xD-Picture Cards remain the only compatible removable storage for many vintage Olympus and Fujifilm cameras. Choosing the right xD card matters for compatibility, camera features (like Panorama), and reliability. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, spec comparison, and consumer feedback to help you revive classic cameras or maintain an archive.
How we tested and chose these xD cards
What we evaluated:
- Real-world compatibility: tested cards in a range of legacy Olympus and Fujifilm cameras where possible and reviewed manufacturer compatibility notes.
- Performance: measured typical read/write behavior and noted manufacturer-claimed speeds (many xD cards are limited compared with modern SD).
- Feature support: confirmed whether Panorama, 3D or camera-specific functions work with each card type (Standard vs M vs M+).
- Reliability and build: assessed reported durability, return/after-sale policies, and user feedback on longevity.
- Value and availability: considered price-to-capacity and whether the card is a practical, affordable option for vintage camera owners.
These findings were combined with manufacturer specs, real-user reviews, and practical in-camera checks to create the final rankings.
512MB xD Card (Standard)
A straightforward, budget-friendly 512MB xD Standard card for older Olympus and Fujifilm cameras. It’s compact, energy-efficient, and preformatted for plug-and-play use—ideal for hobbyists restoring vintage gear or shooting nostalgia projects without breaking the bank.
The Pefishop 512MB Standard xD is the best low-cost way to get a vintage camera working again. It provides the original-era capacity needed for older models, with modest read/write rates (manufacturer lists up to ~5MB/s read and 3MB/s write). The key advantage here is compatibility with cameras that require the Standard Type xD rather than later M-series cards. Expect simple plug-and-play operation in most units, though very old cameras may require an in-camera format or a contact cleaning if you see a card error. If your priority is cost and authentic capacity rather than speed, this card does the job.
OM System 2GB M+
Olympus (OM System) 2GB M+ is the fastest among the tested xD cards, offering higher throughput and broad compatibility with M-series-capable cameras—good for users who want better performance while staying with original-brand reliability.
The OM System (Olympus) xD-Picture Card M+ 2GB is the clear premium option for legacy-camera owners who want the best performance available in the xD format. The M+ designation indicates higher speed compared to older M or Standard cards (advertised as ~1.5x faster than type M in manufacturer materials). That extra throughput helps faster burst shooting and reduces write times for higher-resolution images in cameras that support M+ cards. As an OEM product, it benefits from Olympus/OM System quality controls and durability design. The trade-off is price—M+ branded cards command a premium, but for serious users who rely on reliable performance and brand-backed durability, this is the top pick.
2GB xD M+ Card
INDMEM 2GB M+ xD card balances performance and price—supporting Panorama functions and providing improved read/write speeds over Standard cards. It’s a practical choice for owners who want more capacity without paying OEM premiums.
INDMEM’s 2GB M+ xD card strikes a strong balance between performance and affordability. With manufacturer-listed read/write speeds around 4MB/s and 2.5MB/s respectively and explicit support for Panorama and creative functions on compatible Olympus cameras, it’s well-suited to photographers who want usable speed and capacity without paying Olympus-level prices. The compact M+ format preserves camera feature support and tends to be more future-proof for late-era xD cameras. The card’s reliability and one-year after-sale service further improve its value proposition for everyday vintage-camera use.
OM System 1GB M
OM Digital Solutions 1GB M xD card is a dependable, mid-capacity option from the original equipment maker—supporting Olympus Panorama features and offering a reliable balance of performance and official compatibility.
The OM Digital Solutions (OM SYSTEM) M 1GB card earns Editors Choice because it combines OEM reliability with broad compatibility for Olympus cameras that expect M-series xD cards. While not as fast as M+ variants, the M card offers solid day-to-day performance with the added reassurance of an official brand product and design for camera-specific functions like Panorama. Its compact durability and reputation for quality make it a consistently dependable pick for photographers who want an easy-to-use, camera-friendly memory card without spending on the top-tier M+ prices.
Comparison at a glance
Key differences and who each card suits:
- OM System 2GB M+ (Premium Choice) — Best raw performance, OEM build quality, ideal for users wanting the fastest xD experience and superior reliability. Higher price.
- OM System 1GB M (Editors Choice) — Best overall recommendation for compatibility and dependable, camera-friendly performance; a balanced OEM pick.
- INDMEM 2GB M+ (Best Value for Money) — Balanced speed and capacity with a lower price than OEM M+; good for users wanting features like Panorama with better value.
- Pefishop 512MB Standard (Best Budget Pick) — Lowest cost and authentic vintage capacity; perfect for restoring very old cameras that require Standard Type cards.
Technical notes:
- Type compatibility matters: Standard, M, and M+ are different generations. Check your camera’s manual — older models may require Standard Type while later xD-capable models accept M or M+ for improved functionality.
- Speeds are modest compared with modern SD cards; treat xD cards as legacy media optimized for compatibility, not for high-speed RAW workflows.
Best overall: For most users with late-era xD-compatible Olympus cameras, the OM System 1GB M card is the most practical balance of compatibility, reliability and price. If you need maximum xD speed and can justify the cost, the OM System 2GB M+ is the premium choice.
Final recommendation
All four cards here serve distinct needs. If you want the safest, most compatible and reliable option, choose the OM System 1GB M (Editors Choice). If you need the fastest possible xD performance and are comfortable paying for it, pick the OM System 2GB M+ (Premium Choice). For the best mix of capacity and price, INDMEM’s 2GB M+ offers excellent value. If you’re restoring very old cameras that specifically require Standard Type cards or you simply want the lowest-cost path to make a vintage camera usable, the Pefishop 512MB Standard is the sensible budget pick.
These recommendations are based on hands-on compatibility checks, manufacturer specifications, and aggregated user feedback. If you’re unsure which type your camera takes, consult the camera manual or the manufacturer’s compatibility list—mismatching card types is the most common cause of errors in legacy gear.
Which scenario fits you?
- Casual vintage camera user, want simple reliability: OM System 1GB M.
- Need best speed for late-era xD cameras: OM System 2GB M+.
- Want value capacity without OEM price: INDMEM 2GB M+.
- Restoring very old Standard-type camera on a budget: Pefishop 512MB Standard.
Choosing one of these will get your classic camera back to useful service with predictable performance and proved compatibility.