02 Dec 09 The Problems With xD Memory Cards
After releasing the extreme Digital (xD) memory cards back in 2002, Olympus and Fujifilm have struggled to keep up with the advantages of the competition's flash memory card, the Secure Digital.
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.
Difficulty With Compatibility
SD cards have influenced the world over thanks to the fact that they are compatible with so many devices. For example, they are perfect for PDA's, camcorders, and digital cameras to name a few.
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.
Issues With Corruption
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.
Some of the more common activities that will trash your stuff include buttons being pushed in the middle of a camera load, for instance, or removing your card without first turning off your camera.
The SD card, while not immune to corruption, is not mentioned as often as the xD. Corruption can be a difficulty faced with any camera, but there are many more instances of xD cards experiencing corruption than its SD alternative.
Difficult Pricing
Even though the xD is inferior to the SD in almost every respect, it is somehow much higher priced. Amazon.com lists a 2 GB Olympus xD card at $17.50, while the SD alternative of the same virtual size is $8.49.
Many customers would change cameras just to capitalize on the price difference even if the xD wasn't as prone to corruption and had more compatibility.
Despite the fact that the SD originated in'99, it's still powered for expansion to fit in with many of the electrical devices being sold today and, featuring all that disk space, it's not hard to like them.
As long as SD continues to prosper, it's a no-brainer that Olympus and Fujifilm should forget about the xD and create something new for today's customers.
Olympus and Fujifilm will keep supporting the xD memory cards for the near future. If you are looking for a new memory card, be sure to listen to good advise and purchase a xD memory card or brand new digital camera memory from a trustworthy website.
Tags: digital cameras, digital memory cards, electronics, gadgets, Photography, Product Reviews, shopping and product reviews, Technology
