Here’s another rundown of what’s available out there.

CompactFlash (CF) — Introduced in 1994, CF is one of the oldest flash memory storage types in the market today. Used primarily by early portable digital devices, flash memory inside CF cards is being replaced by rather expensive micro-size hard drives with memory sizes ranging from 256 megabytes to a whopping 6 gigabytes. Many hi-end digital-SLR cameras use CF because of its large memory capacity.

SmartMedia — These cards were popular among early MP3 players but data capacity maxes out at 128 Mb and there are compatibility issues with many digital cameras. Like the relatively unknown Mini-Flash Card, this format is actually on its way out as a standard. Try to stay away from devices sold with SmartMedia as the only storage format.

MultiMedia Card (MMC) — MMC is commonly used in today’s MP3 players, digital camera’s, mobile phones and other handheld devices. MMC is physically identical to the SD card but they are technically different. In many instances, MMC will work on SD card-compatible devices but not vice versa. A smaller MMC version is also available called Reduced Size or RS MMC.

Secure Digital (SD) — SD is one of the most commonly used flash memory cards on par with CF. SD cards have faster transfer rate and larger memory capacity making it the card of choice in many handheld devices, particularly digital cameras. A smaller version dubbed MiniSD card is also available.

Memory Stick — Sony developed this format for quick data transfer between all its digital audio and video products. Memory Stick now has several versions: MagicGate, Memory Stick Duo, and Memory Stick Pro. Only a handful of non-Sony devices make use of the Memory Stick, which tends to be more expensive per MB than other formats.

xD Picture Card or Extreme Digital Card — This was developed by digital camera veterans Olympus and FujiFilm. The ultracompact memory device is no larger than a typical postage stamp, which can also be used on CompactFlash and SmartMedia slots with the use of a compatible adapter.

TransFlash or T-Flash — Transflash is currently the world’s smallest flash memory storage format. Aimed for new ultra-compact mobile phones with full-featured storage-intensive multimedia applications. Based on the mini-SD technology, the TransFlash memory module can be inserted into an adapter and used in other SD-enabled devices.

If the number and variety of flash storage memory formats overwhelm you, I suggest you stick to the most commonly used formats just to be safe, namely CF and SD cards.

Gadget of the week

An automatic slave flash for both film and digital cameras with built-in flash

Highs: Intelligent circuitry that adjusts to your own camera flash; comes with a bracket, table stand and swiveling strobe holder; compatible with red-eye pre-flashes; ultracompact.

Lows: Test and off button are the same.

Verdict: The perfect partner for those still photo cameras that need extra flash at a nice price of only P1,995.