Types of Memory Cards:

You may be very much elated with the prospect of giving a new definition to the pictures you take by acquiring a brand new digital camera. But have you seriously pondered over the aspect of the memory storage that will be required at the first place to store up your valuable moments? Yes, we all know that every Digital Camera will come packed with some sort of memory storage. But more than often, that space is very much inadequate in the long run. Therefore, it is always wise that you conduct a little constructive research on the memory storage and the model types you are going to lay your hands on.

Now while this step will help you out with information on an important aspect of Digital Camera, at the same time it may confuse you with the wide varieties of choices available in the market. But no need to consider yourself to be one in a messy situation; we at TopDigitalCameras.com are always here to guide you with the right kind of information. So, just read on to get the perfect memory storage for your Digital Camera.

There are more than one type of memory storages that are generally used in Digital Cameras. While systems and functions vary from one type to the other, some of them are created for certain specific models only. But all these time we are taking of the memory storage that is removable; there is one more type and that is the in-built memory. Generally this memory has a very low capacity and that is what leads the user towards several removable storage devices. Here are some of these that will make your choice easier:

• MicroDrive (MD): MicroDrive or MD memories are one of the most used memory types for Digital Cameras. Initially this was the memory which had the capacity of 1GB space and was invented by IBM. Now this compact memory type is outrun by the Compact Flash which is faster and has more capacity. But if you are looking for some reasonable priced compact memory for your Digital Camera that has yielded both value for money and has good capacity, then MicroDrive can be the best deal. Moreover, this memory type can also support a number of brands that include, Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Fujifilm, Sony and Olympus.
• CompactFlash (CF): CompactFlash memory type is another widely used media storage device for Digital Cameras. This is highly popular for its high capacity of storage space that can reach up to 8GB sometimes. There are generally two types of CompactFlashes that include CompactFlash Type I and CompactFlash Type II. While CompactFlash Type II has greater capacity than the Type I, it is thicker than the former. Type I is 3.3 mm and Type II is 5mm thick. Digital Cameras that can run Type II CompactFlash is compatible with the Type I but not vise versa. So while buying a Digital Camera, consider what kind of CompactFlash you can use in your camera and invest in that one. This memory type also supports a wide number of leading manufacturers.
• Secure Digital (SD): Secured Digital or SD cards are now most popular compact memory cards that are used in Digital Cameras. The reason behind this popularity extends to its high storage capacity combined with conveniently smaller size. With the introduction of Mini and Micro SD cards storing your valuable memories and pictures have become all the more easy. As the terms impose, these two types are even shorter than the regular SD cards. But to use these cards you need to use an adapter.
• MultiMediaCard (MMC): MultiMediaCards are almost same like the SD cards. The only difference lies in some internal system of mechanism. This is also very small memory storage. But before you are buying any MMC check out if your Digital Camera supports this memory type. Because, there are some cameras which support SD cards and yet not the MultiMediaCards.
• Reduced Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC): MMC memory devices already run on the concept of being high capacity memory storages of small sizes. Now this reduced size MMC are all the more portable and can fit easily into thin mobiles or small compact Digital Cameras. But you need suitable adapter to use this memory in devices that accept MMC.
• MMC Mobile: The name itself is suggestive of the function for this type of memory. It can easily be fitted in compact and small digital cameras and camera-mobiles. Moreover, it has some more good features as well that includes dual voltage operation and also memory access at a high speed.
• Memory Stick: Memory stick is another type of memory storage used in the Digital Cameras. But unlike other memory cards, this one is produced only by Sony and is used in Sony Digital Cameras only. This is a limitation of these memory cards that accounts for the high price that memory cards are priced at. In operation, memory sticks are just like other memory cards. There are some variations of this memory device as well. There are Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Pro Duo.
• Memory Stick Pro: This is another variation of the memory stick device of Sony. Memory Stick Pro has faster capacity in both read and writes departments than its other versions of memory sticks. Moreover, it has bigger space of 1GB and was introduced to outrun the 128MB capacity memory storages. But before you rush to buy one of this high capacity memory stick, notice that Memory Stick Pro will not work in the devices that supports standard memory sticks only.
• Memory Stick Duo: Memory Stick Duo is the smaller version of the memory stick of Sony. These cards are geared to be used in the smaller Sony Digital Cameras. But you can use this small version in the bigger models as well with the help of appropriate adapters. There is another memory stick called, Memory Stick Pro Duo, which is both smaller and faster. But before investing in any of these memory sticks, make sure that you know which one of these your Digital Camera will support. Moreover, you should remember that, Memory Sticks are supported in Sony Digital Cameras only.
• SmartMedia (SM): Smart Media was invented by both Fuji and Olympus and it became a competitor for the CompactFlash memory cards. With a smaller size, thinner get up and surface contact pins, SmartMedia cards became hugely popular with the Digital Camera enthusiasts. But the main drawback of this memory storage was its limited capacity that was 128 MB only. Naturally in the market where higher and higher capacity memory cards are vying with each other, SmartMedia became outmoded generally.
• xD Picture Card: Like the Memory Sticks are designed for Sony cameras, xD Picture Cards are made specifically for the Fuji and Olympus Digital Cameras. Introduced and promoted by these famous brands, xD Picture Cards have their variations as well. The main feature xD Picture Cards is that this is the smallest memory card available in the market. The variations include M type of xD Card and H type of xD Card. While M type of xD Card has more capacity than the standard version, H types offer more speed and faster in reading the memory. That helps the consumer in taking pictures more frequently as well as taking the movie and playing it. All these times, that will generally be longer in other type of memories or cards, are relatively short in H Type of xD Cards with Fuji and Olympus. But then, like the Memory Sticks, in this case also, you should remember that, these memory cards are compatible only with the Digital Cameras of these two brands. Even before buying the M and H type, be sure that they are compatible with your Fuji or Olympus Digital Camera models.

So, now here you have information on a number of memory cards and storage devices for your Digital Camera. All you need to do now is to investigate or consider the model of your camera and the memory storage types it supports. Get one or two memory cards or storages of varying capacity and get ready to lock the precious moments in the memory storages to enjoy.

While these storages will definitely help you store up your precious picture safely, here are some more information that would help you in handling these sophisticated devices properly and will guide you more into the intricate world of Digital Cameras. Have a look:

Related Tidbits:

• Card Speed: Card speed will be a consideration that you may like to make while choosing the perfect memory card for your Digital Camera. While shopping for memory cards, you may wonder depending on which aspect the prices of the cards vary though they may look alike. Card speed can be one good reason behind the varied price. Now, if you need a Digital Camera where you can shoot picture after picture without the camera taking too much time to read and write the pictures in the storage, you may go for the high speed memory cards which are rather expensive. Most of the time, high speed memory cards are used in professional photography rather than general day to day usage. Therefore, consider first how you are going to use your Digital Camera and invest in the right kind of memory card than wasting money on the one that is not required for your purposes.
• MagicGate: Digital right’s management or DRM, which is a technology or software for protecting the copies, is known as MagicGate, introduced by Sony. Though this software, the data stored in the memory card of your Digital Camera is encoded and MagicGate also controls the copying of the files in the memory card.
• Card Readers: You may have heard enough about this specific device associated with memory cards. A card reader helps you to read the memory of the card without using your Digital Camera. All you have to do is to insert the card in the particular slot and connect it to your computer to upload the pictures. This also helps in saving the battery life of your camera as well at the same time being a convenient way of using your memory card.
• Printing & Viewing The Pictures: Viewing the pictures you have taken and printing them in the size that you need, have become real easy with the more and more set up of the photo kiosk. There all you have to do is to insert the memory card in the particular slot and get the picture printed. Other than that, you can also go to the local studios to get the pictures printed.
• Portable Digital Storage: People on the rush most of time are in need of some portable devices that will help them upload and view the pictures from their memory card on the way. There are several types of portable digital storage that come handy to these people. Most of these image storages have their LCD screen for viewing the pictures and playing video taken in the Digital Camera.
• Memory Retrieving Software: It happens sometimes that your memory card gets corrupted due to virus problem or for physical damage. Retrieving pictures from the damaged memory card becomes a headache as well as absolute necessity. But you will get relieved to know that, there is image retrieving software available to get the pictures back from the corrupted memory card. You can find them in the internet and download one. Most of the time you have to pay for this software though there are some companies which offer a free trial. You can try them out to see if they are helpful enough before spending money on it.

So, here are some more information that you can make good use of. Now, get the Digital Camera, the memory storage for it and start clicking right away.

Storage Options For Your Photos:

You may be wondering just how many storage options you need to register in your head for your Digital Camera and the pictures taken by it! Feeling bogged down by a little of too-much information? Well, let us clear your confusion here. Previously we got the information about the memory storage that you are going to use inside the camera, and the helpful software and other information that can help you in this. But now we are going to talk about the storage options that you will be using after you have flaunted your excellent feats in photography! In short how and where you are going to store up those pictures that you have taken. We are mentioning here some of the options that you have in your hand:

• CDs and DVDs: These are the storage options that will be safest. You can store up hundreds of your pictures in the CDs or in the DVDs. While CDs have a storage space of about 700 MB enabling you to store up almost 300-400 pictures, DVDs have even greater space of about 4GB where you can put pictures almost 6 times more than the CDs. Both CD and DVD burners are available easily and are not that much expensive as well. So, store up your valuable pictures there and keep them for enjoying time and again.
• Hard Drive of your Computer: Hard drives are often the first choice to store up the pictures right out from your Digital Camera. This is a good option as well. But then there are times when hard disks can fail you as well deleting all your precious vacation, friends and family pictures. So, it is better, you have a back up of these accidental hazards and consider other potential storage devices to store your pictures.
• Flash Drive: This is another form of storage device that you can invest into. You will get Flash drives of several capacities and can get one or two according to your need and budget. The good news is, flash drives are much cheaper now making it whole lot easier to collect and store up your memorable pictures. Moreover, since these are portable, you can carry them anywhere at ease and just connect to a computer to enjoy the pictures or videos taken by you.
• Portable Storage Devices: These are different than the flash drives that we have just talked about. These portable storage devices have, most of the time LCD screens where you can view and play the movies also. Moreover, with these devices, you don’t even have to carry an awesome tangles and loads of adapters and cables. Simple batteries will do. These portable storage devices are also available plenty in market in different sizes and designs.
• Digital Photo Frames: Digital photo frames have risen into popularity as well as one of the ‘goo-to-have’ storage devices. They are available in different sizes and with varying capacities. You can have these frames ranging in sizes starting from 2.4 inch to 19 inch. But generally most of the frames are available in 7-10 inch sizes. Through USB ports and cables you can connect these Digital frames with your computer or can directly upload pictures from the memory cards. While different frames may have different facilities, some come packed with all these options. So, get these stylish and handy photo frames and enjoy the snaps.

While you are going to buy a Digital Camera, it’s never enough to concentrate on the specifications of the camera itself along with the brands. You should always keep some time to make consideration for the storage devices like the memory cards and also devices where you will store up your pictures after you clear off the memory card. Now, make the right choice with both the memory cards for your Digital Camera and the storing device you need afterwards to keep your pictures and enjoy clicking your Digital Camera at every occasion fit to take a great snap at.