Format it not to format new SD card
Jun 22, 2018 20:43:17 #
I will just add that to store a file on a media, there must be file system. Now some new cards MAY have a file system, or they may not. And as I’m sure many readers know, the type of file system determines the max capacity of files that can be stored, the max file size and what platforms (PCs or Macs) can read, write and share the data. Cards can be formatted with FAT, FAT16, FAT32, ExFAT, APFS, etc... if you place an unformatted card in service, it MAY have a file system and store data, it may not, or it may not have the file system you wish to use. Also, depending on the type card, what the camera supports, and the file system used, you may not be able to use all the capacity of the card. So... format the card in camera before use so you have control over how your valuable data is stored - only takes a couple of minutes. It’s a basic procedure when placing any new storage media in service.
Jun 23, 2018 06:53:32 #
Picture Taker
Loc: Michigan Thumb
i FORMAT EVERY TIME I PUT THE CARD BACK IN THE CAMERA IT'S LIKE CLOSING THE DOOR.
Jun 23, 2018 07:08:00 #
Absolutely --- format it. See TriX, above for why. In the olden days we would have to format floppy (or hard) disks on the computer we used them on because the read/write heads may have been very slightly off center, causing the disk to fail to read or write without formatting. If it failed on one computer, we could try it on another and it might work. Now, SD cards or the equivalent are solid state, they don't have moving read/write parts. But they still have different possible format types.
Jun 23, 2018 07:24:23 #
Jun 23, 2018 07:39:13 #
Jun 23, 2018 08:15:37 #
My understanding from reading about this, is that you always format your card in the camera after downloading with a card reader. The reasoning is derived from the way memory cards function. Its about retaining the cards health and integrity.
Jun 23, 2018 08:19:40 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
There are no cons! Formatting takes no time at all, so why risk a fail? Always do it in camera for greater assurance of compatibility.
Jun 23, 2018 08:35:38 #
I have never formatted a card and have never had a problem of any kind. I’ve even absent-mindedly moved cards between cameras and still never had a problem. Many will probably chastise me for this, but that’s my story.
Jun 23, 2018 08:45:49 #
fergmark wrote:
My understanding from reading about this, is that you always format your card in the camera after downloading with a card reader. The reasoning is derived from the way memory cards function. Its about retaining the cards health and integrity.
Mmm. Not always. I only format when my 64GB card is nearly full (after uploading, of course). Leaving the extra copy of photos on the card is insurance in case my computer fails before Carbonite backs it up to their servers. Also, having the previous photos on the card allows me to review them in the camera for a while. And, in my Sony A9, I may just switch the cards, since I write everything to the fast slot when photographing. Then I wait until the second card is almost full before uploading again and formatting.
Jun 23, 2018 09:13:25 #
Jun 23, 2018 09:52:04 #
BobIn wrote:
When buying a new 128GB SD card for my Nikon Coolpix P900, should I format it after loading it into my camera the first time? Pros and cons ? Sandisk Extreme sdcc with 90mb speed.
I go with the "YES" crowd. (Although with that camera it might take a bit longer with a 128GB card.)
Jun 23, 2018 10:00:40 #
Jun 23, 2018 10:10:52 #
128 GB ,are you planning on downloading all those jpeg once a year. A 16GB will last you for weeks.
Jun 23, 2018 10:11:48 #
AirWalter
Loc: Tipp City, Ohio
If you don't think you should format the card in any specific camera could you please tell me why you think the camera manufacturer went to the trouble of putting the format option in the menu? Good Lord, what is the problem with people worrying about taking 1 minute to format a card.
Jun 23, 2018 10:23:26 #
If you read about why you should, written by those with the technical knowledge for doing so, its a no-brainer. It simply behooves us to take advice from those that know.
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