Flash memory sticks are small, removable storage device based on flash technology. This rugged, solid state memory stick is a non-volatile storage solution used in a variety of electronic appliances as digital cameras, digital music player, personal digital assistant (PDAs), and handheld computers.

Flash memory sticks are most commonly used in digital cameras such as Sony Cybershots. Digital cameras do not store images on films, but convert light into electronic information, which is compressed and saved on a memory stick. Once the storage is full, a new memory stick can replace the existing flash memory stick, which is essentially a digital film, at any time.

A flash memory stick can store about 1191 images at a time, depending up on the image resolution, compression and size of the memory stick. A digital camera with a Memory Stick as a storage device, offers a number of advantages. You can snap a photo and see it immediately. If you like it you can store it, otherwise you can delete it to make room for more. With this removable memory stick, you can save processing expenses and time because images are ready immediately. You can transfer them to your computer, print them, manipulate them, and put them on a website or send them by email to friends across the globe. You can even erase all the contents and reuse the memory stick infinitely with no impact on quality. Flash memory sticks are much more durable than some types of removable memory. It is not even affected by the new, high-security x-ray machines used in the airports today. Hence, it is the safest and most convenient way to protect your photos. You can make as many copies as you want, without any degradation of picture quality. Thus, the memory stick embedded in digital camera not only protects you from the misery of losing the perfect shot but also allows you to gain a lot of flexibility.

Flash memory sticks are versatile because they are compatible with a large number of electronic devices. The storage capacity of the memory stick ranges from 4 megabytes to 32 gigabytes. If you plan to store photos on the memory card permanently then small-capacity memory sticks are appropriate, but if you plan to take photos at a very high resolution or if you wish to reuse the flash card then high-capacity flash memory sticks are the right choice.