xD-Picture Card

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Storage medium
xD-Picture Card
XD-Picture Card Logo.svg
General
Type Memory card , semiconductor memory
capacity up to 512 MB (original)
maximum 2 GB (available)
(theoretically maximum 8 GB)
size 20.0 x 25.0 x 1.7 mm
use Digital camera , PDA
origin
developer Olympus , FujiFilm
idea 2002
predecessor SmartMedia
xD-Picture Card 512 MB type M
Back of the xD-Picture Card
USB xD memory card reader
xD picture card adapter with inserted microSD card

The xD-Picture Card is an obsolete flash memory card designed by Olympus and Fujifilm for PDA and digital cameras as a successor technology for SmartMedia memory cards . The abbreviation xD stands for Extreme Digital.

The cards were manufactured by Toshiba and Samsung in memory sizes of 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB. xD cards are no longer supported by modern cameras.

technology

It is a card type that works by means of flash storage in NAND flash or multi-level cell technology (M type) and which should eliminate the capacity problems that have arisen with SmartMedia cards through new specifications (block structure).

Since the xD-Picture Card, unlike the SD card , does not have its own controller, cameras and other end devices must be prepared for MLC technology or be able to read SLC and MLC cards in order to be able to control the card . Up to 8  GB of memory were planned on a card, but only cards with a maximum of 2 GB are actually available. It was also significantly more expensive than the SD card : While SD cards had a gigabyte price of 2 to 5 euros, xD cards were between 5 and 10 euros (as of July 2009).

At 20 mm × 25 mm × 1.7 mm, the xD-Picture Card is significantly smaller, but no longer as thin as the Smart Media Cards; it should be less prone to torsional damage . The large-area contacts on the smart media cards, which promote electrostatic damage, are no longer there.

xD-Picture Cards were manufactured using three different techniques. These are (a) the classic technology (no type designation, 16 MB to 512 MB), (b) the space-saving, but somewhat slower multi-level technology (type 'M', 256 MB to 2 GB) and (c ) the so-called high-speed technology, which enables high capacities without the speed loss of multi-level technology (type 'H', 512 MB to 2 GB). Since February 2008 there is also the type 'M +' (1 GB to 2 GB) from Olympus, which is said to be 1.5 times faster than the type 'M'.

Olympus xD cards were advertised with additional 3D and panorama modes and special effects, which the company wanted to prevent camera owners from purchasing their memory cards from other manufacturers. However, these are by no means functions that are activated by the memory card in the camera, but rather an activation code for an outdated photo software from Olympus for the PC.

Readers and technical problems

The cards can be read out using the camera, a card reader and a CompactFlash or PC card adapter. Occasionally, however, card reading errors occur if the card is disconnected from the device too early during the writing or reading process or the voltage of the digital camera breaks down. This can cause the data to be lost and the card to become unusable. Older digital cameras and card readers can have problems with the H and M types and generally with high capacities. The manufacturers provide corresponding compatibility information and under certain circumstances offer to update the firmware via the Internet.

The lifespan of the xD card is specified with 100,000 write or delete operations.

The xD technology is an outdated standard. In the current Fujifilm Germany website, xD technology is only listed for historical devices, and current memory cards with this technology are no longer referred to.

adapter

Adapters can be used in compatible cameras in which microSD cards with a capacity of up to 8 GB can be inserted.

Technical specifications

Technical detail Characteristic value
average lifespan 100,000 write or delete operations.
Writing speed 3.0 MB / s with xD-Picture Card with 64 MB and more than
1.3 MB / s with xD-Picture Card with 32 MB
Reading speed 5.0 MB / s
connection 18 pin
Power supply 3V / 3.3V
Temperature during operation 0 ° C to 55 ° C
Temperature during storage −20 ° C to 65 ° C

Web links

Commons : XD-Picture Card  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files