Fujifilm and Olympus produced their xD memory cards (extreme Digital) in 2002 and have since tried to keep up with their competitor, the Secure Digital (SD) memory cards.
Technology has continued to evolve, and both companies are finally beginning to slow down on xD card production in favor of the widespread and infinitely more flexible SD format.
No Compatibility
One of the reasons SD cards are so popular is because they are supported by such a large number of electronic devices. The SD’s are compatible with video games, PDA’s, video recorders, and of course digital cameras.
On the other hand, the xD card is exclusive to Fujifilm and Olympus digital cameras. There are SD cards on the market now that can store up to 32 GB of space. The maximum for an xD card is 2 GB — hardly enough for most higher end electronics.
As if that weren’t enough, xD cards are well known for their problems with software and camera accessories. Hours of difficulty can result, which can turn off many users hoping for a streamlined process instead of having to pull teeth to get their new gear to work.
Corrupted Data
When someone uses a digital camera, they are hoping to document an important moment in their lives — a moment which will not come again. The worst problem users have been known to face with xD cards is data corruption, which has happened so frequently that, more than likely, every xD owner will experience this unhappy event at one time or another.
There is no end to the reasons for corruption — simply hitting buttons while the digital camera is in the middle of a task is enough to screw up images, or sliding out your card before turning off your camera.
An SD card isn’t an exception to data corruption, but it’s mentioned far less often than the xD. Corruption can screw up any camera’s output, but the xD’s number of complaints is bordering on the legendary.
Overpriced Merchandise
The strangest discrepancy among these memory cards has to do with the price of the limited xD versus the more efficient SD card. A 2 GB Olympus xD card is available through Amazon.com for $17.50, and the SD version of that same size card is priced at $8.49.
The difference is so stark that it would make sense for a user to buy a new camera rather than gouge themselves on memory cards.
The SD card started up in’99, and it has continued to change with the times, offering more space and compatibility for any electronic device on the shelves whether they’re small or large.
Customers will choose SD cards instead of the xD, considering their differences, and Olympus and Fujifilm correctly see that the time has come to make something new.
Olympus and Fujifilm will keep supporting the xD memory cards for the near future. If you are looking for a realiable memory card, make sure to trust the experts and pick up an xD memory card or brand new digital camera memory from a trustworthy website.
categories: digital memory cards,digital cameras,electronics,shopping and product reviews,photography,technology,gadgets
Related Articles
No user responded in this post
Leave A Reply