Flash memory

We've spoken at length already about hybrid cameras with supplementary flash memory, both removable and built-in. There is, however, a gaggle of cameras with only flash memory on-board. Mini-DVD, tape and hard drives are all fairly large immoveable objects around which a camera must be designed. Flash memory, on the other hand, is compact and frees the designers' hands somewhat. This means that not only are flash-only cameras smaller than their brethren, but they can be shaped differently too — witness the upright Sony HDR-TG1 and the discontinued Canon HV10.

Some may find the petite dimensions to their advantage — space-deprived travellers, for instance — but there are a few downsides. Generally we've found that these smaller, lighter cameras are harder to hand hold, especially for extended durations. And despite the fact that flash memory prices are falling as fast as oil is rising, flash memory is nowhere near as cost effective as hard-disk. This isn't much of an issue for standard-def cameras, but can be problematic for high-def models — a 4GB SD card or Memory Stick holds a smidgen less than half-an-hour's worth of top quality footage.

Keep in mind too that not all memory cards are created equal. To keep up with data being saved to it, SD/SDHC cards used with camcorders should be rated 40x (6MBps) or above.

cnet.com