Double Formatting Memory Cards
Jan 12, 2019 11:51:07 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
I regularly received a message that my SanDisk cards were corrupt when downloading photos and the card needed to be repaired. The computer repaired the card and, thankfully, I didn't lose any images in the process. As an experiment, instead of swapping a new memory card each time I downloaded photos (as was my custom) I formatted the memory card, with the computer, and used that memory card multiple times in my camera. Please note: I also format the memory card each time I put in the camera (hence the double formatting). Since starting this double formatting, I have not received any error messages. I used to receive them every time I downloaded photos.
If you have this problem you may want to try this experiment and see if it works for you.
If you have this problem you may want to try this experiment and see if it works for you.
Jan 12, 2019 11:56:52 #
What are you using to "download" the files?
I use Windows Explorer and have never had a problem.
I use Windows Explorer and have never had a problem.
Jan 12, 2019 15:19:29 #
photoman022 wrote:
I regularly received a message that my SanDisk car... (show quote)
I wouldn't use the computer's OS to format an SD card. I use this instead:
https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/
Jan 12, 2019 15:55:39 #
photoman022 wrote:
I regularly received a message that my SanDisk car... (show quote)
I always format the card in the camera and never had any problems. In theory, the last format you performed in camera will overwrite the previous format you did on the computer's OS.
Jan 12, 2019 16:07:53 #
skingfong wrote:
I always format the card in the camera and never had any problems. In theory, the last format you performed in camera will overwrite the previous format you did on the computer's OS.
It will, in reality.
Jan 12, 2019 16:12:25 #
Still not sure why you would have a problem just formatting in the camera...
Jan 12, 2019 16:23:41 #
photoman022 wrote:
I regularly received a message that my SanDisk car... (show quote)
I do that occasionally when using a card in different brands of cameras. I do the full format in the computer and I always format cards when I put them in the camera.
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Jan 12, 2019 16:33:34 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
Longshadow wrote:
Still not sure why you would have a problem just formatting in the camera...
The in camera is just a quick format and in some cases might not map around bad sectors. The computer format won't either, unless it's the full or long format, which will take quite a while. Quick Format just deletes the directory and sort of resets the File Allocation Table. It does not read or write every location. The in-camera format also sets up the directories that the camera expects to see.
I have had good success doing an occasional full format and maybe even running diagnostics in my computer, but always reformat in the camera before use. All of the benefits of the computer format are preserved, and files are set up properly.
Jan 12, 2019 16:44:29 #
larryepage wrote:
The in camera is just a quick format and in some c... (show quote)
That would explain it. Thanks.
(I do understand the reason for in-camera formatting. I always do that.)
If I had a card that had defined or suspected bad cells, I'd replace the card. Cheaper than being disappointed on a shoot. You never know when other cells may go south.
Jan 12, 2019 22:14:44 #
I have had the same experience as Skingfong, but I think Larryepage explained it best for computers running Windows.
If a memory card gives me a problem, I just toss it in the trash. SD cards are cheap. Lost images can be expensive.
If a memory card gives me a problem, I just toss it in the trash. SD cards are cheap. Lost images can be expensive.
Jan 13, 2019 00:21:29 #
photoman022 wrote:
I regularly received a message that my SanDisk car... (show quote)
I personally will not do that, I only format my card in the camera, never had any issues with any card in over 10 years!
Jan 13, 2019 09:04:01 #
speters wrote:
I personally will not do that, I only format my card in the camera, never had any issues with any card in over 10 years!
Ditto.
(Mine have been in camera formatted ONCE, when I first used it. I delete files on the card in the computer, then back in the camera. Been doing that for ten years.)
Jan 13, 2019 09:34:33 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
This is a pretty good primer on formatting SD cards. I’m not a tech but it all seems pretty reasonable based on what I know about formatting and file systems which is pretty basic.
https://progradedigital.com/2018/08/15/format-memory-card-camera-computer/
https://progradedigital.com/2018/08/15/format-memory-card-camera-computer/
Jan 13, 2019 09:47:01 #
I have found that Formatting your card it is best to do it in the camera you are going to use it in. It appears that the computer may have a sligtly different method or software than the camera.
Don
Don
Jan 13, 2019 10:01:24 #
donrosshill wrote:
I have found that Formatting your card it is best to do it in the camera you are going to use it in. It appears that the computer may have a sligtly different method or software than the camera.
Don
Don
The camera may add something that is required that the computer will not.
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