Memory Cards

Which memory card should I choose?

Both SD and Micro SD cards come in three different variants: SD, SDHC and SDXC. The designation refers to how data storage occurs on the card (HC or XC) and how large the capacity of the card is.

• SD and Micro SD (Secure Digital) support memory up to 2 GB.
• SDHC and Micro SDHC (High Capacity) support 2 to 32 GB.
• SDXC and Micro SDXC (Extended Capacity) support storage over 32 GB up to 2TB.

If you have a tablet, a digital camera, a digital photo frame, a mobile phone or other equipment that supports additional memory, you can find a card for that purpose here. We carry many different types of memory cards, such as SDHC and Micro SDHC cards, which are commonly referred to as flash cards. Which type you need depends entirely on what fits in your equipment. A camera card can be either SDHC or Micro SDHC depending on the size of the camera. DSLR cameras usually use SDHC, while smaller cameras may use either SDHC or Micro SDHC. Mobile phones typically use Micro SDHC cards, as there is generally not much physical space in mobile phones today.

The different types of cards

You can get both SD and SDHC cards, as well as micro versions of both types of memory cards. The difference between SD and SDHC is that SDHC has greater storage capacity. SDHC stands for Secure Digital High Capacity, and unlike SD cards, which officially have a maximum capacity of 2 GB, SDHC cards can store up to 32 GB. The same applies to the micro versions of both types of flash cards. Most micro memory cards come with an adapter, so you can use them in equipment that uses SD or SDHC. Do keep in mind that if your devices normally use SD cards, you cannot expect them to handle cards of the SDHC sizes if they exceed the 2 GB limit. The card will likely work, but the full capacity may not be utilized. The newer standard, the SDXC cards, have extra large storage capacity of up to 64GB and store at high speed. You can also get CF (Compact Flash) cards. These cards come in sizes up to 32 GB. CF cards are an older format that many DSLR cameras use. Most newer cameras also have space for an SD card. If that is the case for your camera, you will have the option to store images on two cards simultaneously. CF cards are relatively large and square, while SD cards are quite small and rectangular.

Using the cards

SD, CF and SDHC cards are primarily used in equipment that requires extra memory, such as digital cameras, mobile phones, tablets, etc. In theory, the cards can also be used as memory cards for any computer - either via an external card reader or via a built-in card reader. Some laptops have built-in card readers, and you can select a card reader for most desktops. Additionally, many tablets offer the possibility to use memory cards.

Data Storage

Flash memory, which is the core of the cards, is non-volatile, meaning it retains the information stored on the card - even after the power is removed. The warmer the card is stored, the shorter the time it takes for data on the card to no longer be readable. Flash memory can store your data for up to 10-20 years, and under good conditions, perhaps even up to 100 years. However, you should be aware that the cards do not last forever. Data can be transferred a certain number of times to a card before it fails, and you may need to acquire a new one. The lifespan of the card depends on various factors such as storage temperature, card construction, and so on. Even though the cards have a long lifespan, they are not a permanent solution for storing your data. Therefore, it is always a good idea to transfer your photos, videos, and files to a more permanent medium or to your computer so you do not lose anything if something goes wrong and the card fails.

What does class mean?

SDHC cards come in different classes, and the higher the class of a card, the faster it can store data. For example, Class 10 can store at 10 MB per second, while Class 8 can store at 8 MB per second, and so on. Note that there is no official class above 10, but that does not mean you cannot get cards that store faster than 10MB per second. There is just no official designation for them.

Why use SD, SDHC, SDXC, CF and their micro variants?

SD cards and their various variants are small and compact, making manual data transport easier. Therefore, the cards are ultra-mobile. You can easily carry several cards while traveling. This is an advantage if you are a photographer. When your first card is full, you simply switch to the next one.