Storage media for digital cameras?

[spekesoftly]

Could someone please explain the relative merits and differences between the various storage cards available for digital cameras?

I'm finding the choice a bit overwhelming:-

CF - Compactflash. .CF/2 - Compactflash TypeII. .SM - SmartMedia. .SD - Secure Digital. .MMC - MultiMediaCard. .MS - Memory Stick (exclusive to Sony?)

Thanks in advance for any help

[ORAC]

First, pick the camera you like. The only reason for taking the media into account is if you a preference because of another reason.

I won't mention them all but:

SM - SmartMedia: Small and light, but also not rugged. Ideal for very small items, like pocket MP3 players, where size is critical. Sizes tend to lag those available in CF (see below) and they come in 2 voltage types. I would not trcommend them except for small pocket cameras.

CF - Compactflash: Rugged case, sizes up to about 512Mb, but the affordable ones are the 128Mb (just got one in LA for $43 + tax). 512Mb is about $280.

CF/2 - Compactflash TypeII. Same principle as CF I but a bit thicker (5mm v 3.5mm). The advantage here is that you can get IBM Microdrives in the same format up to 1Gb. The 1Gb drives are about $340 drives. I picked up a 340Mb drive in Tottenham Court Road for about £110. They retail in the US for about $200. They pull more power than a solid state card however, is the only real advantage is the larger size allowing more high quality shots to be stored.

. .Sony Memory Stick: Sony proprietry, so you will not find anyone else using it. There are also different versions for video and audio, so you cannot swop them around. Not cheap.

My opinion? If it is a factor, go for one using CF II cards and, initially, use 128Mb cards. 512Mb ones will come down eventually.

Personnaly, I use a Microdrive so that I do not have to worry about space or carry extra cards around.

[spekesoftly]

Hi ORAC - thanks for all the info, much appreciated <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

speke

[ORAC]

I prefer here:

<a href="http://www.valuemedia.co.uk/compact_flash.htm" target="_blank">http://www.valuemedia.co.uk/compact_flash.htm</a>

Look at the price of the Integral 64Mb CF - £22.99 + VAT.

And dirt cheap postage too (£1.69).

[bonajet]

SS. .I've used all three systems:

Smart Media - had two cards fail in first digital camera. Seem pretty flimsy to me

CF used in a Psion. No problems

Memory Stick. Can be expensive but prices dropping. 128 Mb is 82US $ here in Hong Kong. Used for two years with no problems. Sony main user but I believe other companies are licensing. Higher market penetration here (25%) than elsewhere. Two types - Magicgate has protection for audio copying but normal Mem sticks can be used for anything - audio , video, you name it.

As ORAC said - pick the camera you want and use either CF or MS. I would avoid Smart Media.

[mfds]

Just to say I agree with ORAC, have also used <a href="http://www.valuemedia.com" target="_blank">www.valuemedia.com</a> - they are the cheapest and most knowledgable outfit I have purchased from.. .I got a 256Mb CF card for £92 ..... it arrived within 24hrs and they seem very up with what they are selling.