Jointly developed by Fujifilm and Olympus the 'XD-Picture Card' is a new kind of memory card that offers higher storage capacity in a smaller size than any other format currently available.

All new cameras developed by Fujifilm and Olympus now support the xD-picture card.

The cards measure just 20mm wide, 25mm high and 1.7mm thick, and weighs just two grams - but will be able to store a staggering 8GB of digital files.

The technology - which takes its name form 'eXtreme Digital' - will help manufacturers develop smaller and smaller digital cameras, while at the same time providing users with more and more storage space.

It will also help compatibility between digital cameras, with an adapter being developed to enable cameras designed for CompactFlash media to use the new system.

Key benefits: at a glance:

• Development of smaller digital cameras
• Meets demand for greater memory capacity
• Greater compatibility of digital media between different brands of digital cameras
• Four types of Cards will be available initially: 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, and 128MB. 256MB Cards are planned to be introduced this December '02, with 512MB and 1GB-8GB Cards to follow from the next year.
• Available simultaneously with xD-Picture Cards will be PC Card adapters and USB card readers, allowing easy interfacing with personal computers.
• A CompactFlash adapter is being developed that will allow use of xD-Picture Cards in cameras designed for CompactFlash media.
• Plans to adapt the new media for PDAs, audio players and other IT appliances are also underway.