The xD-Picture Card is a new type of ultra-compact memory media that has been developed jointly by Fujifilm and Olympus. It meets the demands of new camera technologies that deliver larger image files and in some cases have the ability to record high-quality movie footage. By adopting a very small footprint (of only 20 x 25 x 1.7mm and around 2g in weight), camera designers also have the flexibility to produce more compact and innovative models.

The name 'xD-Picture Card' was derived from eXtreme Digital and was chosen to reflect the excellence with which the new format would be able to record, store and transport audio-visual information.

There are 3 types of xD card on the market currently: Standard, Type M, Type H

Standard xD card is the earliest released xD card, with a read speed of 5MB/Sec, and write speed of 3MB/Sec.(For the capacity above 64MB)

The Type M xD card is developed with MLC(Multi Level Cell) technology, the biggest disadvantages is the speed, with a read speed of 4MB/Sec, and write speed of 2.5MB/Sec. The development of Type M card is believed that in the future, it's capable for larger capacities than standard xD card,

The Type H xD card stands for High Speed. Type H cards have a write speed 2-3 times faster than the standard xd cards, thats mean you have less time to wait between shots because the camera is processing the images quicker.

* Therefore, the price for Type H card is normally more expensive than the type M card.

Another reason that both of these new formats were released is because of all the new features that Fuji and Olympus have introduced such as the new panorama options and art functions including 3D, oil painting, cartoon and watercolour, the older cards were not compatible with these functions.

Types M and H use different methods of digital encoding, however, their identical operating specifications make them fully interchangeable.

Fujifilm and Olympus xD card is compatible with both brand of cameras basically. However, the panorama option on the Olympus camera will only functioned with the use of Olympus xD card.

* There are some advices you have to take note while using the xD card:
(1) Better don't format the xD card on the card reader, as it might caused an error on the filesystem.
(2) While doing the transfer through card reader, it's better to use the "copy" option rather than "cut" option. Also if deletion is needed, better do it on the camera, don't delete through card reader as it might caused an error on the card.

* Do make sure your camera is compatible before you buy the xD card, as some model may have restrictions on either type M or type H xD card.

The compability list is too lengthy therefore i won't attach here. You can contact me through eBay if you need further information on the compability issue.

I do hope this guide is helpful and do vote for me, thanks a lot ;)