Deleting Photos: Is it okay to delete pics on the camera itself, or wait until pics are downloaded to the computer and let the computer erase the pictures?

CharleneT Loc: South Carolina

Is it okay to delete pics on the camera itself, or wait until pics are downloaded to the computer and let the computer erase the pictures?

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

CharleneT wrote:

Is it okay to delete pics on the camera itself, or wait until pics are downloaded to the computer and let the computer erase the pictures?

If I am reading your question right, I feel it is better to delete unwanted images AFTER they have been transferred to the computer.

If I am not reading your question right, transfer images, then reformat the card in camera after you are sure all images have been transferred, instead of erasing images one by one. Some cameras allow a "low level" format - choose that.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Dngallagher wrote:

...transfer images, then reformat the card in camera after you are sure all images have been transferred, instead of erasing images one by one. Some cameras allow a "low level" format - choose that.

I would just add that if you back up your images (and you should), then you should do the backup before reformatting the card in the camera. For backup purposes you should always have a minimum two copies of your images in different places. (To make it easier on yourself, try to use the same different places each time).

ggttc Loc: TN

I really think its better to download the pics to the computer...better to look at the shots on a 24" screen than a 3"

Just my HO.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

If you know for sure the photo is totally worthless, yes, go ahead and delete in camera.

Walt

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

I was going to jump in and answer this but its such a complex issue with so many outcomes that need to be considered I think I will sleep on it before getting back to you!!
Who ties your shoe laces for you?

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Dngallagher wrote:

If I am reading your question right, I feel it is better to delete unwanted images AFTER they have been transferred to the computer.

If I am not reading your question right, transfer images, then reformat the card in camera after you are sure all images have been transferred, instead of erasing images one by one. Some cameras allow a "low level" format - choose that.

I think the question is, should you let the download program(the computer) erase the picture or wait until after the picture is on the computer and use the camera to for the erase.

FWIW I use internet explorer(win 8.1) to move the files from my camera to the hard drive. I use cut vs copy which when done erases the files from the card. I use cut to insure I get all the photos.

That said, I will use the camera format program before my next shoot. I do not trust the computer to play nice with my camera.

That's my work flow. More generally, I would let the camera do the erasing either file by file assuming you don't want to do all, or use the camera reformat to get all the files at once.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

pithydoug wrote:

I think the question is, should you let the downlo... (show quote)

Cut & paste is a handy tool, but I know several people who have selected, cut and something occurs and when they paste nothing shows up, and the files have been deleted.

I copy, then only after I know that the file transferred without a problem, go back and format in camera.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Dngallagher wrote:

Cut & paste is a handy tool, but I know several people who have selected, cut and something occurs and when they paste nothing shows up, and the files have been deleted.

I copy, then only after I know that the file transferred without a problem, go back and format in camera.

Been doing this for years and have never had a probable. That said, I also have a un-erase program so I'm not blindly going forward. :) :)

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

pithydoug wrote:

Been doing this for years and have never had a probable. That said, I also have a un-erase program so I'm not blindly going forward. :) :)

Funny, thats what most of them said too ;) Never had a problem, till they did have a problem.

Having seen a cut & paste problem occur multiple times, I feel safer doing a copy myself, and always recommended copy & paste, then go back and delete, at least to windows users I supported.

But if careful, you may never have an issue. At least you may be prepared to get back things that get lost if it happens.

Frank47 Loc: West coast Florida

DirtFarmer wrote:

I would just add that if you back up your images (and you should), then you should do the backup before reformatting the card in the camera. For backup purposes you should always have a minimum two copies of your images in different places. (To make it easier on yourself, try to use the same different places each time).

"Suspenders AND belt". I keep mine on an external hard drive and burned to DVDs. Only then do I delete. For the most part and for most people, "delete" is forever. I like DirtFarmer's answer. :thumbup: :thumbup:

Bobbee

CharleneT wrote:

Is it okay to delete pics on the camera itself, or wait until pics are downloaded to the computer and let the computer erase the pictures?

I always CNTL/A and copy. Then back up the raw photos to 2 HD's. THEN......deleted, actually reformat, the cards.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Bobbee wrote:

I always CNTL/A and copy. Then back up the raw photos to 2 HD's. THEN......deleted, actually reformat, the cards.

:thumbup:

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

Frank47 wrote:

"Suspenders AND belt". I keep mine on an external hard drive and burned to DVDs. Only then do I delete. For the most part and for most people, "delete" is forever. I like DirtFarmer's answer. :thumbup: :thumbup:

You must not have many pictures or tremendous patience to Backup to DVDs. :) I use two 2 TB external drives, the second is backup.

Bobbee

pithydoug wrote:

You must not have many pictures or tremendous patience to Backup to DVDs. :) I use two 2 TB external drives, the second is backup.

You know recordable DVD/CD's have a shelf life of 5 years. Be Careful, Be very very careful.