Memory cards for digital cameras.
In the world of digital photography there are many choices in memory cards for digital cameras. There are many elements to consider when deciding which memory card is the best for a particular type of photography. Lexar and SanDisk SD are the two top producers of memory cards. Comparing the speed, quality and size of memory cards between the two manufacturers will help narrow the choices to suit the style of the photographer.
History
Both SanDisk and Lexar are based near Silicon Valley, California. SanDisk (Formerly SunDisk Corp.) was started in 1988. SanDisk makes NAND-based flash storage products and flash memory storage devices for the professional and consumer markets as well as providing systems for the military and industrial markets. According to Business Week magazine, SanDisk employs 3,565 people and has a global market.
Lexar, on the other hand, employs 325 people (according to Business Week) and also has a global market. Lexar was started in 1996 and primarily produces flash memory, NAND and DRAM memory products for the consumer and professional markets. It sells mostly memory for computers, digital cameras, games and other consumer electronic products.
Products
Both SanDisk and Lexar have consumer and professional product divisions. SanDisk has a complete line of memory cards in various formats. This line offers speed and capacity choices for both the amateur and professional photographer. Also offered are card readers and other peripherals. SanDisk offers a wide range of card readers that accept multiple types of memory cards. However, the upper line of card readers is limited.
Lexar offers a variety of speed and capacity choices also, for amateurs and professionals. They have a larger line of professional card readers with more choices for speed and connections. Lexar caters more to professional photographers and offers them more products and choices in the professional categories.
Features
SanDisk and Lexar both offer SD, memory stick, SDHC memory cards all the way up to 32GB. SanDisk has moved ahead of Lexar in the choices offered in compact flash cards. Lexar's 16GB Compact Flash Card is the largest capacity card it currently has as of 2009, whereas SanDisk goes all the way up to 64GB.
For photographers who shoot sports or want to shoot multiple frame bursts, high write speed is important. Using a slower speed card could result in missed shots and revenue. Download speed cuts down wait time till the images can be processed. Both SanDisk and Lexar off write and download speeds up to 600x.
Cost
Cost is where the two companies have big differences. As of 2009, Lexar's prices are lower in all areas.
Reliability
Both companies produce memory cards that reliably record image data. For professionals, this is a key factor in determining a product to purchase. Lexar has an added bonus with their Image Rescue software that allows for software recovery in case a memory card should fail. SanDisk and Lexar offer limited warranties and free support for their products. Warranty statements are provided, live chat, FAQs and email support are provided by both companies. SanDisk also offers forums for their different products.
Summary
SanDisk caters to the amateur and semipro photographer in digital photography, but has more memory cards with higher capacity limits. Lexar provides more variety for the professional photographer, both in memory cards and more options in accessories. Lexar has lower-capacity cards but is always working to improve its products and meet the needs of photographers. Both companies produce quality products that they stand behind.
Tags: memory cards, SanDisk Lexar, card readers, Both SanDisk, Both SanDisk Lexar, digital cameras
