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The number of photos that a file can hold depends on the type of file we are using- Raw or JPEG files. However, on average, a 128GB Memory card can hold up to 35,500 photographs.
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JPEG Files

JPEG stands for “Joint Photographic Experts Group”.
A 128GB sd card or drive can hold around 35,500 photos. This varies depending on two factors-
- The quality of the image
- The megapixels of the camera being used
The lower the quality of the image, the more photos can be stored. When it comes to megapixels, a 12MP camera will be able to hold around 35,500 photos and can fill 128 gigs whereas, a 24MP camera will only be able to hold 2,600 photos in 128GB.
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Benefits of using JPEG files-
- Can easily open on any device
- Maintains image quality
- Quick and efficient
- A large number of JPEG files can be stored in minimum storage space
- Widely used on the internet, computers, and mobile devices
RAW Files
RAW files are much larger than JPEG files. Therefore, they cannot store as many pictures as a JPEG file can. A 128 GB hard drive will be able to hold around 4,300 pictures.
The size of an average compressed RAW file is about 30 MB which is the size of a high-quality JPEG file.
Features of Raw files-
- The most common file format for uncompressed images which is captured using digital cameras and scanners.
- No loss of quality of an image
- Used to store the full details of an image which makes it easier to edit the photos depending on the user’s preferences.
- Cannot be printed or edited with basic graphics software
- Cannot be opened on another device.
In order to free up space, try moving your RAW files to a computer or hard drive from your sd card. This will help you store more photos.
The file size depends on the size of your pictures in jpeg format, and also the file format used (if you are shooting a lot of photos with different formats). Picking a higher quality setting can reduce file size, but it may affect picture quality.
Most cameras offer several options for shooting modes: RAW or JPEG. The differences between these two options have to do with how information about an image is stored as well as what type of compression that camera uses. Shooting in RAW mode does not compress the image and results in a file size that may be larger than shooting in JPEG mode.
DNG Files
DNG stands for “Digital Negative”. A file that has a DNG extension is an Adobe Digital Negative Raw Image file. it helps in storing extra information about the image like metadata and color profile.
DNG files are similar to Raw files.
The only difference between DNG files and RAW files is that DNG files can be opened on our computers using Adobe programs but in order to open a RAW file we will first have to convert it to a DNG file.
FACTORS AFFECTING PHOTO SIZE-
Video files-
The video format generally uses more data than still images. This is because videos are typically composed of several still frames packed together, with each frame taking up a certain amount of disk space. Videos reduce the space available for photos.
Image resolution-
The resolution of a photo is directly related to the size of the file. A higher resolution means that more data needs to be stored in order for someone to view or print the picture. Higher resolution photos take up more disk space since they can contain more detailed information per picture.
Image compression-
Images that have been compressed using lossy compression will generally take up more disk space than images that haven’t been compressed. JPG files that are compressed increase your card capacity when compared to RAW files which are uncompressed.
Files captured in low light- Images captured in low light often require more compression to save space. This means that the photos may have less detail and look grainy.
Other files-
Files that are associated with photos, such as thumbnails, previews, and keywords, can also take up disk space. When taking pictures, it is important to keep these factors in mind so that you don’t end up with large photo files that take up a lot of space on your device.
Memory cards-
It is important to buy the correct memory cards as their capacity plays an important role. A large number of photos can take up a lot of space on a memory card. If you don’t have enough room on your device to store all the photos, it may be best to move some of them to another location.
- CF(CompactFlash)- CF cards use more space than other types of memory cards because they are designed to hold a lot of data and do not have any formatting capabilities. This means that any photos or videos that were taken on the card will be placed on the card in their original format regardless of how large the file is. They are more expensive than SD cards.
- SD Memory Cards- SD cards are smaller, faster, and more affordable than other types of memory cards. Since SD memory cards also support the storage of videos, images, and music, they tend to be a bit larger than CF or SDHC cards. They also have a lower storage capacity than some other formats such as CF or SDHC.
- Micro sd- SDHC(Secure Digital High Capacity)- Most compact cameras and phones do not come with a micro sd card reader. A micro sd card is slightly smaller than a standard SD card and has the same capacity which means you can store the same number of photos, videos, or music on it.
Recommended 128GB micro sd cards-
Once you know how many pixels your camera can capture, you can use the memory card calculator to find out how many photos it can hold. To do that, just enter the number of pixels and click on “Calculate”.
Once you have determined how many photos your camera can hold, you need to decide which memory card to buy. Memory cards come in different sizes and capacities, so it is important to select the right one for your needs. To help you make the best choice, we have compared some of the most popular micro sd cards on the market today.
SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSD cards-
The SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSD cards are great for devices that have a micro-sd card slot as they have a storage capacity of up to 128GB. They also feature UHS-I speed, which means your photos and videos will be processed quickly on your device.
Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II Memory Card (128GB)
The Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II Memory Card is another great option for individuals who are looking for a large storage capacity on a micro sd card. This card has a storage capacity of up to 128GB and is designed for use with professional cameras and devices.
The Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II Memory Card has a high-speed rating of up to 300MB/s, so it is perfect for transferring large files quickly. It also features a locking feature that ensures your data is safe and secure when you are using it with your camera or device.
Samsung Evo Select 128GB UHS-I MicroSD Card-
The Samsung Evo Select 128GB UHS-I MicroSD Card is a great option for individuals who are looking for an advanced storage solution on a micro sd card. This card has a storage capacity of up to 128GB and features read speeds of up to 90MB/s. It also has support for fast writing which means you can transfer large files quickly without losing any data.
SanDisk Ultra CompactFlash Memory Card with Adapter (128GB)-
The SanDisk Ultra CompactFlash Memory Card with Adapter is a great option for individuals who are looking for a small and convenient storage solution on a micro sd card. This card has a storage capacity of up to 128GB and features speeds of up to 70MB/s. It also comes with an adapter so you can use it with devices that do not have micro-sd slots.
Delkin Select V30 UHS-I MicroSD card-
The Delkin Select V30 UHS-I MicroSD card is another great option for individuals who are looking for a high-speed storage solution on a micro sd card. This card has a storage capacity of up to 128GB and features speeds of up to 95MB/s. It also comes with an adapter so you can use it with devices that do not have micro-sd slots.
Choosing the right memory card size-
When choosing a memory card, make sure to take into account the camera you are using it with and its storage capacity.
Some cameras come with built-in memory that only accommodates certain types of cards. If your camera does not have any internal memory, or if you want to store more photos or videos than the card can hold, it is best to choose a larger card. Additionally, some cameras allow you to choose the size of card that will be used. If your camera supports SDHC cards, for example, you can use a larger SDHC card if you want to store more photos or videos than the internal memory on your camera can hold.
Alternatives to storing photos-
The most common way to store photos is to use a memory card. You can take them anywhere and they are easy to carry.
But if you want more options, there are other ways you can store your photos.
Here are three alternatives that you may want to consider:
1. Use a computer: You can store photos on your computer by downloading them to an online photo storage service, such as Google Photos or iCloud.
2. Copy photos to a portable device: If you have an SD card reader, you can copy the images onto the SD card and take them with you.
3. Upload photos to a social media account: After taking pictures using your camera, you can upload them to your social media account using a mobile app or the web interface of an online photo storage service.
Questions:
What is the maximum amount of photos that a 128GB flash drive can store?
128GB flash drives are limited to storing a maximum of 3,000 photos.
What is the difference between a thumb drive and a flash drive?
A thumb drive is a small, portable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. A flash drive is a larger, bulkier storage device that uses either a hard drive or solid-state memory to store data.
How many pictures can 128GB hold?
128GB memory cards can store a maximum of 256000 pictures.
How much storage do you need on your iPhone in 2022?
There is no set answer, as our phones will keep getting bigger and storage capacities will continue to increase. However, based on current trends, it is estimated that by 2022 an iPhone with a storage capacity of 512GB or more would be common.
128Gb iPhone 6 users, how much storage have you used?
Based on the survey of 128GB iPhone 6 users, it is estimated that approximately 40% or 24000 pictures have been taken and saved to the device.
Is it better to buy an external hard drive or an internal one?
There is no definitive answer – it depends on what you are using the storage for and how often you plan to access the pictures.
Should I get an Android phone with 128GB or is 64GB enough?
Based on current trends and estimated future growth, it is anticipated that by 2022 an Android phone with a storage capacity of 512GB or more would be common. Thus, based on this information, it may be better to get an Android phone with a higher storage capacity than 128GB.
Is 128GB enough for photos?
While 128GB is not enough storage for all peoples’ needs, it is a good starting point and most people will likely use more pictures than that.
CONCLUSION-
A 128 GB card should be enough for a day’s worth of shooting. Medium-quality pictures can fit on an 8 GB card and even in some cases stop at 6 GB, so the next step is to know how to choose the right card size or whether you really need one at all. it also depends on whether you have a camera with removable storage (most DSLR cameras do).
If your memory card fills up too fast but still leaves plenty of space on the internal memory, you can delete older pictures to free up space on the card.
When choosing a memory card, make sure to take into account the camera you are using it with and its storage capacity.