flash cards vs. memory cards

[jerkstore]

What exactly is the difference? I'm interested in a SanDisk Ultra II 1GB card as I need an upgrade and both are only $60 flat on Amazon, but don't see a difference other than the flash card appears to be smaller than the memory card.

flash card -

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CD0B7/sr=1-1/qid=1139280848/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-1933292-6628842?%5Fencoding=UTF8

memory card -

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00065AO0K/sr=1-2/qid=1139279351/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-1933292-6628842?%5Fencoding=UTF8

It's for my Canon A400, if it matters.

[ktixx]

There is no difference, it is like saying Water or H2O
Ken

[jerkstore]

What's the point then? Which would you recommened I get?

[ktixx]

What's the point then? Which would you recommened I get?

Whichever fits your camera..and if your camera happens to accept both, whichever is cheaper...

[David Metsky]

Memory cards come in a variety of physical formats. The two you showed are Compact Flash and SD, but there is also xD, Memory Stick, and even the now abandoned Smart Media. They all do the same thing and all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Camera makers decide which to build into their cameras for a variety of reasons.

The Cannon A400 takes SD memory cards, no others will fit in your camera. The card in the link is an Ultra-II high speed version of that card. Your camera cannot take advantage of a high speed card, the regular low speed version will do just as good and save you money.

-dave-

[jerkstore]

Highly informitive, thank you. So if I'd be just as good getting a generic 1GB card, which would you suggest? The only reason I was interested in the SanDisk Ultra is because I've read too many negative reviews on the regular SanDisk 1GB. Ignore and go with SanDisk anyway? Lexar? Kingston?

Also out of all the regular 1GB cards, are any of them slower than the others or will my A400 run exactly the same no matter which one I use?

[derekinla]

First of all, that's a great deal! I recently purchased an 1GB Ultra II from costco for 65 so the 60 is a great buy indeed.

As metioned above, Compact Flash (CF) and Secure Digital (SD) are 2 different types of "flash" memory used in digital cameras. Flash memory is what is used in the iPod nano. Flash memory has the advantage of not having any "moving parts" and will likely become increasingly prevalent in consumer electronics/computers. Compact Flash is more popular but is physically larger in size so some of the newer slimmer/smaller cameras often will use Secure digital. I have a Nikon D50 dSLR (just recently purchased) which uses SD. My "ancient" Canon S230 uses CF.

[derekinla]

Looks like Adorama has the 2GB SanDisk Ultra II for $90 :)

[David Metsky]

I have the regular SanDisk 512Meg and 1G cards for my SD300, they work just fine. The Ultra-II will allow you to copy files quicker from a card reader to your computer, but will have no impact at all on your camera performance.

If you plan on getting a camera or other electronic gizmo that can use the faster speed of the Ultra-II card, then it makes sense. Otherwise it's just extra money. Granted, it's no longer much extra money, but dollars is dollars.

As to other brands, I've used Sandisk, Lexar, and a few lesser known brands without any problems. Memory cards are almost, but not quite, a comodity.

-dave-

[David Metsky]

I missed one other part of your question. I think (but am not positive) that all the regular cards will allow your camera to work at maximum speed. The A400 isn't an especially fast camera, I'd be surprised if any "regualr" cards would be slow enough to have any impact.

-dave-