"The worldwide flash memory card market generated $1.7 billion in revenue in 2002, and research firm IDC estimates that that total increased by more than 100 percent in 2003.

Digital Cameras have been the most significant catalyst for growth of removable flash memory cards, because consumers must have at least one card. Generally, they opt for higher capacities, which allows them to take more pictures before having to download images to a PC or swap to a new card. Cameras made up about 60 percent of worldwide demand for cards in 2003.

Camera shipments are expected to increase 27 percent to about 55 million this year from 43 million worldwide last year, according to IDC. By 2007, shipments are projected to reach 81 million. "