Memory Cards
If you own a digital camera, then you are likely very relevant question Media Selection.And why is it needed and why is it so important?
digital apparatus, unlike a film that requires a presence of the data carrier, i.e.device, which will be recorded and where the files are stored.As you have guessed, these files and there are pictures (frames).Naturally, the number of recorded files, read - frame will depend on the characteristics of the carrier.
A media for photographic equipment called memory cards.Essentially it is the same that the hard drive (HDD) in your computer.

How it works?

very easy!The memory card is formatted as specified hard drive, but it always is formatted with a file system FAT32.
The memory card is always formatted as a FAT32 filesystem
When taking the camera converts the optical image into digital form, compresses it to a certain value, forms the photo file format JPEG (name.jpg) and writes it to the specified media.Within this article we are not concerned first action (analog-to-digital conversion), but others should ask.
Once the digital form has been received, begins the formation of the file.Some phones allow you to record uncompressed files in a specific format RAW (this MirSovetov tell in the next article on handling photo).But do tend to be "big" machines, becausethus require high performance.In addition, the need to be as high-capacity media.The meaning of the uncompressed picture quality and is the highest claim for copyright.
In most cases, the information is compressed to form more familiar to all file format JPEG.It is interesting.The degree of compression depends on not only the quality but also the "weight" of the resulting file.Thus, when handling the number of megapixels can vary not only the number of matrix elements involved (zooming), but the degree of compression.In some models it is possible to select: «FINE» (the best) and «STANDARD» (normal), as well as in different variations, but the meaning is the same.Here, when the same number of megapixels, say, seven changes the compression ratio.It is clear that the file mode «FINE» will be greater.Accordingly, the greater the compression (compression), the smaller the file size, but lower quality.
And what threatens to excessive compression?Upon compression of the information photo file simply discarded (first of the locations with the least gradient colors), with attention to detail in the picture deteriorates, appearing artifacts (noise) in the form of chaotic colored dots and images pixelization occurs, i.e.enlargement of the size of the pixels (squares).
For example, if the texture was like this, formed by four pixel 1 ... 4:
The texture of the four pixels to compress
... the compressive "scum" pixels 2 and 3, and that's what happened:
When compressing "scum" pixels 2 and 3
In reality, of course, they are not discarded andcombined.Iepixel 2 becomes equal to 1 and 3 - with 4.
And that's how it looks in real photos.
Before compression
Picture after compression
As you have seen, the first photo low compression ratio and high image quality, and the second - on the contrary.
Here we are getting close to the first, and you can tell, the basic parameters of memory cards - capacity.

capacity memory card

By capacity is meant, of course, the amount of information that can be stored on the card.Common: 128, 256, 512 MB and 1, 2, 4, 8 GB.However, the 128 and 256 MB is already moribund, and the demand for them decreases.
Memory Cards
Outset that for active shooting you fit cards, starting with 512 MB or more.For containers with a smaller number of shots will be very poor, that you just "bind" to the computer, sincewill often need to "throw off" the files.Of course, the built-in memory (if any) on the 16, 32 or 64 MB will suffice except for the technical survey with a very low resolution.
When choosing memory card capacity MirSovetov advises you to be guided by the amount of cash and rationality.If you have saved and bought a much small map, then most likely, you will be uncomfortable to use it, which will force eventually buy another one, but this is not the economy.
Conversely, if you are the last effort to buy the card with an enviable margin, you, of course, to the exhaustion of its resources to other no longer needed.But whether to use all of its features fully or at least half - not a fact.And it may happen that the resource will come to an end, and you are in the history of this card was used only 10 ... 30% of its capacity.
fact that, within the shooting range is formed with the file name as an index and the machine room in order, for example, DSC03197.JPG.Filmed material, for example, a tourist, you are burning desire to "throw" it to your PC.And, as a rule, do it as soon as get access to a computer.Further, the storage of files on a memory card becomes meaningless.And I will say more, the card is best to clean up after, sincethe subsequent shooting on a blank card is not new files are added to the old.This can lead to duplication of files for copying to a PC.A search for new files on the background of old - not a pleasant thing.Imagine how you will deal with when there are several thousand files.
In most cases, the optimum capacity for a class photo can be considered as the capacity of 512 MB or 1 GB 2.However, if you plan to take and videos (if available in the camera), then you need to have at least 4GB, and in this lesson, close all 8 GB.
Approximate number of frames to be stored on memory cards of various capacities at different resolutions, you can roughly determine the table.The top line - mode «Fine», lower - «Standard».
Table determine the number of frames to be stored on memory cards of various capacities at different resolutions
table is for a Memory Stick and the unit SONY DSC-R1, so the value of other types may vary.

read and write speed on the map

speed of the card is important only if you plan to work in photography professionally and at the appropriate equipment.Otherwise, it is not necessary to chase high-speed drives.
Indeed, the speed of the memory cards vary not only depending on its type, but also within the same design type.But what affects the speed, or rather what?Elementary!The faster the file will be stored, the faster the camera will be ready for the next shot.Here is the explanation of why the need for professional use high-speed carriers - there should be removed promptly.Whereas a normal recording is not required.And in "Soap" speed of the device leaves much to be desired, so in this case to use high-speed media is pointless.So why pay more?The cost of memory cards is increasing in proportion to their speed.
speed is usually indicated on the maps, for example, 266h, in the price, you can also see this setting in the units measured in MB / s.The larger the number, the higher the speed.But once again, senseless - to try to overtake the camera.Who among memory cards have not found explicit "snail", and commercially available are quite suitable for the vast majority of cases.
But the next question is much more interesting, becauseeverything depends on it.

types of memory cards

It can happen is a situation that you are buying a memory card, and then realize with horror that she does not fit into your machine.And why can this happen?And because there are different types of cards and not interchangeable.
most common such cards:
  • SD, used in the majority of "Soap";
  • Compact Flash (CF) or as they are called, Microdrive;
  • Memory Stick (MS) and their variations, which are the trademark of SONY, and is usually used in similar devices, and others. And Memory Stick varieties are interchangeable and only require an adapter (purely mechanical).
order not emerged above said situation, it is necessary to do the reading, but not fiction, and the manual for your camera.There you will and you will find an exhaustive answer to such a simple but crucial question.
By the way, I do not exclude such a case, and you do not have to go to the store, because when you select the camera you do not take into account such features and purchased a model with built-in memory only.Then all of the above information you out, read in vain.Memory cards you do not need!
But there are other options.The devices "older" does not have built-in memory, but it is possible to install multiple cards, usually two.
In some cameras is the ability to install multiple cards usually two
Then carefully - these cards are not always of the same type!The use of different types of cards at first glance inconvenient.And in fact, it is very convenient and practical option becausefor one reason or another may not be for sale one of the types, but will the other.And you will be able to equip the device memory.Whereas if they are of the same type or the machine with only one carrier, you remain empty.
In devices with the ability to install multiple cards there is a switch of these cards, and shoot at a time can be only one map.But that's OK, becausewhen will the capacity of one, you switch to another.By the way, the device supports "hot" switch, iewithout turning off the camera.Again
same MirSovetov advises, as earlier in the article about choosing a lens to bring your camera.You can avoid many problems.First, you will immediately pinpoint the suitability map.Secondly, you will immediately appreciate its performance.
This talk.

Purchase and card verification

Just a few words about the firm- producers.
Essentially any memory card - it is consumable, and the company is not so important.You can choose any of the available for sale and vending in performance and price.However, it is necessary to avoid fakes.Therefore, it is better to buy in the stores tested, and again it is better to specialize.The most widespread card companies: Transcend (is the best option, I believe in quality and price);Kingston;Samsung and others. In addition, the firms themselves, manufacturers use the same name card, for example, Canon;SONY.For example, an SD card with the Canon logo you can safely replace the above analogs.While the company produces a card SONY Memory Stick and it is not desirable to replace the counterparts, asthey are made by a specific technology.Therefore, buying an analogue must be prepared for a "surprise": either in the form not of a very high technical quality (including volatility parameters) or at the slowness of the map.
So you have decided on the choice and have already paid for the purchase.I do not tire of repeating - ask for a copy of the check and check!Then just ask the seller to show the map.It should be sealed in a blister.Now, why is it so soon.In order to determine the integrity of the package.Packing a whole - the card is not used.There were cases when buying a memory card with any opening the package worked but refused to be formatted in the unit.It's either this card has already taken and repaired under warranty, or its use, and very correctly.Why do you unnecessary problems?It is better to know that the memory card is not worn.
then open the package and remove the card, or rather let it does the seller.Look at her.All inscriptions on it, and on the instructions attached to it must be clear.You can then proceed to the "test drive."What does it mean?
Insert a memory card into the camera.Do not forget - the device should always be switched off!Then format the card, asthey are formatted.Next, try to shoot a few frames at a different resolution, and view the resulting material.Erase (remove) all received frames one by one.Format the card.
If all these actions you were successful, you can safely go to the shooting.If you have trouble better exchange card immediately.


card depends on the card type and operation.
For example, the CF memory card are based on miniature hard drives with spinning disks and movable head for reading and writing information.So they called their Microdrive.
CF Memory Card
This design may not work at low temperatures.They range from +5 to + 40 ° C.Feature CF card is not very high speed (however, it is higher than SD), but the possibility of storing large amounts of information is sufficient.
SD Memory Card, and MS are based on flash memory and have no moving parts.
SD Memory Card
The Memory Stick
can be used at temperatures ranging from -5 ° C, but the maximum capacity is usually limited to 8 GB.But progress is not begging, and it is possible that the flash drive will soon overtake on this parameter.
SD cards are the most sluggish.If you look for a resource, then the least, of course, CF, sincethere are rotating parts.
Finally MirSovetov lead some general rules for handling card:
- Never insert / remove the card while the camera.At the same time, remove the batteries (batteries or battery) is not necessary.
- if these actions do not try to do anything by force.If the card is not inserted, then it is possible that it is simply wrong, you put (it can be inserted only one side) or bias arose.Look at a map compartment lid, there is usually applied to an icon, how to insert the card.
- do not remove the card and pull Strive for it, that is forces.As a rule, there is either a button, when clicked, card advances (jumps), or the card must first be pressed (to drown), and then release (thus there is the effect of a button - it flips and jumps).
- do not perform the above actions are often much becausecontact wear.Card does not replace a problem, but with the camera worse, more expensive.
- do not expose the card to strong impact and the influence of strong magnetic fields.The latter can not only display a map of the system, but also deprive you of the photographs - they are simply erased.The most affected by this, thatthe most vulnerable in this regard Card CF.
- do not try to use the device if the temperature is above or below the operating range for a particular type of card.Not to be confused with the operating range of storage conditions.The first is much narrower.
Performing these simple rules, you'll enjoy your camera for a long time, and do not grieve when you Photoart lesson.