I need help/info re: Memory Stick for my digital camera

Hello!

I have a Sony Cybershot digial camera and right now we have a 16meg memory stick. We're getting ready to go on vacation and want to get a larger memory stick, but I'm facing confusion over the difference between a Memory Stick and a Memory Stick Pro

In the manual, under the section about "Memory Stick", it has all this junk about there being a Memory Stick and a MagicGate Memory Stick, and "because your camera does not support the MagicGate standards, data recorded with your camera is not subject to MagicGate copyright protection"
???

Then it says "The camera cannot record or play back the data needed by the MagicGate function. We cannot ensure all the functions of each Memory Stick"

Okay---

Here are my questions

1) What the hell is MagicGate and how does this apply to me
2) Would a MemoryStick Pro still work for my camera since I don't know what MagicGate is or how it applies to me?

and

3) Is it better to buy a Sony-brand memory stick or do the generic ones have a good success rate?

Thanks!

I use generic memory card from Dane-Elec and they work fine.

DU has a photography forum, possibly you could cross post there and get a more definitive answer.

make sure the pakage says that it works with your camera. The people at "Best" Buy will direct you to the most expensive stick, regardless of whether it works with your camera or not.

My advice? Check www.newegg.com for facts about the memory stick you plan to buy.

Sony Cybershot DSC-P52

me love me camera

The Memory Stick Pro probably wouldn't work. Magic Gate seems to be some sort of licensing and copywrite system that has been used mainly for the Playstation. So you probably shouldn't worry about it since only the Pro sticks support Magic Gate.

Check out the Lexar sticks, they are much cheaper than Sony and are work just fine.

which cards are compatable with my brand of camera? I'm looking online now but I don't know (other than the sony brand) which 'model' memory card is compatable wid me cammy

:)

thanks fer yer help!

www.abesofmaine.com

www.bhphotovideo.com

Any Memory Stick will work, with the exception of Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Duo. Most Memory Sticks are made by either Sony, Lexar or Sandisk... I have a Lexar and it has worked fine, and Sandisk probably won't cause you any problems either.

There aren't many options, since the maximum space for a regular Memory Stick is 256mb.

On edit: I'm sorry, I was wrong... you can use any Memory Stick, including Pro and Duo with it. You just won't be able to use Magic Gate.

keeps a little LED on until the write operation is complete so you know not to pull it out of the slot. Since it's completely hidden while in your camera, it doesn't really make a difference. Buy whatever is cheaper - I have two 128 MBs, one 32MB and one 16MB sticks. One of the 128's is a Pro, the other is not.

I have a Samsung digital video camera that can also use the Memory Stick for stills and short mpegs.

It specifically states that ONLY models specifying Memory Stick Pro will be able to use them. If it says Memory Stick, all the Pro will do is waste your money.

my type of camera can take Memory Stick And Memory Stick Pro (of course I would have known that had I read one page further in the instruction guide...)

:)

I wish my camera would take the Pro because that's all the Costco here carries.

I recommend you go to Costco to buy it cause they charge about 20 dollars less for the compact flash cards I use compared to other stores.

I agree with you there. But there are a couple of reputable online vendors (as I noted above).

I was able to find out (through the sony website..duh!) that my camera is compatable w/the Memory Stick Pro and that I don't have to worry about that MagicGate crapola, so now it's off to buy a new stick and take billions and billions of photos!

Thanks so much!

When my husband said "how can we find out about the memory stick?" I said "Oh! I'll post it on DU" He rolled his eyes but was quite surprised that I got reliable info...of course, that's ALWAYS what happens...whether a question about a memory stick, sick cat, car accident...I've NEVER been disappointed in the just great knowledge of DU'ers.

Thanks so much!

hed