Canon Rebel XT CompactFlash Compatibility
The Canon Rebel XT uses CompactFlash memory cards. The largest capacity cards that can be used is 8GB.
A card over 8GB will cause errors and the camera will not work. The camera will not be able to format the card.
CompactFlash cards are basically discontinued. New devices are not using them because they are expensive to manufacture.
8GB cards were first released in 2004. They can be difficult to find and expensive for what you get.
There are SD and microSD to CompactFlash adapters. It’s often cheaper to buy an adapter and microSD card than a CompactFlash card. SD and microSD card readers are also less expensive.
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Transcend 8GB CompactFlash 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 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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SanDisk Ultra 8GB CompactFlash 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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SD to CF Card Adapter
These adapters work great. Both the microSD and SD versions are limited to a maximum continuous write speed of ~20MB/s.
I have been happy with the two I own. CompactFlash cards are multiple times more expensive than SD cards.
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Compact Flash Card Type I vs II
CF Memory cards come in two physical sizes, Type I or Type II.
They have the same width and length. The only difference is how thick they are.
- Type I - 3.3mm thick
- Type II - 5mm thick
The Type II spec was for Microdrives. They were a small mechanical hard drives.
That’s how new Compact Flash was when the Canon 50D was released. People used tiny mechanical devices that were prone to failure because of how badly they wanted 1GB of storage.
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, and SDXC Cards
- Memory Stick (MS), MS Pro, MS PRO-HG, and MS XC DUO
- MicroSD, Micro SDHC, and Micro SDXC Cards
Avoiding Card Read Errors
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.