Storage Media Matters

Don't expect your new camera to come with enough media, unless it comes as part of a package deal. Nowadays, most digital cameras, if they come with any media at all, will only be packaged with a 16 or 32 MB card. Though that used to be enough memory for a couple dozen pictures, high megapixel photos in fine, very fine, or raw detail can eat up that memory in just one or two photos. Prepare to spend money on at least one extra media card.

If you can, be sure to buy a camera that utilizes removable media such as a CompactFlash, Smartmedia or other PC card. A PC Card (a.k.a. Flash RAM, PCMCIA Card, etc.) allows you to store photos on an external device and expand the memory of your camera so that it will hold more pictures. Much like a floppy disk, the card is activated as the memory storage area of choice simply by inserting it into the card slot.

There are many different PC card formats out there but the most popular seems to be CompactFlash. There are two types commonly used - the thin Type II flash RAM cards that most consumer level cameras use, and the thicker Type III mini hard drives that most high end cameras use. These Type III drives can be less expensive per megabyte but may also be more fragile since they do have moving parts (a little spinning drive inside).

Whichever way you choose to store your images, both the internal memory in the camera and the memory in a card or drive store information in a way that allows you to free up more memory by erasing files; when you erase an image, regardless of where that file is on the memory space, you are rewarded with more space available for additional images.

Memory Card Capacity

Bigger is better – to a point. You’re going to take a lot more pictures using digital cameras than you would with film. And why not – you’re only pay for the pictures you keep! Think about your picture taking habits and consider multiple cards you can change frequently. Big capacity memory cards in the range of 1 GB (1000MB) and up will certainly help you shoot longer without having to download your pictures to a computer frequently.

Cards up to 512MB allow you to backup the entire card onto 1 CD. Smaller cards make sense from the “don’t keep all your eggs in one basket” point of view.

High Speed Memory Cards

Unlike conventional film, “high speed” memory cards are not more sensitive to light. They just write and transfer data faster. That’s an advantage only if your camera reads and writes data quickly.

Digital SLRs work faster with High Speed cards – compact models often don’t.

Tips for Protecting your Memory Cards

• Don’t carry extra memory cards loose in your pocket. They can be damaged by static, change or keys, or even pocket lint.
• You should reformat the card in your camera each time after downloading and saving the pictures on your computer. Deleting all the images on your flash card while it is mounted on your computer after downloading is not the same thing as reformatting the card in your camera. A contributing factor to card failure can be the existence of previously deleted photos. The best thing is to always format the card in your camera after you have finished downloading.
• Always create a backup by saving your files from the memory card to your computer or a CD.
• Invest in a card reader for your computer. The transfer is quicker, and it won't drain your camera's batteries.
• Never remove a memory card from your camera or card reader during the image transfer process.
• Always power down your camera before card removal.
• Do not remove the card from the camera or card reader too quickly as this can result in the corruption of data on the card and lead to damaged memory areas.
• Don’t start a transfer unless your batteries are in great shape. Battery failure while shooting will result in corruption of data on the card and can even lead to a damaged card.
• Avoid large static charges, and be extra careful when handling cards in dry, low humidity areas. Keep cards away from strong magnetic sources, and extreme heat and cold.
• If a memory card problem occurs, stop using the card immediately. Do not reformat the card (even if your camera asks you too) or delete pictures.
• Be careful with the "delete all" and "Format" functions on cameras using Smartmedia or XD cards. These are irreversible formats that cannot be recovered by anybody.