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Formatting vs deleting images on memory cards
Jul 9, 2012 12:53:08 #
Recently, I've seen some discussion on another blog on this issue, but it has never been made clear to me, does one delete images off a memory card and then format the card? Or can you just format the card without having to delete images first? I have always deleted and formated. Is there any reason to doing it one way or another. Just curious, but would like to know! Thanks!
Jul 9, 2012 13:14:16 #
Some camera manufacturers (Canon, Nikon, Pentax} recommend (in their manuals)that you format the card in camera. So once you have transferred your images to your preferred storage device, or deleted them. It does not take a moment to format the card in camera.
Jul 9, 2012 13:18:01 #
Delete just deletes. Actually, it removes the file names from the directory and marks the space used by those files as available. That's why you can "undelete" with the correct software.
Formatting deletes the images and reconstructs the file system (including required folders) so the card can be used. Although you can recover photos from a deleted card, it's not as successful.
Formatting deletes the images and reconstructs the file system (including required folders) so the card can be used. Although you can recover photos from a deleted card, it's not as successful.
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Jul 9, 2012 13:32:59 #
Thanks for your comments. I just always thought I had to delete and then format. Didn't know I didn't have to delete first to format! And I have been shooting forever!
Jul 9, 2012 14:10:11 #
Jul 9, 2012 16:01:28 #
Roger Hicks
Loc: Aquitaine
I've never deleted before formatting. Pointless, from my understanding.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
Jul 9, 2012 21:10:37 #
Formatting will completely clear the card. Once I download to the computer, I format the card in the camera.
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Jul 9, 2012 23:05:07 #
Jul 9, 2012 23:23:42 #
Jul 9, 2012 23:30:03 #
I too belong to the format school; however, there are a couple of procedures that I follow that you might want to consider.
First, I hard wire my camera body to my computer, I never remove the card from the camera to plug it directly into my computer (saves wear & tear on the connections). After downloading my images to my computer, and before I disconnect and/or format, I do a quick check of the images in the new folder to make sure they all came over properly, without any problems. Then I immediately backup the new folder of images.
Then, and only then do I format the disk in camera. Takes only seconds. Murphy's Law hates a well played procedure that double checks and includes a backup.
First, I hard wire my camera body to my computer, I never remove the card from the camera to plug it directly into my computer (saves wear & tear on the connections). After downloading my images to my computer, and before I disconnect and/or format, I do a quick check of the images in the new folder to make sure they all came over properly, without any problems. Then I immediately backup the new folder of images.
Then, and only then do I format the disk in camera. Takes only seconds. Murphy's Law hates a well played procedure that double checks and includes a backup.
Jul 10, 2012 05:25:00 #
ASR666
Loc: Singapore
mooseeyes wrote:
I too belong to the format school; however, there ... (show quote)
Agree with hard wire downloads ... many of the 'experts' complain about the slower camera transfer rates (as compared to a dedicated card reader) but i learnt my lesson the expensive way. My Canon 40D had to have its main board replaced - seems that the CF card reader is part of the main board and if you force the card (bent pins) the board goes kaput ...
Jul 10, 2012 06:40:22 #
ASR666 wrote:
quote=mooseeyes I too belong to the format school... (show quote)
You are the first person I have ever heard of that bent the pins in the camera. Bent pins in cheap card readers are common but never in the camera.
Jim D
Jul 10, 2012 07:15:27 #
lachmap
Loc: Sydney Australia
HI guys. Do you have to format? Is there any reason why it is necessary to format or is just deleting enough? I have had my 50D for 4 years now and have never formatted. I also use the cable to transfer files - just hate the thought of damaging the connections in the camera and knowing my luck .....
Jul 10, 2012 07:30:05 #
lachmap wrote:
HI guys. Do you have to format? Is there any reason why it is necessary to format or is just deleting enough? I have had my 50D for 4 years now and have never formatted. I also use the cable to transfer files - just hate the thought of damaging the connections in the camera and knowing my luck .....
Formatting in the camera helps keeps the card from becoming corupt in any way.
Jim D
Jul 10, 2012 07:39:49 #
ASR666
Loc: Singapore
oldtool2 wrote:
quote=ASR666 quote=mooseeyes I too belong to the... (show quote)
It was the card reader that did it.
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