Opinion
First world problem: I'm overwhelmed by memory cards with 1 TB
by David Lee
Dear manufacturers, please produce cameras with storage
19.5.2023
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
It’s 2023 and even the most expensive cameras still don’t have internal memory. How backward and pointless is that?
It’s your classic photography fail: you head off somewhere to take some pictures only to realise you’ve left your memory card at home. All you come back with are some measly mobile phone photos.
Sure, you’re to blame for that. After all, a routine check before you head out is a must. But the truth is, it happens to the best of us at some point. You might’ve been distracted or in a rush. Maybe your last memory card mishap happened years ago. Not even space expedition crew members or pro photographers are immune. They just rarely admit it, because it’s embarrassing.
Source: David Lee, video: NASA
There are two solutions to this problem. Either we all come up with some kind of complicated safety mechanism to the point of being OCD about it. Or the manufacturers get their act together and start making cameras with built-in memory – like smartphones have always had.
Only very few luxury cameras have an internal memory. The Hasselblad X2D features 1 TB SSD. However, this is an absolute exception. Most cameras come with a token mini memory of just a few MB if any. That’s just enough for a few photos, which makes it pointless.
I’m not saying you need 1 TB. But even an emergency 32 GB would prevent the majority of frustrations. What’s more, it wouldn’t even have any significant impact on the camera’s price tag. After all, there are smartphones out there with 32 GB of internal storage for under 100 francs.
Depending on the size, an internal memory could also serve as a backup and possibly even replace the second card slot. This would also reduce costs.
So, dear camera manufacturers. Please. Do. It. Now. Not in 2030.
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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