Flash memory
From The Glossary of Digital Photography
Also called flash RAM. An erasable and non-volatile memory often used to create memory cards for digital cameras. The memory is not volatile, which means that, unlike the memory in a computer, no power is required to maintain the images inside once they are stored there. Although similar to EEPROM chips, flash memory is much less expensive. Internally, it operates slightly differently than EEPROM, notably in the way that it is erased. Flash memory cards have replaced microdrives, once used in digital cameras, for storing large amounts of images. Flash memory cards are very robust and can stand a fair amount of abuse. Photographers have reported leaving flash memory cards in their pockets and then washing their clothes. The cards came through the wash cycle without damage and continued to operate without problems once they were dried. This practice is not recommended, of course. Flash memory is the technology basis of SmartMedia, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, and xD-Picture cards, among others.
