC Cards
- Memory Stick (MS), MS Pro, MS PRO-HG, & MS XC DUO
- MicroSD, Micro SDHC, & Micro SDXC Cards
Avoiding Card Read Errors
A common problems with cameras that use Compact Flash memory cards are bent card slot pins. If a pin is bent, you might see a ‘unable to use card’ error.
To avoid bent pins, don’t force a Compact Flash card into the Canon EOS 30D. The extra space for a Type II card makes it possible for a CF memory card to be aligned incorrectly.
If the CF card won’t effortlessly slide into the slot, remove it and check the alignment of the card. Also, check to see if the memory card is damaged.
If it looks good, carefully position the compact flash card and make another attempt.