“We help you select the right memory card for your digital camera, MP3 player or mobile phone” By PC World Staff
With video, image and data files becoming larger thanks to better quality media, the importance of making sure you have adequate storage is only going to increase this year and beyond. Portable devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones and portable multimedia players often use removable memory cards to store data, so getting the right one is important.
A common mistake is to not budget for an extra memory card when purchasing a device such as a digital camera or mobile phone. Although some devices don’t offer extra storage via a memory card slot, many do, so it’s important to check this when buying a new device. With a variety of memory cards available on the market, purchasing the right one can be a confusing task. Let’s help you to work out what you need!
What device?
The best starting point is to check whether your device has a memory card slot. Depending on the brand and type of unit, the memory card required can differ (examples include SD, CompactFlash, microSD, miniSD).
If the device doesn’t have a memory card slot then it will often have a large amount of internal storage. For example, the Apple iPhone 3GS is available in 16GB and 32GB variants, and it doesn’t have a storage slot. The most common devices that use memory cards are digital cameras, mobile phones and portable media players.
Digital cameras
The most common memory card used by compact digital cameras is an SD (Secure Digital) card. An SD card is about the size of a postage stamp and is used by almost all digital cameras, with the exception of Sony models and most Olympus cameras. The largest capacity SD card available is 4GB, though newer SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards can be bought. The most popular SDHC cards are 8GB in size, but 16GB and 32GB cards are available; 64GB cards will soon hit the market.
Although SDHC cards have the same form factor as regular SD cards, a number of older devices may experience compatibility issues. Before buying an SDHC card, be sure to check that the device you are using it in supports the SDHC format.
For older Olympus and FujiFilm cameras, you’ll need an xD (Extreme Digital) Picture Card. xD cards have a smaller form factor than SD cards, so they won’t fit in an SD card slot and vice versa. xD cards can theoretically have a capacity of up to 4GB, though there are currently no cards over 2GB available on the market. As xD is a proprietary storage solution, xD cards are generally more expensive than their SD counterparts.
Sony cameras require a Memory Stick, which is another proprietary storage solution. Memory Sticks are available in a number of varieties including Memory Stick PRO, which offers higher storage capacities, Memory Stick Duo and PRO Duo, a smaller form factor version of the card, and Memory Stick PRO-HG, a high speed version of the PRO designed for use in high-definition video cameras. The largest capacity Memory Stick currently available is 16GB, though the maximum theoretical capacity according to Sony is 2TB. Memory Sticks are compatible only with Sony branded products and, like xD cards, are generally more expensive than SD cards.
In digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras, the most common form of memory card storage is CompactFlash (CF) cards – although SD cards are slowly gaining ground in digital SLR cameras. Many newer digital SLR camera models contain both SD card and CompactFlash slots, while other models may only have an SD card slot. CompactFlash cards are widely regarded as more durable than other, smaller memory cards, hence their use in SLR cameras, which are mainly used by professional photographers. The largest CF card available has a capacity of 64GB.
Mobile phones
microSD, formerly known as TransFlash, is the most common memory card used by mobile phones. It’s a favoured format for mobile phones due to its compact size – it’s not much larger than a fingernail. Currently, the highest capacity microSD card available is 8GB, though this is the SDHC variant. As mentioned in relation to SD cards, any microSD card over 4GB in capacity is microSDHC, and these larger capacity cards may not work with all devices. Generally, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, LG and BlackBerry mobile phones all use the microSD card format. miniSD cards may be found in some mobile phones, though this is rarely the case with newer models.
For Sony Ericsson phones, removable storage comes in the form of Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards. M2 cards are essentially a smaller sized version of the Memory Stick, and are available in capacities of up to 8GB (though 32GB is the theoretical maximum capacity). Some newer Sony Ericsson phones use microSD cards rather than the proprietary Sony M2 cards.
Video Cameras
SD cards are one of the most popular storage formats for video camcorders. Some video cameras can record video directly onto an SD card. Others will record video to the camcorder’s built-in hard disk drive or disc, using the SD card memory to store still images. Like Sony digital cameras and Sony Ericsson mobile phones, Sony handycams use the proprietary Memory Stick format, and some JVC camcorders use microSD cards rather than SD.
Other devices
Many other devices also use memory cards. Portable music and media players may have a memory card slot, often in addition to built-in flash memory or hard disk drives. Depending on the brand of media player, the player may support either SD or microSD cards – though many of the newer players will support the SDHC and microSDHC formats for larger capacity cards.
Portable GPS devices commonly store maps on SD cards. A growing number of GPS devices also include multimedia features such as picture viewers and music players and these files may be stored on SD cards for playback through the GPS unit.
Although PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) aren’t as popular as they once were, there are still a number of models available on the market. Most of them use SD cards, though some use microSD to keep the unit smaller.
Memory card adapters
An important consideration when using the smaller variants of memory cards is a memory card adapter. For example, when using microSD cards, an adapter allows the microSD card to slot into a regular SD slot. This also means you can use your microSD card in the SD card slots found on many PC and notebook computers – making file transfers easier.
Capacity
No matter the kind of device you use, be sure to consider the amount of data you will need to store at any one time on the device and purchase a memory card with adequate storage.
Shopping Checklist: Memory Cards
• Compatibility
Ensure the memory card you’re buying is the right one for your device. If you are buying a high capacity card, such as an SDHC card, ensure that the device you will be using the card in supports format. While an SDHC card will fit into a regular SD slot, some devices don’t support the higher capacity format.
• Capacity
Consider the amount of data you will need to store at any one time and purchase a memory card with an appropriate storage capacity. If you regularly delete or upload data to a PC, then a high capacity memory card may not be needed. On the other hand, if you travel regularly or need a card to store music and video on, then a larger capacity model may be a smart choice.
• Adapter
If you are using a smaller card, for example a microSD or Memory Stick M2, make sure you purchase an adapter that will allow you to use these cards in a regular SD or Memory Stick slot. Often these adapters are bundled with the cards when purchased, but sometimes they are sold separately.
• Card reader
A memory card reader lets you access the files on a flash memory card and may be handy if you have multiple types of card. There are many variants of card readers, but almost all of them connect via USB, making them easy to slot into a USB port on a PC or notebook computer. There are single card readers that can only read a single memory type, (for example SD), and multiple card readers that can read many memory card formats, including SD, SDHC, miniSD and Memory Stick. These are often called 3-in-1, 4-in-1 or 5-in-1 card readers, depending on the number of types of card they can read.
• Speed
Memory cards offer a variety of data transfer speeds. For the average consumer, this isn’t a big concern. But for professional photographers, for example, it can make a difference to image capture and transfer rates. Many new cards claim fast transfer speeds – some claim read and write speeds of up to 20MB per second. If this is important, then do consider the speed of the card before purchase.
• Software
Many memory card vendors package software specially developed for the cards. This can include image rescue software for use in cards for digital cameras, for example, or tools to recover accidentally erased or deleted files. The software is sometimes included on the cards, but usually just included in the sales package.
• Video
Many memory card manufacturers have developed cards specifically for video recording. For example, SanDisk offers a Video HD SDHC card, which it claims is ideal for recording high-definition video content from the latest range of HD camcorders.
• Write protection tab
Some SD cards have a sliding write protection tab, preventing the accidental loss of data. Sliding the tab forward means the card can’t be written to; that is, any content on the card can’t be removed nor can new content be loaded onto it. The write protection tab isn’t a feature of smaller memory cards, such as microSD or miniSD cards.
• Accessories
Many memory card vendors provide accessories in the sales package. These can include a card adapter, cases or even a USB card reader. Although these accessories generally aren’t expensive, buying them together in single package can save you some extra dollars.
• Multiple devices
If you own multiple devices with the same memory card slot, for example a digital still camera and a digital video camera that both use SD cards, sharing a single SD card between two devices can save you some money if you’re on a budget.
Jargon Buster: Memory Cards
CF: CompactFlash. The most common cards found in SLR cameras, though slowly being replaced by SD. Widely regarded as more durable than smaller memory cards such as SD.
HC: High capacity. A higher capacity card than regular SD and microSD cards. Note that SDHC and microSDHC cards generally aren’t compatible with regular SD card slots.
M2: Memory Stick Micro. A smaller version of the Memory Stick used in Sony Ericsson mobile phones. It is a proprietary memory card format developed by Sony for use in its products.
Memory Stick: A proprietary memory card format developed by Sony for use in its products. Mainly used in Sony’s Cyber-shot cameras, Handycam video cameras and the PSP (PlayStation Portable) gaming device.
microSD: micro Secure Digital. A flash memory card about the size of a small fingernail. Primarily used in mobile phones.
miniSD: mini Secure Digital. A flash memory card with smaller dimensions than a regular SD card. miniSD cards were previously used in mobile phones, although they have now been replaced by microSD cards.
MMC: Multimedia Card. This is a flash memory card that is the same size as an SD card. They have been superseded by SD cards.
SD: Secure Digital is a flash memory card format approximately the size of a postage stamp. SD cards are commonly used in digital cameras.
SLR: Single Lens Reflex cameras are mainly used by professional photographers and offer an array of manual camera options. They use an automatic mirror system to direct light from the lens to the viewfinder.
xD: Extreme Digital Picture Card is a memory card format developed by Olympus and FujiFilm for use in their digital cameras.
FAQs: Memory Cards
Q: What capacity memory card should I buy for my digital camera?
A: This depends on a number of factors, including the megapixel count of your camera and how many photos you need to store on the card at any one time. If you plan to travel and won’t have frequent access to a computer then the bigger the capacity, the better. However, as long as you regularly upload your photos, then a card with a huge capacity isn’t always required. Most people can get by with a 2GB or 4GB card, though obviously a larger capacity card allows you to take more snaps at the highest a resolution possible.
Q. Why are xD cards and Memory Sticks more expensive than SD cards?
A. Both xD and Memory Stick are proprietary storage solutions, hence the more expensive price-tag – they can often cost three times the price of a comparable SD card for example. Previously, memory cards could be pricey but the increased demand for portable storage solutions has seen the cost of most memory cards drop considerably in the past 24 months. Generally you can pick up a 2GB SD card for less than $20.
Q. How important is the speed of a memory card?
A. The memory card speed is important for professional photographers and videographers, but most consumers using a basic point-and-shoot camera won’t need to be concerned by a card’s read and write speed. Generally memory cards with a fast read and write speed will allow a photographer to take more pictures in less time, for example, which should improve their workflow.
Q. Why are CompactFlash (CF) cards often a preferred choice for memory cards in D-SLR cameras?
A. CompactFlash cards are widely regarded as being more durable than the smaller SD counterparts, largely due to their sturdier, larger and thicker design. This means they are valued by professional photographers. Some recent D-SLR cameras are shipping with both CF and SD card slots, though SD cards are becoming more popular.
Q. What microSD card storage size is best for my mobile phone?
A. This depends on what features your phone has and how often you intend to use them. For example if your phone has a camera, a video recorder and can play MP3 files – and you commonly use these functions – then a microSD card with a 4GB capacity or greater would be a good choice.
Q. What is the difference between an SD and an SDHC card?
A. SDHC memory is a high capacity version (8GB and above) of the SD format. A SDHC memory card has the same physical characteristics as a regular SD card, so an SDHC card will always fit into an SD memory card slot. However, it’s important to note that some SDHC cards won’t be compatible with older devices due to the difference in format.
Q. What is the difference between a microSD and microSDHC card?
A. microSDHC memory is a high capacity version (8GB and above) of the microSD format. A microSDHC memory card has the same physical characteristics as a regular microSD card, so a microSDHC card will always fit into a microSD memory card slot. However, it’s important to note that some microSDHC cards won’t be compatible with older devices due to the difference in format.
Q. What is a memory card reader?
A. A memory card reader is a device that plugs into a USB port on any notebook computer or PC and allows you to plug in a memory card. This lets you to upload your multimedia content from the card to the hard drive of the PC for backup or storage. Card readers come in various shapes and sizes and support a range of different memory cards. Most notebook computers and some multimedia PCs have card readers built into them.
Q. What is a memory card adapter?
A. A memory card adapter is a device that allows smaller sized cards to use the slot of larger sized cards. For example, a microSD to SD adapter allows the microSD card to fit into a regular SD slot. This means you can use your smaller microSD card in the larger SD card slots found on many PC and notebook computers – making it easier to transfer your files.
