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Memory Card Formats
Secured Digital (SD) - Common camera storage format.
Micro SD - Used in mobile phones, Smartphones & tablets. By the use of an adapter holder can be used in standard SD readers .
Multi Media Files (MMC) - These are usually compatible with SD cards but at a slower data transfer rate and read-only lock switch.
Compact Flash (Cf) - High capacity format and fast performing card. Used in many high end DSLR cameras.
eXtreme Digital (xD) - Sometimes used in older Fuji and Olympus cameras. This format is now not often found.
Sony Pro Duo HX & Mark 2 - These are Sony proprietary memory storage formats.
SD Capacities
SD - (Secured Digital) storage up to 2GB. These are compatible with most digital cameras.
SDHC - (Secured Digital High Capacity) increased storage up to 32GB but check with your manual if this format compatible with your camera. Allows extra storage for images and video footage.
SDXC - (Secured Digital Xtra Capacity) specialist high capacity up to 2TB (2048GB) this is a new form factor. Check to ensure your camera is compatible with this format.
Class Transfer Rates
Different class cards indicate the transfer rate the card works at. The write speeds impacts on the time taken for the camera to write data to the card. This can impact on the camera ability to take and write multiple sequential shots.
Minimum write speeds Class 2 - 2MB per second Class 4 - 4MB per second
Class 6 - 6MB per second Class 10 - 10MB per second
Read speeds are often less important as this usually dictates the speed that images can be transferred to a PC or laptop. The rate of transfer is also dependant on the the USB port speed the card reader is plugged into. USB 3 is faster than USB 2 or 1. All USB formats are backwardly compatible.
To ensure your memory card safeguards your images it is recommended to format your memory cards every so often. This will optimise the write speed of the card and ensure that there are no errors on the card. Ensure all of your images are backed up prior to formatting your card on your camera.
Memory Card Formats
Secured Digital (SD) - Common camera storage format.
Micro SD - Used in mobile phones, Smartphones & tablets. By the use of an adapter holder can be used in standard SD readers .
Multi Media Files (MMC) - These are usually compatible with SD cards but at a slower data transfer rate and read-only lock switch.
Compact Flash (Cf) - High capacity format and fast performing card. Used in many high end DSLR cameras.
eXtreme Digital (xD) - Sometimes used in older Fuji and Olympus cameras. This format is now not often found.
Sony Pro Duo HX & Mark 2 - These are Sony proprietary memory storage formats.
SD Capacities
SD - (Secured Digital) storage up to 2GB. These are compatible with most digital cameras.
SDHC - (Secured Digital High Capacity) increased storage up to 32GB but check with your manual if this format compatible with your camera. Allows extra storage for images and video footage.
SDXC - (Secured Digital Xtra Capacity) specialist high capacity up to 2TB (2048GB) this is a new form factor. Check to ensure your camera is compatible with this format.
Class Transfer Rates
Different class cards indicate the transfer rate the card works at. The write speeds impacts on the time taken for the camera to write data to the card. This can impact on the camera ability to take and write multiple sequential shots.
Minimum write speeds Class 2 - 2MB per second Class 4 - 4MB per second
Class 6 - 6MB per second Class 10 - 10MB per second
Read speeds are often less important as this usually dictates the speed that images can be transferred to a PC or laptop. The rate of transfer is also dependant on the the USB port speed the card reader is plugged into. USB 3 is faster than USB 2 or 1. All USB formats are backwardly compatible.
To ensure your memory card safeguards your images it is recommended to format your memory cards every so often. This will optimise the write speed of the card and ensure that there are no errors on the card. Ensure all of your images are backed up prior to formatting your card on your camera.