Do I need a special memory card for a DSLR? (I have a Nikon D90)?

I recently bought my first DSLR (Nikon D90), but have no idea on the specifications on the type of memory card I need for it. I've been browsing through forums and many people have been saying they got a "special" memory card to allow pictures to be saved faster or more efficiently. I'm wondering if I even need a memory card like that or if its usually needed by only professional photographers (I'm going to be taking picture for personal pleasure only). What will happen if I use the memory card from my pocket-sized digital camera (just a regular sandisk 2gb card)? Please let me know if I will need anything special to click photos in the best quality possible.

These special cards make saving the images way quicker, also, A LOT faster with uploading. Since DSLRs are such high quality, this makes the images high quality, which literally translates into bigger sizes. Which means more time dealing with transfering/uploading to your computer.

Go with the regular if you're on a budget, there's no real reason to buy the special ultra fast one unless you're not patient when it comes to uploading. But the images will be the same on both card.

The Nikon D90 uses SD or SDHC cards. The "special classes" that they refer to are the class numbers.best would be class 6 and above. The Class 6 has a minimal write speed of 6mbps meaning that you can take pictures faster, and with video it makes a difference.

I suggest getting a class 10 4gb card
it should be enough for everything you do.

if you use a regular SD card, it will work, but just slower than the other cards.

In my D40 I have a class 6 and I have run into no problems

A regular 2GB card will be slow at viewing and taking pictures at. It also matters which speed there's.

Here's a guide called 'Buying an SDHC Memory Card - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/buying-lens.html

Good luck! The site has many more tutorials, tips, reviews and guides!