Types of Memory Cards

• The specific memory card you need depends on what type and brand of camera you have. Compact flash cards, made for most SLRs, can store up to 12 GB of information. For some compact flash cards, you can add a micro drive, which can store up to 2 GB, and can also be used in PDAs and MP3 players. Secure digital cards are the most popular and have capacities ranging from 2 GB to 32 GB. Though less popular, memory sticks are still used for some Sony cameras and range in size from 256 MB to 1 GB.
  
  

Photo Storage Capacities

• Assuming you are taking photographs at a high resolution and your memory card falls between 2 GB and 16 GB, there are a variety of storage capacities based on how many megapixels your camera is. For a 5 MP camera, 1,200 and 10,300 pictures can be stored in a 2 GB card and 16 GB card, respectively. An 8 MP camera can handle 800 and 6,650 photographs. A 10 MP camera can store 650 and 5,200 pictures, and a 12 MP camera can save between 400 and 3,250 pictures.
  
  

Recommendations

• A minimum amount of storage is recommended for each camera based on the number of megapixels. If you choose a card lower than the recommended size, you may not have sufficient room to save many, if any, pictures to the card. For a 5 MP camera, choose a card that has at least 512 MB of storage. An 8 MP camera should have a memory card with at least 2 GB of storage, and for cameras that take video and have more than 10 MP, you should have a card with at least 4 GB of storage.