Memory cards are small devices for storing data. They are most widely used in cameras and MP3 players. Some common types of memory cards are: compact flash, MMC, SD (secure digital), memory stick, and micro SD. While some memory card types are more popular than others, each manufacturer tends to use one type.
What Are Memory Cards
Memory cards are "flash memory" devices. They have no moving parts and data is basically stored by excitation of electrons. Memory cards are generally very stable, sturdy, and reliable forms of data storage.
Read the detailed explaination from About Cameras Guide, Kyle Schurman.
Types of Memory Cards
CompactFlash - Most commonly used by Canon. These are the largest of the flash memory cards. Details by About Guide to PDAs
SecureDigital (SD) - Commonly used by Pentax and Nikon. These are small flash memory cards about half the size of a CompactFlash card. Details by About Guide to PDAs
MicroSD - MicroSD cards are not commonly used in cameras. They are the size of a fingernail and are most often used in cellphones. Details by About Guide to PDAs
SmartMedia - An older type of memory card that has been phased out of use. Details by About Cameras Guide
xD Picture Card - A less popular type of memory card used by Olympus and FujiFilm. Details by About Cameras Guide
Memory Card Maintenance
To get the best performance from your memory cards you need to take care of them.
- Do not erase and reshoot. This can cause unusable sections to develop in the memory card.
- Download your images to your computer or other media regularly.
- Reformat the card in-camera after downloading your images.
- When the card is not in the camera, keep it in a static-free plastic case.
