Can X-rays damage digital camera memory cards?

[pinhopper]

Yes, I am a digital camera newbie. And I've never seen this question asked before. I know that airport x-ray machines (particularly those used to scan checked luggage) have the potential to damage ordinary camera film. But can they also damage the photos still on my camera's memory cards? I presume that all the photos I have transferred to my laptop are in no danger.

Thanks for any advice from all you digital camera pros!

 

[Psiklops]

I've taken my digital camera and laptop through the airport security checkpoints many times and have never had a problem.

- Jim

 

[Viking]

No Way,
X-rays can damage chemical film because they are basically light, but in a frequency you can't see. The chips on your memeorycard store the data electronically and so there's no problem. BTW, the x-ray-scanners used for the carry-on luggage are usually "film-safe" and won't harm conventional films either.
The only danger for your memory-cards is magnets - like for every electronic disk.

 

[HomeChicken]

Hello everyone for my first post here.
I thought I would weigh in about this...I came back from europe after letting my camera memory card ride through the xray and I will never let it again. half of my pictures were erased! so noow just to be safe I take out the cards and keep them with my keys and such in my pocket so they go in the basket.