Memory Cards

Wouldn't it be great if all cameras used the same memory card, just like all computers can use CDs? Well, that day is far off because several memory card types have taken hold, and if a camera uses one, it cannot use the other.

CompactFlash - This is the original

memory card and is used in most digital cameras. Since it is the most widely used, it also tends to be the cheapest. It is available in capacities up to 2GB.

SmartMedia - Same shape as the

CompactFlash, but thinner. Generally not as good as the others because it is slower. Few cameras use this.

Secure Digital (SD) - Very small,

about the size of a postage stamp. Has a built-in switch to prevent accidental erasure.

MulitMedia (MMC) - Same size as the

SD but without the extra built-in features. Some cameras can accept both SD and MMC cards, but don't count on it unless it's specifically stated.

SmartMedia - Same shape as the

CompactFlash, but thinner. Generally not as good as the others because it is slower. Few cameras use this.

xD Card - Even smaller than SD.

Used by Fuji, Olympus, and Toshiba.

CompactFlash

SmartMedia

Secure Digital

MulitMedia

MemoryStick

MemoryStick Pro

MicroDrive - Not really the same concept as the rest of the cards here,

because this is a mini hard-disk rather than a memory card. It is the same size as the CompactFlash card, but capacities start at 1GB and go up to 6GB. High-end cameras are beginning to use these to store the extra-large photos. Also used in MP3 players. Some cameras can use both CompactFlash and MicroDrive.

MemoryStick (MS) - As is usual, Sony has to go its own route with everything.

The MS is generally only used by Sony, although some other manufacturers have cameras that use MS, such as a few Minoltas and Samsungs. But not all MemorySticks are the same.

• The "regular" MemoryStick works on all MS-compatible cameras.

• The MemoryStick Pro is a newer, faster version that has higher capacity and only works on those devices that specifically say they are MS Pro compliant. What does it mean when a card is faster? Pictures get written faster to the card so less time is needed before the camera is ready for the next shot. Cameras that use MS Pro usually also accept regular MS.

• MS Duo cards are, despite the similar name, completely different from MS and MS Pro. They are different sizes. Because the Duo cards are smaller, they are commonly used in small cell phones although newer ultra compact cameras may also use them. MS Duo also has a Pro version which is faster. Sony, in an attempt to make things even more complicated, sells "Duo adapters" which allows one to use Duo cards in regular MS and MS Pro slots.

When all is said and done, there's really no reason to pick one camera over another based on the memory card it uses. If you have other devices, such as MP3 players and PDAs, that use memory cards it's probably best to buy the camera that uses the same cards - then it becomes convenient for them to share cards.

Most cameras will come with a small capacity memory card. You are always better off buying a larger capacity card as soon as you can. Card prices change daily, and the latest deals are listed in FunkyFoof's tech deals section as soon as they are advertised.

Next we look at other camera features such as how they connect to a computer, and what shutter lag is.