Are All Memory Cards The Same?

[clio]

I'm thinking about buying a new camera on this trip and I'm looking at the price of memory. I know different cameras need different types of memory card, but does it matter which brand of memory you buy? Are they all the same or is with worth paying the few dollars extra for the more expensive ones? Thanks.

[Josette]

Nope, just as long as it looks like the one for your camera. I know Sony's are a stick, and there's another cheaper brand that makes the same one. I think the cheaper one even says what camera they're for. I forget the name of the cheaper one though. :)

[Keith]

Well I don't necessarily think the make matters an awful lot, but the speed DOES have quite an effect on how soon you can take the next photo especially on the larger cards (which tend to be slower)

I tend to stick to sandisk or lexar although I've had the odd one of those fail soooo :/

[ukwdwnut]

nope there are many different types inc

CompactFlash, Memory Stick and memory stick duo(the new one from sony), MicroDrive, MultiMedia Card, SD (Secure Digital), SmartMedia, xD Picture Card

[arcamalpha2003]

Well I don't necessarily think the make matters an awful lot, but the speed DOES have quite an effect on how soon you can take the next photo especially on the larger cards (which tend to be slower)

I tend to stick to sandisk or lexar although I've had the odd one of those fail soooo :/

Tend to agree with keith here.
Speaking about compact flash cards, different ones will have different speeds, but this should not really be an issue unless youre a fully fledged proffessional.
Many pro's actually believe in having two smaller sized memory cards rather than one massive memory one, incase they have problems with the card, data can be recovered, but its still a hassle, at least all your pics wouldnt be on one card if something did go wrong.

Bill.