Which Memory Card Should You Buy?
 

Memory card type or 'format':
First, select the right memory card type for your device by checking your device manual. The memory card type is the most important part of selecting the right memory card for your device. The form factor (size and shape) of the flash card corresponds to the memory slot on your device. There are a variety of form factors for flash memory, so make certain you select the form factor that's compatible with your device. Common types of memory card include: Compact Flash, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, Smart Media and MemoryStick.

Memory card capacity:
Next, determine the right capacity for your needs. The capacity of the memory card (how many megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB) it can store) is a matter of personal preference or your storage requirements. Generally, higher capacity cards can store more data but are more expensive than smaller cards. However, it is often more economical to buy one large card than several smaller ones.

Large capacity versus small capacity:
Some people prefer to use large capacity memory cards so that they don't have to worry about running out of storage space. You'll also need a large capacity card if you wish to store a lot of high-resolution photos or mp3 files. Selecting a high capacity card is also a good choice if you plan to transfer your files or photos to your computer hard drive and then reuse your flash card over and over.
Some people prefer smaller capacity cards so that they can store photos and files on the card permanently. Many people find that having several smaller capacity cards makes it easier to organize, store and catalogue their digital photos, mp3 music, applications and other data.
Some people also feel safer using smaller capacity cards. For example, if you store all of your data on one high capacity card and then lose or damage that memory card, you will have lost all your data. If you have your photos or data stored on a lot of smaller capacity cards, it's less of a disaster if you lose one. For this reason, it is always a good idea to backup any important data. A memory card reader can make it easier to backup your files onto your computer.

Memory Cards for your digital camera:
When buying memory cards to use with your digital camera, remember that the more megapixels your camera has, the fewer photos a card can store. Many cameras come supplied with a small capacity memory card (often just 8MB or 16MB). If you take high-resolution photos, your card will fill up after just a few shots.

What's the difference between the various memory cards?

Compact Flash (CF)
Smart Media (SM)
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
Secure Digital (SD)
Sony Memory Stick
XD Picture Card

Compact Flash (CF)

The CompactFlash memory card was developed soon after the PC Card, and in many ways is simply a smaller version of the PC Card. This was the first type of memory card that was developed for use in digital cameras. The CompactFlash Memory card has all of the same advantages as the PC Card, but is smaller. The CompactFlash Memory card is currently the most common type of memory card used in digital cameras, and is compatible with all current professional digital cameras. CompactFlash Memory cards have a control circuit built right into the memory card. This circuit allows the card to "tell" the camera or computer how much capacity it contains so the camera or computer can take advantage of all the available memory.
 

Smart Media (SM)

The Smart Media memory card (also known as a SSFDC - Solid State Floppy Disc Card) is a more recent product which became commonly available in the mid 1990's. This memory card is smaller and much thinner than the CompactFlash memory card. Smart Media Memory Cards are also more efficient with regards to power, and the batteries in the digital cameras that use this type of card tend to last longer.

There are some drawbacks to the Smart Media memory card system. One problem is that the cards have no shielding, so they are susceptible to data loss and damage from electromagnetic fields (such as airport x-rays).

These memory cards are also not as compatible with various electronics as CompactFlash memory cards. Smart Media memory cards also do not have a memory controller; which means the camera you purchase will not be able to read any cards with a larger capacity than was available when the camera was manufactured.
 

Multi Media Card (MMC)

The Multi Media Memory Card (MMC) was developed to try and incorporate the best features of Smart Media and CompactFlash memory cards in to one system. This memory card system is very similar to the Memory Stick card with regard to its capabilities but is a non-proprietary form.

The MultiMedia Memory Card has become fairly common in products such as ultra compact digital cameras, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), cell phones, and MPEG players. They cost about the same as CompactFlash memory cards.
 

Secure Digital (SD)

The Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card is similar to the MultiMedia Memory Card in appearance and is compatible with the MultiMedia Memory card. It is a highly secure stamp-sized flash memory card. Jointly developed by Panasonic, Sandisk, and Toshiba, the Secure Digital Memory Card maintains a high transfer rate for fast copy/download.

It also exhibits low power consumption to maximize battery life in small portable devices; making it a good choice for digital cameras and other portable digital devices. The Secure Digital Memory Card is distinguishable from the Multi Media Memory Card by the user selectable mechanical write protect switch on the exterior card casing.
 

Sony Memory Stick

The Memory Stick was developed by Sony. The Memory Stick memory card is well shielded and durable like the CompactFlash memory cards but is much smaller to allow it to be used in smaller products such as compact digital cameras, PDAs, and MPEG players.

The Memory Stick is used mostly with Sony products and allows you to transfer data between Sony’s PDAs, televisions, computers, and cameras. This is very convenient if you only purchase Sony products. Sandisk’s memory stick is compatible with Sony products.

XD Picture Card

Developed by Fuji film and Olympus, the xD-Picture Card is a high-capacity flash memory format for digital cameras. The xD-Picture Card is currently the smallest storage format of its kind on the market, about the size of a penny. It has the potential for up to 8GB of storage capacity in a single card. Currently, the xD-Picture card is available in capacities up to 512MB.

Fujifilm and Olympus offer cameras compatible with the xD-Picture Card. In addition, the xD-Picture Card was designed to minimize power consumption, saving battery life and with fast read/write capabilities for smoother digital camera operation. Compact Flash adapters are available, allowing the use of xD-Picture cards in a variety of cameras and other devices from multiple manufacturers.