Best Canon Rebel XT SD Memory Cards

The Canon Rebel XT uses Compact Flash memory cards. 8GB is the max card storage capacity that can be used.

A card over 8GB will not be recognized or the Rebel XT will display an error. Additionally, a card will need to be formatted by the camera or with the FAT32 file system.

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Transcent 8GB CompactFlash Memory Card
Transcend 8GB CF card
  • Up to 50 MB/s Read; 20 MB/s write.
  • MLC NAND flash memory.
  • Supports up to Ultra DMA transfer mode 4.
  • Ideal for entry-level DSLRs.

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Verbatim 4GB CF Memory Card
Verbatim 4GB CompactFlash card
  • High Performance controller for demanding applications.
  • Rugged - withstands up to 2000 g’s operating shock.
  • Low power consumption - Extends battery life.

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2GB CF Memory Card
2GB CF card
  • Up to 30MB/sec read/write speeds.
  • Operating shock rating of 2,000 Gs, equivalent to a 10-foot drop to the floor.
  • Low power consumption.
  • Minimum of 15 MB/second** sequential read speed.

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Compact Flash cards come in two different sizes. The CF cards are known as Type I or Type II.

The difference between the types is the thickness of the cards. The length and width of the cards are identical.

  • Type I - 3.3mm thick
  • Type II - 5mm thick

The Type II spec was thicker to allow Microdrives to be used in the Canon Rebel XT. A Microdrive was a small mechanical harddrive, the size of a compact flash card.

When Compact Flash memory cards were initially launched they had high prices and very small storage capacities. Microdrives were the only solution to get large storage sizes.

Microdrives are no longer being built. Because they were mechanical , they often failed. So they are practically impossible to find used.

SD to Compact Flash adapters also make use of Type II sized slots. There are adapters that will allow you to use Micro SD or SD cards in a CF slot.

UGreen Memory Card Reader
UGreen Memory Card Reader

The UGREEN 4-in-1 card reader is what I use with my CF cards.

The UGREEN card reader has USB 3.0. Using the card reader will allow transfer speeds that are much faster than what the Canon Rebel XT can achieve.

The 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

One of the most common problems with cameras that use Compact Flash cards are damaged card slot pins. If a pin is bent, you could see a ‘unable to use card’ error.

To avoid damaged pins, do not force a CF memory card into the Canon Rebel XT. The extra space for a Type II card makes it possible for a Compact Flash card to be aligned incorrectly.

If the CF card will not easily slide into the camera slot, take it out and check the alignment of the card. Also, check to see if there is any damage to the card or slot.

If everything looks good, carefully align the CF card and make another attempt.