Flash Memory Card FAQs

1.

What is a Memory Card? How do memory cards work?

A memory card is a form of solid state storage device, with no moving parts; it functions electronically instead of mechanically. A memory card is a non-volatile computer memory data storage device used with electronic devices where data can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. They are small, do not require power and are ideal for portable devices. A few examples of electronics that use memory cards include; digital cameras, laptop computers, mobile telephones, music players, televisions, video game consoles, and other electronics. Due to its high ability to store data without power, small form factor, re-recordability, and rugged environmental specifications, memory cards are extremely useful.

2.

What is the difference between various memory card formats?

There are many different flash memory cards on the market. A few examples of Memory Cards include; SD cards, miniSD cards, microSD cards, SDHC cards, Compact Flash cards, memory sticks, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Pro Duo, multimedia cards, smartmedia cards and XD cards. With such a long list of different flash memory card formats to choose from, it may be confusing to find the right memory card. Before you go out to purchase a memory card, confirm the format(s) supported by your digital devices prior to purchase. For example, your digital camera may only take an XD card (make sure by referring to the manufacturer of the digital device), do not go out and purchase an SD card. The Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Duo are memory cards that work with only a few host devices, primarily with Sony brands.

3.	I just purchased a memory card. Why doesn’t my memory card work?
	It is advised that you format the new memory card in the electronic device before use. Refer to the instruction manual of the electronic device to learn how to format your memory card.

4.

How do I use my memory card? What are handling instructions to use the memory card?

It is advised for use of all memory cards to not remove them from devices while data is being processed. In other words, power off the host device prior to removing the memory card. Since flash memory is sensitive to power loss, it is recommended that you remove the memory card in devices that are low on batteries. Data on the memory card cards may be corrupted by sudden power loss. To reduce chances of electrostatic discharge (ESD) avoid touching the metal connectors of memory cards, especially those of the Secure Digital cards, Smart Media cards and XD cards.

5.

Why are some of my files missing on my memory card? Why is some of my data corrupted on my memory card?

After uploading photos onto your computer, you may find that some of the photos are corrupted or missing. The memory card may be defective or a few of the sectors on the card may have been corrupted by sudden power loss. First try to format the card to solve data corruption issues; this could be done either on the devices (digital camera, mp3 player, pda) or on a computer. If this still does not solve the data corruption problem, you should run hard disk maintenance (such as Scandisk on PC's) on your digital media card. If problems still occur, contact the manufacturer of the memory card.

6.

My card is no longer recognized by my digital camera/memory card reader. Is something wrong with my memory card?

First, make sure that your card is inserted into the device properly; ensure that the pins of the card are facing the plastic in the card port. If the card is inserted properly and is still not recognized on the host devices, it is possible that the memory card has become defective over time. Attempt to format the memory card; this could be done either on the devices (digital camera, mp3 player, pda) or on a computer. If formatting the card is unsuccessful please contact the memory card manufacturer.

7.	Can I retrieve lost data from my memory card?
	You can use hard disk repair programs (Norton Disk Doctor, Scandisk and Disk First Aid) to recover data fragments from the corrupted memory card. Additionally, there are third party programs and data recovery services. Typically, data cannot be recovered if the memory card is not recognized on a device.

8.

Why does my memory card show less capacity than listed?

There are two main reasons why there is a discrepancy between listed capacity of the memory card and what shows up on your computer. The most likely reason that your 512MB memory card shows up with only 485MB worth of capacity is due to the small discrepancies in algorithms and file formats by various operating systems. Also a portion of memory space is reserved for system files and data sectors for better memory card performance. The second reason your card indicates less capacity on the device is due to capacity loss. When manufactured, some devices and card readers were not made to support higher capacity memory cards. An instance of this is 2 GB or higher capacity SD card that shows a memory capacity of 1 GB or less. It is always recommended that you research information on the device manufacturer to verify the correct supported format and capacity.

9.	How safe is the data stored on memory cards?
	Due to its small size, shockproof capability, sturdy shell and having no moving parts, memory cards have key advantages over other storage devices (CDs and DVDs). Memory cards are less prone to movement damage and are less fragile than CDs/DVDs.

10.

What should I consider before purchasing a new memory card?

Once you have done your research and know what type of flash card format to purchase there are two features you must consider: 1. Capacity and 2. Speed. Capacity of a flash memory card is the amount of data that that can be stored and are measured in MB (megabytes) or GB (gigabytes). The larger the capacity indicated on the card, the more room there is for data storage. To confirm the correct capacity sizes for the device, it is advised that you refer to the information provided by the manufacturer of the host device (digital camera, pda, mobile cellular phone). Speed of the flash memory card sometimes greatly affects a digital device's performance, especially if higher transfer speeds are needed for the digital device to perform a task. An example is using a low speed rating memory card for a digital camera that requires a higher speed rating. As a result of using a low speed memory card, data of the photo will written at a slower rate, thus increasing the amount of time needed to take photographs. Most flash memory cards use the X rating for speed. Please see more information on X speed rating below.

11.

What is the definition of X Speed Performance?

Flash cards with a higher X-speed rating are designed to perform faster. The X-speed rating can also be translated into another common measurement of performance - MegaBytes (MB) per second of write speed. To determine the actual MB per second, you must know the value of "X" and do the math using the multiplier number and the value of X as claimed by the product. For example: Value of X = 150 KiloBytes* per second, noted as 150 KB/sec 50X = 50(multiplier of 150KB/sec) =7,500 KB/sec = 7.5 MB/sec *1 KB = 1,000 Bytes; 1 MB = 1 million Bytes

12.

Is a Faster X Speed Rating always better?

When a Flash card is rated at 50X, does this mean that data will transfer at 7.5 MB/sec. in any digital camera or other host device? Not necessarily. A digital camera, cell phone, or other host device is itself limited by the speed of its interface to the Flash card. Often, the host device has a lower read and write speed than the Flash card, so the end result is that the Flash card cannot operate at its best performance level. A good example of this is that a digital camera may only support 10X write speeds, so using a 45X or faster Elite Pro card will not improve performance. Most cameras or other host devices do not have clearly documented Flash card interface read or write speeds, so it may be difficult to know your host device's exact capabilities. As a general rule of thumb, digital cameras with up to 5 megapixels will work just fine with standard-speed Flash cards (less than 45X). Newer professional cameras designed for continuous shooting with specifications of greater than 5 megapixels will benefit the most from Elite Pro/Ultimate cards rated at 45X or above. Using a high-quality Flash card reader to transfer data to a computer, a Flash card with a higher X-speed rating will generally transfer its data faster, thereby reducing the time to copy data from the Flash card to the computer's hard drive.