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 Click & Learn: Memory cards & readers

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  Home  >  Click & Learn  >  Cameras & Camcorders  >  Memory cards & readers

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Storing digital pictures

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

• And, the high-speed card 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*
256MB
512MB
1GB
2GB
4GB
3-megapixel
219
438
876
1,752
3,504
4-megapixel
134
269
538
1,077
2,154
5-megapixel
100
201
403
807
1,614
6-megapixel
84
168
336
673
1,346
7-megapixel
76
151
303
605
1,210
8-megapixel
71
142
286
571
1,142

*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!"

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