What does integrated memory mean?

Almost all current digital cameras incorporate a card slot for a removable, reusable memory card. Some even have more than one so that you can use different card types. Recently, more manufacturers have started selling cameras that also have a small amount of integrated, or built-in, memory. This internal memory allows you to save several shots--usually not more than half a dozen or so at the highest-resolution setting--without putting a card in the camera. That can come in handy when you realize too late that you left your memory card in the card reader hooked up to your computer, or if you want to keep a few favorite shots on the camera all the time to use it as a digital wallet display.

If you do come across a camera that has only built-in memory and no card slot, it's probably of the cheap variety that's not worth its sub-$100 price. For about $150, you can get a good basic digital camera with a memory card slot that will accommodate a card to hold hundreds of shots. So don't waste your money on cheap internal-memory-only cameras.