Why do DSLR cameras use removable memory cards instead of large internal storage?

Question

Most DSLR and mirrorless cameras save photos to removable cards like SD or CFexpress rather than relying on a large built-in drive. Is there a technical reason for this, or is removable storage simply more practical for photographers?

user10405 · Accepted Answer

There is nothing technical stopping DSLRs from having internal storage (in fact, they already have a small amount).

One reason for not including internal storage would be that it cannot be replaced, both in the short term (once the memory is full) and in the long term (once the memory, which would most probably be flash memory, starts to fail).

Having the replaceable memory (i.e. SD cards, CF cards etc.) allows the photographer to swap out each card as it finishes, meaning more photos before having to sit at a computer and spend time, which could be used taking photos, getting the photos out off the internal memory of a camera.

Replaceable memory also means that memory failure (which is likely at some point) doesn't ruin a camera instead only a small cost is incurred, rather than the cost to replace or repair the camera.

Also professional photographers may use their cards as an extra form of permanent backup, storing the cards from each project and never reusing them.

Including built in memory is also more cost, making the camera more expensive to manufacture.

Why do DSLR cameras use removable memory cards instead of large internal storage?

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