Compact Flash/Microdrive: What's the Difference?

David Tipping · Post by **David Tipping** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 8:18 pm

Can anybody help out? I've invested in a new camera that will take an xD Picture Card or a Microdrive. Is a Microdrive the same as a Compact Flash?

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 8:27 pm

In a nutshell - they're not the same.

In fact, you mention 3 storage media here:

1. xD card

2. Microdrive

3. Compact Flash card

The microdrive is not "solid state". It has moving parts and is, to all intents and purposes, a hard drive. It is an option in DLSRs - not sure about compacts.

The xD card and Compact Flash card are solid state, but are different standards.

My miniscule knowledge is:

a) Microdrives are bad news. They are slow and fail more frequently than solid state storage.

b) Compact Flash is the standard when it comes to DSLRs; xD cards are used in compact digitals.

I'm sure there's much more info on the web - but that's my take!

Cheers,

- Pete

Oy · Post by Oy » Wed Aug 02, 2006 8:33 pm

Just a few snippets to add to what Pete said.

CF seems to be the standard for pro level DSLR cameras. I guess there has to be a reason for that.

Some "Bridge" cameras like the Fuji S7000 take CF/Microdrive

Microdrives are vulnerable due to moving parts. I know of 3 failures, and I've yet to hear of a CF card failing.

XD cards are, as far as I know, only used by Fuji & Olympus.

David Tipping · Post by **David Tipping** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 8:59 pm

Thanks. The camera is a Fuji s7000, so I take it an ordinary compact flash is not compatible? It looks as if it should slot-in but I don't want to wreck the camera finding out!

Oy · Post by Oy » Wed Aug 02, 2006 9:03 pm

Yes david - The S7000 does take regular Compact Flash.

David Tipping · Post by **David Tipping** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 9:06 pm

Thanks Oy, that's cleared up the confusion!

eccles · Post by **eccles** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 5:36 pm

Further, a microdrive is often called Compact Flash type II. It has the same pin-outs as CF type I but is thicker, The Fuji has a slot that will take type I or II. My brother has a S7000 and uses a 1 gig Compact Flash card with no problems, but be sure that you slot it in the right way round.

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 5:42 pm

Oy wrote:CF seems to be the standard for pro level DSLR cameras. I guess there has to be a reason for that.

And some, (my Canon 1D mark2 N) takes CF and SD cards at the same time. It's really handy..you can shoot RAW and Jpeg at the same time if you want to.

Martin.

Oy · Post by Oy » Thu Aug 03, 2006 7:18 pm

My Nikon shoots RAW and JPG at the same time - on the same card.

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 7:55 pm

Oy wrote:My Nikon shoots RAW and JPG at the same time - on the same card.

Mine can do that too. Probably the best thing about the system is that when you've got yourself in position, and are getting some great shots when the card runs out of space, you don't have too do any more than push one button and turn the back wheel a notch and you can start shooting again.

Martin.