ELMSFORD, N.Y. – Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., along with Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., has developed the new xD-Picture Card, a high-capacity flash memory format for digital cameras.
The xD-Picture Card will be the smallest storage format of its kind on the market – comparable in size to a penny, measuring just 0.79″ x 0.98″ x 0.07″ and weighing less than one-tenth of an ounce – with the potential for up to 8GB storage capacity in a single card.
This unprecedented combination of small size and large capacity will allow Fujifilm and other companies to manufacture sleeker and lighter digital cameras than ever before. Both Fujifilm and Olympus plan to offer cameras compatible with the xD-Picture Card this fall.
In addition, the xD-Picture Card was designed to minimize power consumption, saving battery life and with fast read/write capabilities for smoother digital camera operation. PCMCIA and CompactFlash adapters will be available at the time of camera introduction, allowing use of xD-Picture card in a variety of cameras and other devices from multiple manufacturers.
The name “xD-Picture Card” was inspired by “eXtreme Digital”, suggesting the excellence of this new memory media for recording, storing, and transporting audiovisual information. Production will be consigned to Toshiba Corporation.
Fujifilm’s xD-Picture Card features include:
- Storage Capacity – Initially, Fujifilm xD-Picture Cards have 16MB, 32MB, 64MB and 128MB capacities, with a 256MB card planned for later this year. The media’s roadmap shows storage capacity potential of up to 8GB.
- Extremely Compact – Comparable in size to a penny (0.79″ x 0.98″ x .07″) and weighing a less than one-tenth of an ounce, the xD-Picture Card is the smallest storage media format available.
- Read/Write Speeds -The xD-Picture Card will have fast read/write speeds. A 16 or 32MB card can record data at 1.3MB/sec. A 64MB card or higher can record data at 3MB/sec and both offer a read speed of 5MB/sec.
- Power Consumption – xD Picture-Card was designed to consume minimal power. Users will benefit from the convenience and savings of longer battery life on a single charge.
- Compatibility – PCMCIA and CF Card Adapters will be available, allowing use of xD-Picture Card in a variety of cameras and other devices.
