Which SD card is right for you?
SD cards are a common flash memory device often found in electronics like digital cameras and cell phones. Coming in a variety of sizes, brands and types, it is sometimes difficult for people with minimal tech experience to determine what kind of SD card is best for them. Thankfully, comparing SD cards and figuring which one you need is actually quite easy to do and takes a minimal amount of time, effort and research.
Instructions
1. Determine the appropriate SD card type for the electronic device in question. This information is always printed in the user manual for the device. SD card types vary. miniSD and microSD cards are common to cell phones. Standard SD cards are common to digital cameras, video cameras, and computers. Adapters are available to convert miniSD and microSD cards to the standard size, making them compatible with standard SD devices.
2. Check the device's user manual for the appropriate card class. Card class has to do with how fast data writes to the card. According to SDCard.org, SD card speed classes break down into the following:
Class 2 : H.264 video recording, MPEG-4, MPEG-2 video recording
Class 4: MEPG-2 (HDTV) video recording, DSC consecutive shooting
Class 6: Mega-pixel DSC consecutive shooting, professional video camera
This information is printed on the card's packaging.
3. Determine the amount of space you need on your SD card. SD card size is commonly measured in gigabytes (GB). The more GB your card has, the more data it can store. If buying an SD card for a video camera, for instance, you might consider a extended capacity SD card. However, for a cell phone, you don't need 32 GB of data, and should probably opt for a smaller card (2 to 4 GB should be plenty). This, ultimately, depends on how much space you think you'll need and how much you're willing to spend, as more space costs more money. This information is always printed on the card itself.
4. Decide which brand of SD card you want for your device. Generally this is a matter of preference. Some brands cost more than others despite offering the same quality performance. Popular SD card manufacturers include SanDisk, Kingston, and Sony. Refer to the device's user manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.
Tags: cards common, This information, user manual, video recording, always printed, appropriate card
