Memory Cards FAQA memory card is a self contained storage device, which fits in the palm of your hand, it uses a type of memory chip called flash memory, which although not as fast as the type of memory in a computer, its main advantage is that information stored on it is not lost when power is cut. Memory cards have no moving parts and are mainly used with portable electronic devices were a storage medium is required, such as digital cameras, handheld and Mobile computers, mobile phones, music players, digital video cameras, video game consoles, and other electronics. They offer high re-record-ability, power-free storage, small form factor, and rugged environmental specifications. Contrary to popular belief is that memory cards do wear out, the individual 'switches' can fail after prolonged use and hence many memory cards incorporate wear levelling algorithms in their design. There are several different types of memory cards and jobs they are designed for. They became really popular with the introduction of digital cameras in the 1990s. They have spread into many other devices, such as mobile phones and satnavs for example. They are considered an essential item for digital camera users. Q: Which kind of memory card do I need? A: Check the instruction booklet of your device, it will state the type of memory card it uses, e.g. Compact Flash or Secure Digital etcQ: What size of memory card should I buy?A: This depends on what you are planning to use the card for. The bigger the card the more photographs you can take, longer videos, or store more music etc. It can make sense to buy several small cards rather than one large one, when on holiday for example. That way if anything happens such as a fault, or the card is lost or stolen only a portion of your photographs have been lost. See the table below for ideas for memory card sizes. | Memory Card Size | Camera Mega Pixel Rating. | | 3MP | 4MP | 5MP | 6MP | 8MP | 10MP | | 1GB | 853 | 512 | 409 | 320 | 264 | 204 | | 4GB | 3412 | 2048 | 1638 | 1280 | 1048 | 816 | | 8GB | 6824 | 4096 | 3276 | 2560 | 2096 | 1632 | | 16GB | 13648 | 8192 | 6552 | 5120 | 4192 | 3264 |
| Memory Card Size | MP3 | WMA | | Hours of music | No. of songs | Hours of music | No. of songs | | 2GB | 30 | 500 | 64 | 1000 | | 4GB | 60 | 1000 | 128 | 2000 | | 8GB | 120 | 2000 | 256 | 4000 | | 16GB | 240 | 4000 | 512 | 8000 |
All figures in the above tables are approximations, based on continuous playback at 128 kbps MP3 and 3.5 min songs. Actual figures vary based on file size, resolution, compression, bit rate, content, host device, pre-loaded files and other factors. Q: What does the “x” mean, e.g. 133x? A: This is the speed at which the memory card can transfer data. The high the number the faster the card can save photographs for example.Q: Which speed of memory card should I buy? A: The faster the better, but also the more expensive. A high specification, expensive digital SLR camera may experience significant pauses between shots using a slow card (e.g. less than 100x), and is therefore worthy of a fast, more expensive memory card. A fast memory card for use in a digital photoframe for example would be an unnecessary expense.Q: Which brand of memory card should I buy? A: Amateurs can get away with buying cheaper memory cards. The more expensive brands have been tested for use in temperature extremes, and shock resistance for example, which benefit professional photographers on location for example. These may also have better warranties provided by the manufacturers.Q: Can I just buy the biggest card I can afford? A: Absolutely not. You need to check what size of memory card your device can accept, and we don’t mean physical size. Many devices have upper limits of memory their controllers can address. Just because a 32GB compact flash will fit in the slot, doesn’t mean it will be compatible. If the upper limit is 8GB for the device concerned, a 32GB card will not work. Click here to check compatibility.Q: What kind of memory cards do you sell? A: We sell all memory cards currently available. If they are not listed on our website please contact us. Below is a list of the different types: Compact Flash – This was one of the original memory card formats, and now predominantly used in large SLR cameras due to its large size, click here to read more. Click here to view our range.
 Memory Stick Pro Duo – This was a format devised by Sony for Sony products only, click here to read more. Click here to view our range.
 Memory Stick Micro (M2) – This is a reduced size version of the Memory Stick Pro Duo, for use in small devices like mobile phones, click here to read more. Click here to view our range.
 Multi Media Card (MMC) – This was devised as a physically smaller alternative to Compact Flash, and lead to the creation of Secure Digital, hence they are very similar, click here to read more. Click here to view our range.
 Mobile Multi Media Card (mobileMMC) – This is a reduced size version of MMC, for use in small devices like mobile phones, click here to read more. Click here to view our range.
 Secure Digital – Now a very popular memory card format thanks to its new specification SD 2.0, marketed as SDHC, allowing large sizes upto 32GB and becoming popular in digital SLR cameras, click here to read more or visit the SD Association’s website. Click here to view our range.
 MiniSD - This is a reduced size version of SD, for use in small devices like mobile phones, click here to read more. Click here to view our range.
 MicroSD - This is a further reduced size version of SD, for use in small devices like mobile phones, click here to read more. Click here to view our range.
 xD Picture Card - This was a format devised by Fujifilm and Olympus for use with their cameras, however it has suffered technical limitations and will be phased out, click here to read more. Click here to view our range.
 USB Flash Drive – Also known as the USB Memory Stick (although has nothing to so with Sony’s brand name), also known as a Pen Drive. These use the same memory card technology combined with a USB interface for direct connection to a computer with a USB port. Widely supported and hence now very popular, making the back-up and transfer of data easy, and being responsible for the decline in previous methods of data management such as floppy disks, zip disks and even portable hard drives. Click here to read more. Click here to view our range.
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