CompactFlash

CompactFlash or CF Memory Cards Early Favourite

            Since SanDisk created the CompactFlash Memory Card in 1994, it has been a very popular format for a variety of devices.  There are two main types of CompactFlash Memory Card:  The thin (3.3 mm) Type I card and the thicker (5 mm) Type II card.  The devices were built originally around the PCMCIA card slot of Laptop computers.  The thinner cards were developed first, and then when users wanted thicker devices for their Laptops (such as micro hard disk drives), the size of the slots were increased to allow thicker cards to be used side-by-side in the typical 2-card slot configuration.

            CompactFlash memory cards can also be classified by their read/write speed.  There are four main speeds for these memory cards: the CF, the CF High Speed (CF+ or CF2.0 standards), the CF 3.0 (using the 3.0 standard) and the CF 4.0 (using the 4.0 standard).  Each has a progressively higher speed standard.  Most CompactFlash Memory Cards on the market are of the fastest type.  The change came because the internal chips that make up the memory card have been upgraded to NAND-based flash memory.

            The Compact Flash Memory Card uses an ATA interface standard which is like a small hard disk prong design.  This means that the pin-out design is compatible with most computers and, therefore, data can be transferred,without knowing the storage format or having translator programs to move files.  This hardware compatibility has likely extended the memory card’s market life since it is physically larger than newer standard memories on the market.

Strength and Weaknesses

            Compact Flash Memory Cards are considered the main form of flash storage for most all professional photographers.  All major camera manufacturers that have a professional style use this type memory for their cameras. Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus and Sony use the CompactFlash Memory Card in their ’Pro’ Camera lines.  The CompactFlash Memory Cards are considered far more rugged and durable for ‘in the field’ use.  They resist shocks, impacts, and accidents easily.  The Compact Flash memory will even survive long periods of submersion in salt water without losing any data.

            The CompactFlash’s Memory Cards only disadvantages deal with its size and pin configuration.  The CompactFlash Memory Card lacks a means of write protection.  This means if the memory card is inserted into a non-compatible device there is no protection against over-writing of the card’s data.  The second weakness is the pin out configuration.  If a user is not careful, or forces a card into a memory slot in the wrong direction, data can be lost, device pins can be damaged, and the card holes can be broken.

Low Price Memory Product Availability

            Low Price Memory (www.lowpricememory.co.uk) stocks many memory cards products, along with such products as SanDisk memory products, Sony Ericsson memory, Memory Stick Pro Duo products, SD Memory, SDHC Memory Cards, Compact Flash memory, Micro-SD memory, XD-Picture Cards, USB Memory, USB Pen Drives, Memory Card Readers, Camera Cases for digital cameras, Bluetooth Headsets, PC Memory in a number of formats, Laptop Memory for most portable computers, Sennheiser Headphones, and Camera Batteries.