Samsung 8GB MicroSD Class 4 Memory Card Test

Features
Performance
Verdict

The Samsung Micro SDHC card is an 8Gb media card with an SD adaptor making it more versatile if you have a range of gadgets, such as a phone and a camera which take one type or the other.


Inserting the Samsung High Speed microSDHC 8Gb Card into the SD adaptor

Samsung MB-MS8G Micro SDHC card: Features

The micro SD comes with the SD adaptor in a blister pack with the usual plastic storage case

The packet suggests the card is waterproof, shock proof and magnet proof, so we'll test those claims out in a moment.

This one is a Class 4 device which means it transfer at 4MBps (MBs per second)

The card has an 8Gb capacity so (according to the packet) it can store 2000 photos, 2 hrs of HD video and 2000 MP3 music files.  Of course these figures are dependent on the file type and size.

Samsung MB-MS8G MicroSDHC Card: Performance

First lets get the technical bit out of the way. With the card in adaptor in my Pentax K20D I can take 335 RAW files (6 more than I can on a Lexar 4Gb 133x SD card. Write times in camera are approx 3.7 seconds while on the 133x Lexar it's 2.8seconds. These times are done by firing the shutter and tripping on online timer and stopping the timer when the image appears.

A more accurate test can be performed using disk benchmark software such as CrystalDiskMark
Here I compared my regular the Sandisk 133x card with the Samsung MB-MS8G

As you can see this Sandisk card is slower due to the Class 4 speed, If you do want faster you would be better going for one of the Sandisk Class 10 version.

Now to the various claims of durability.
I started by testing the waterproof claim. And dropped the card on wet grass, this is very likely occurrence if you're out and about and try to change card. They are so small and fiddly and easy to drop. The card was not affected in any way. I then dropped it in a pond on a water lily. This time the whole card was wet but only for a short duration. Again it worked fine.




The third full test was to immerse the card in a glass of water. I left it for 10 minutes and it worked fine when drained and dried off. I've read reports of a card surviving washing machine spins too, so it certainly passes the waterproof challenge with flying colours.

Next to test the magnet proof claim. I have some industrial strength magnets used to hold up heavy display boards. These are so strong they can cause blood blisters if you get your skin trapped. The card was attracted to the magnet. I left it stuck in place for a few minutes and then tried it in the camera and it was fine.

Then I tried an abrasion test and rubbed it across some medium grain sandpaper pressing down with my finger to assert pressure. It scratched the card but not enough to cause any problems.




The final test was the shock test. It still worked when I'd placed it in my shoe and walked around (that's where they say it will be safe). It also worked when I dropped it from eye level to the ground onto stone floor. So far so good. I then decided to hit it with a pin hammer. Only lightly, but just to see if it could cope with a larger impact...and it's at this point things went wrong. The card no longer worked.

So don't go hitting you cards with a hammer and you will be fine ;-)

Joking aside my tests prove the card will not let you down in all the usual situations where you may normally see failure.

Samsung MB-MS8G Micro SDHC Card: Verdict

The idea of a dual format card may appeal to those with a number of different devices, to share and transfer data even easier. From a camera owner perspective you just want the fastest and a Class 4 card is no longer in that league. If speed is important spend the £2 extra and buy the Class 10 version

It does however work perfectly for those who're not rushing around taking photos in rapid succession. And the really good thing about the card is its durability. If you accidentally spill your drink over it or leave it in your clothes when they go in the washing machine it's likely your precious photos will be safe, and that's got to be worth it.

Samsung MB-MS8G Micro SDHC Card: Pros

Two format options for versatility
Very tough
Low price

Samsung MB-MS8G Micro SDHC Card:Cons

Tiny, so easily lost
Not fast for high performance cameras

FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

The Samsung MB-MS8G Micro SDHC card is available from Memory Card Zoo for £10.96