Memory Card archival

[rossb]

I was just thinking about the memory card in my camera and was wondering how long will the files remain intact. In other words if you place the memory card in a safe place will the files still be intact in say 10 years or how about 100 years etc.

[Tom Swaman]

Rossb,



Please do not take my answer as being authoritative, but my understanding is that a properly stored and insulated memory card will outlast a human lifetime. What wears out a memory card the most rapidly is erasing the card/formatting the card, including erasing individual image files. However, there are good and bad cards and the good cards are said to outlast the bad cards by a factor of ten more erase cycles. If you want specifics, why don't you consider contact Lexar or Sandisk as they make top quality flash memory.

Tom

[rossb]

Thanks just curious. I have heard some people are using them for archival purposes. I was just wondering if they would work for that. I don't plan on it but just curious. From what you say it sounds like a reasonable idea especially if they continue to drop in price.

[cyclohexane]

What Tom says is accurate. Flash memory is solid state and lasts a long time. If you write your data on once and leave it there, it will likely last well longer than you do.

[rossb]

Well I am only 60 so I if I last another 40 then I get to start over...

[kevin_c]

CF/SD cards etc. should last a long time, but how long before you have trouble getting a card reader to put them in?
The problem with archiving anything is that technology changes over time.

Just think, all those old manuscripts and books etc. that were 'archived' in librarys etc. - today they are being scanned to hard drives/CD/DVD's etc. to 'preserve' the original. How long before the scan needs archiving to another medium because something 'better' comes out?

Yes the original paper copies are still there but they are deteriorating with age.

Archiving is a constant thing - you have to keep re-archiving it to keep abreast of technology and ensure it can be read/seen on current technology.

How many computers these days can read the old 5 1/4 inch floppies? - I bet a lot of stuff was put on them many years ago to 'preserve them for all time' ...

[jfrancho]

I've been thinking that keeping a card for each customer might be an interesting archival method. Images, contracts, invoices, contact info, etc. could be stored on the card. Obviously, there would need to be some redundancy, but grabbing a customer card would be really easy.

[qwho]

Reading todays Edmonton Journal and there was an article in there of a canoeist that capsized and lost their digital camera in the mishap. It took 2 years before the camera was found in the river by a park employee that heard about the accident.
All the files on the memory card were intact and they were able to print out all the images that were on the card. Talk about archiving .

[Tom Swaman]

qwho,

I must ask whether the article mentioned whether or not the camera resided under water for thise two years. i will not ask where else it may have been.

Tom

P.S. I wonder whether the next HD or CF memories will suffer from the trade name, "Aquarval?"

[qwho]

Tom as to your question.
Yes the camera was underwater in the river for the two year period as per the article that I read.

[Tom Swaman]

qwho,

Thanks for the additional information. I hope others take note as this is a testimony to the rigorous sealing/isolation of several types of electronic devices that is necessary to preclude undesireable chemical changes that otherwise result from contact with the open environment.

Tom

[rootrider]

uhmm.. what?

it's solid state memory. This has nothing to do with sealing.

[Tom Swaman]

rootrider,

This has everything to do with sealing. Oxidation wipes out many typeas of solid state memory devices.

Tom

[jfrancho]

Sealing in the card or sealing in the camera?

[Tom Swaman]

sealing in the card!!!!!