• Types of flash memory
• Storage capacities
• Storage capacities
• Memory card/USB
Types of flash memory
Flash memory is available in several formats, including CompactFlash™, MultiMedia (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), xD-Picture Card™ and Memory Stick™. In order to figure out which format(s) of flash memory is compatible with your device, we suggest that you consult the owner's manual. If you've previously used a memory card with the device, just check to see what it is says on the card. You can also visit our stores or search for the product on circuitcity.com as we've made sure to include which flash memory formats are compatible with applicable devices.
The newest type of memory card is “high speed”—like the Ultra II™ from SanDisk. These high-speed cards have some great benefits like:
- Less “lag” time from when you push the shutter to when the camera takes the picture
- Quicker shots when using “photo burst” mode on the camera
- Faster downloads from the card to your computer
- High-speed cards actually uses less battery power
- High-speed memory cards are strongly recommended for digital cameras of 4 megapixels or more.
Storage capacities
How many digital photos can you store on a flash memory card? Consult the chart below to see how many pictures you can save as JPEGs onto flash memory cards of varying storage capacities. Just locate what megapixel-size camera you're using in the left column, and read across the chart under the memory card capacities.
Note: if you take any short videos with your digital camera, you’ll want even more memory.
Camera type Flash memory card capacity*
128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB 4GB
2-megapixel 149 298 595 1,190 2,379 4,758
3-megapixel 113 226 452 905 1,808 3,619
4-megapixel 95 180 381 762 1,524 3,046
5-megapixel 74 149 298 595 1,190 2,381
6-megapixel 60 119 238 476 952 1,905
8-megapixel 40 79 159 317 635 1,270
128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB 4GB
2-megapixel 149 298 595 1,190 2,379 4,758
3-megapixel 113 226 452 905 1,808 3,619
4-megapixel 95 180 381 762 1,524 3,046
5-megapixel 74 149 298 595 1,190 2,381
6-megapixel 60 119 238 476 952 1,905
8-megapixel 40 79 159 317 635 1,270
* MB = megabytes, GB = gigabytes; approximate number of standard JPEG pictures. JPEG sizes vary based upon camera model and default settings.
Memory card/USB
Now, to transfer data, images, audio or video between computers, digital cameras and other electronic devices, you don't need a card reader, cables or card adapters. SD flash memory cards with built-in USB connectivity, like the SanDisk Ultra™ II SD™ Plus card, allow you to simply flip the card to engage the USB connector and plug it into any USB port. And the card also features an LED that blinks when data transfer is taking place to indicate that the card is being used as a USB flash drive. After you've copied your pictures onto your hard drive, you can then erase your memory card and start over with a fresh "roll of film!"

Guide created: 05/28/06 (updated 08/06/08)


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