A-Data Technology A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R Class 6 SDHC Flash Card - 32GB SD Card (4718050604289) Review

I have a consumer HD video camcorder and it records HUGE files. The camcorder (a Canon HF11) has built-in RAM memory and also has an SD memory slot. I transfer video into my computer using the SD card, and use the camcorder so often that I wanted a really big SD card to give me the maximum possible memory. Therefore, I got an A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R SD memory chip from Amazon for $65.

What it is

Looking at it, the A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R SD memory chip looks like any other SD memory card. It is the same size and shape, and it has the same contacts on the back. However, it has the maximum amount of memory that an SD memory card can currently have: 32 GB. The A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R SD memory chip conforms to the SDHC standard, and it is compatible with any device that accepts SDHC cards. (Most devices with SD slots built from 2007 and later are SDHC compatible. Before that is a toss up.)

The A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R SD memory chip has a speed rating of "Class 6," which means that it can store/retrieve data at a speed of at least 6 megabytes per second (MBps). Since there are eight bits in a byte, this A-Data card can store/retrieve data at the rate of 48 megabits per second (Mbps). The fastest data speed used by my camcorder is 24 Mbps, so the A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R SD memory chip is plenty fast enough for my camcorder. In fact, this A-Data SD card is fast enough for professional video equipment that requires speeds of 35 Mbps. (I know that because I used it with such a professional camera.)

Using it

The first A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R SD memory chip that I received was DOA. It would not format and it would not save data. I contacted A-Data, sent the chip back (at my expense) and received a replacement. This replacement chip works perfectly -- it records and plays back in my HD camcorder without a hitch. Considering it's the size of a postage stamp and holds 32 GB of data, it is a tiny little marvel.

At the data rate I use with my HD camcorder, I can record nearly four hours of HD video on the A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R SD memory chip.

Summary

Although I had an initial problem with the A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R SD memory chip, it eventually turned out to be reliable. I have no fault with its speed or tiny size -- I could easily hold hundreds of hours of excellent high-definition video with a pocket full of these chips.

I was disappointed that my first A-Data chip was a dud, but the company did the right thing and replaced it. The replacement works just fine and I now recommend the A-Data ASDH32GCL6-R SD memory chip.