Digital Memory Cards Reviewed
This article will review the different types of memory cards
available today for digital photography. In particular, it will
recommend what is the best card for your specific circumstances
First, a question: do you think it makes a difference what size
card you use? The answer is a clear and nambiguous 'yes'. It could
well be the difference between getting that elusive photograph or
having insufficient space on your memory card capacity so that you
do not get to take that photo.
When selecting the best size, consider the number of photographs
you usually take during each of your photographic sessions. If you
usually take overseas travel pictures, family snapshots, studio
portrait or still life photographs your needs will vary quite
considerably. You also need to decide how large the image files
are. If your photographs will primarily be used for online
publication, you can get away with a smaller resolution. This will
allow you to fit more photographs on a card. However, if you intend
to print your photographs you will require higher resolution which
will result in fewer photographs being able to be stored on the
card.
Here are some rough guidelines:
* For a 2 mega-pixel camera - allow for a 128MB card. This can
store up to 45 large, uncompressed images or up to 100 small,
compressed images. This is probably adequate for most photographic
situations.
* For a 3 to 5 mega-pixel camera - allow for a 256 MB card. This
can store up to 100 large, uncompressed images or almost 200
smaller, compressed images. Significant events such as weddings or
other not-to-be-missed occasions would justify the use of this
card.
It is important to understand that first is just a Guide. There
is nothing stopping you having a set of memory cards of different
sizes. You can then choose the most appropriate for a specific
situation. Memory card are continually coming down in price, of
small and portable, are interchangeable, and most importantly - can
be reused. So, don't get locked into a particular card. It's best
to make your decision based on the situation you find yourself
in.
|