The PowerShot A95 kit includes a 32MB CompactFlash card -- the same size as the one that came with the 4 Megapixel A80. The card is labeled as "high speed", and based on my tests it's probably about an 8X card. You can't hold very many 5 Megapixel photos on a 32MB card, so consider a larger card a mandatory purchase. I recommend 256MB as a good starting point. The A95 can only use Type I cards, meaning that you cannot use the Microdrive.

When it comes to batteries, Canon leaves it up to you. The A95 includes four AA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries in the box, which won't last long and end up in the trash (or better yet, the recycling bin). My recommendation is to buy two or more sets of NiMH rechargeables (2100 mAh or better) and a fast charger, which will last longer and will be more economical too. Using the new CIPA standard, Canon says that you can take about 400 photos using a set of 2300 mAh NiMH batteries -- that's pretty good. Compare that with 290 shots on the Fuji FinePix E510 and 340 shots on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1.



Link: DC Resource