Types of Memory Cards

Most digital cameras store their photos on some sort of flash memory card. Flash memory isn't like hard disk storage and instead stores data on tiny chips and cards that can easily be transported from one device to another.

The advantages of flash memory include the compact size of the devices, the small amount of electricity necessary to power them and the total lack of moving parts. These advantages make flash memory technology appealing for a variety of storage tasks, particularly the storage of photo files in digital cameras.

The nature of flash memory makes it ideal for long-term data storage in portable electronics devices, such as digital cameras. When you take a picture with your digital camera, that file is stored on a flash memory device, typically a CompactFlash or Secure Digital card. The data stays on the card even when you turn off your camera or remove the card from the camera. When next you use the camera, or when you plug the card into a memory card reader (attached to your PC), the digital file is there, ready to use.