When it comes to memory cards, it's easy to become confused thanks to all of the different types and variations available. Memory cards are used in a range of devices, from cameras and camcorders to mobile phones, televisions and consoles.
Knowing what type of memory card is right for you (and your particular devices) is becoming vitally important, and this is where we can help. Jump to • • What is a memory card? Memory cards are small devices (some no bigger than your thumbnail) that are used to store electronic data.
This can be anything (depending on the device) from photos, music, movies, games, documents, programs and more. While cards come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are available for a variety of products, all memory cards do essentially the same thing — store data. Memory cards, also referred to as flash memory, are essentially chips that allow users to write and rewrite data multiple times. Some of the key features of flash memory cards include their small size and the ability to retain data without a power supply. This allows them to fit into a variety of portable consumer devices.
Nov 28, 2011 - (Wii console SD card image by Evan Amos, public domain). Its small size, large capacity and robust design has made it common in.
What types of devices need memory cards? Devices like the Nintendo Wii use SD cards. (Wii console SD card image by Evan Amos, public domain).
Memory cards first took off as the storage medium of choice in photography, with cameras dispensing with film rolls to instead rely on the much smaller and cost-effective memory cards. As well as digital cameras, memory cards are commonly used in mobile phones to store information like photos and music, as well as in camcorders to store video. Memory cards are also used in other consumer electronic devices such as televisions, portable game devices, printers, DVD recorders and more. Many TVs come with card slots which allow users to see any stored photos on a big screen, while some printers allow you to print directly from images stored on a card. While you can easily swap cards from one product to another, it's important to remember that different devices take different types of memory cards.
If you already have a device that takes a memory card and want to buy more gear, make sure your intended purchase can take the same type of card. What are the different types of memory cards available?