memory cards

When it comes to memory cards for digital cameras, there are many different options to choose from. You must keep in mind that certain cameras will only take one form of memory while others may allow you to use various storage options. If a particular type is important to you, you must purchase a digital camera that will use the memory cards you prefer. The following are the most common types of memory cards.

memory cards

Secure Digital (SD) Cards

Secure Digital Cards, also known as SD Cards, are the most common type of camera memory available. Almost all cameras take SD Cards. It is a very versatile form of memory, as it can be used by other electronics such as video gaming systems, cellular phones, and video cameras. Micro SD memory cards are also popular nowadays, offering an even smaller size to be used in the tiny cell phones and MP3 players on the market.

MultiMedia Cards

These memory cards for digital cameras are very similar to SD cards, especially in size and storage capabilities. The only difference between the two is that SD cards come with a switch to write-protect the information stored on the card. The two are typically interchangeable in most devices.

XD Cards

XD cards are only used by cameras produced by Fujifilm. This includes all Fuji brands as well as Olympus. This form of memory cards are rarely used anymore, and will typically only be found in older cameras. The card itself is similar in size to the micro SD card. This option can also be used with cameras that are compatible with Compact Flash cards, if the user has the correct adapter.

Compact Flash Cards

All digital SLR cameras offer the compatibility of Compact Flash cards. These memory cards for digital cameras come in two different types. Type II is larger and thicker in size, and some cameras can only accept the Type I size. Type II generally offers a great deal more storage capacity, even more than most other forms of camera memory. An added benefit of the Compact Flash card is the controller chip located inside. This allows some cameras a higher transfer rate, but only certain cameras will be able to use this feature.

Memory Sticks

Memory Sticks are the preferred route of storage for Sony brand digital cameras and other electronics. There are very few other cameras that can use these sticks. This means that you will not be able to change out your memory sticks with most other types of cameras if you decide to change to another brand. However, if you are strictly Sony, you will be able to use the sticks with other devices such as their computers and PSPs. They are similar in shape to the SD cards, though they are typically much longer. The original Memory Stick is available with storage up to 256 MB, and the newer Memory Stick Pro can hold
up to 1 GB of data.

Memory Cards for Digital Cameras