Digital cameras use one of many formats of digital flash memory. Flash memory does not require power, so that the images will be retained on the card when it is removed from the camera.
SmartMedia
SmartMedia was first introduced in 1995. Although it was intended to replace the floppy disk, its maximum data capacity of 128MB has made it obsolete. It is no longer manufactured, and working devices that use this standard are rare.
Memory Stick
The Sony Memory Stick, with compatible devices made by other companies, has been made in sizes ranging from 4MB to 32GB. It is primarily used by Sony Cybershot digital cameras.
xD Cards
The xD card is a standard initially developed by Olympus and Fuji digital camera memory. xD cards range in capacity from 16MB to 2GB. xD cards support certain picture effects, like panoramic mode, in selected Olympus cameras.
Compact Flash (CF) Cards
Compact Flash (CF) memory for digital cameras was introduced in 1994. CF memory is usually, but not always, solid state memory that ranges in size from 2MB to 100GB. A few CF format devices were made that used high capacity micro hard drives instead of solid state memory.
Secure Digital (SD) Cards
Secure Digital (SD) cards were introduced in 1999. SD has become more of a name for a physical form factor than cards that are universally compatible. The limitation on capacity of the original SD cards has led to the introduction of different cards that look the same, but that may not work in older devices. SD capacities range from 4MB to 32MB.
Tags: cards that, Compact Flash, Memory Stick, Secure Digital, solid state, solid state memory
