How to Compare Camera Memory Cards

Digital cameras require memory cards to increase their photo storage capacity.

A memory card is a vital accessory for a digital camera. Without one, a digital camera will have little to no ability to retain photos, so a photographer will want to find the best quality card.

Compatibility

Before purchasing a memory card, consider its compatibility with your camera. Most modern cameras use SD and SDHC memory cards, with SDHC having a higher storage capacity. Older cameras are more likely to require specialized formats, such as Sony Memory Stick or Fujifilm xD.

Capacity

The storage capacity for memory cards is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB). One gigabyte is equal to a thousand megabytes. The larger the storage capacity, the more photos the camera can hold. However, higher capacity memory cards also are higher in price.

Speed

A memory card's speed refers to how fast it writes data and how long it takes to process and store a picture. For SD cards, speed is measured in even numbered classes (Class 2, Class 4, and so on). High-quality, high-resolution cameras require faster memory cards, but speed is not as important for cheaper models.

References

• Photography Review: Digital Camera Memory Guide
• Digital Camera HQ: Digital Camera Memory Cards-- Finding the Right Card
• CNet: Digital Camera Memory Card Selector