Compact Flash cards have a fine multi-pin interface which has proven
to be an issue with fumble-fingered users (at least). They're larger
(if not terribly so) for the same function and require more space in
the camera for the slot mechanism. Due to the multi-pin type
interface, any device with a flush-mount slot cage requires some kind
of pusher or extractor mechanism to remove the card. They are nearly
the same shape, front to back and around all edges, which makes for
more fumbling when installing them.
On the plus side, the larger form factor allows room for a microdrive
storage unit and greater capacity with lower cost, higher profile chips.
Secure Digital cards are smaller and thinner, have a simpler contact
arrangement which is self-cleaning with broad sliding fingers.
They're differentially shaped so that the correct orientation for
insertion is easily recognized. The card cage in the camera is
smaller, and has a spring-loaded self-eject system (simpler and more
mechanically robust than a pusher/extractor). SD cards also have a
mechanical write-lock.
On the negative side, microdrives do not fit in the form factor and
capacities are currently at the 2Gbyte max level.
Speed of the high-end cards is identical in both formats, although
for similar rated SD and CF cards I seem to see about a 10-20%
improvement in maximum transfer speed with the SD cards in my readers.
Godfrey
On Feb 26, 2006, at 1:42 PM, Shel Belinkoff wrote:
While I like SD cards for their small size, I cannot help but
wonder in
what way they're better than CF cards.
I'll be a little dissapointed if the thing won't take CF cards,
but lets face it, SD cards are better on several levels
