Formatting memory cards
Jun 3, 2018 22:51:26 #
I have heard formatting or bulk erasing memory cards will cause a certain percentage memory loss from whatever kind of memory card and after the memory card is used up it should be discarded, is this true?...Julian
Jun 3, 2018 22:59:04 #
I don't know about "bulk" erasing memory cards. You can do that in a computer,.. But afterwards, before use, FIRST you should ALWAYS format the memory card in the device(camera, phone, tablet, computer, etc.) you will be using(writing data to) it in. Otherwise it can lead to errors and cause "read" issues.
Jun 3, 2018 23:24:00 #
julian.gang wrote:
I have heard formatting or bulk erasing memory cards will cause a certain percentage memory loss from whatever kind of memory card and after the memory card is used up it should be discarded, is this true?...Julian
Sounds like more misinformation to me. I do a low level format in camera of every memory card after downloading photos to computer. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years with no problems.
Bud
Jun 3, 2018 23:33:11 #
wayne barnett
Loc: Grants Pass, Oregon
When I format a card, after removing all photos and backing up the directories, it is just done on the computer.
Jun 4, 2018 00:00:20 #
"I have heard formatting or bulk erasing memory cards will cause a certain percentage memory loss....."
That's the answer! Now I know why I can't today remember the new Photoshop trick I learned yesterday. I've been formatting too much!
That's the answer! Now I know why I can't today remember the new Photoshop trick I learned yesterday. I've been formatting too much!
Jun 4, 2018 00:33:16 #
If you read/write/format any memory card often enough, it will inevitably fail and become either unreliable or altogether unusable. But sparing a memory card from eventual failure by simply not using it doesn't make sense. It is meant to be used; that is what it is there for, that is its purpose.
Jun 4, 2018 00:55:47 #
I've always formatted the SD card in the camera after copying files to computer. Never had a problem or loss of capacity (at least that I've noticed). Been doing it for years. From my understanding, there are write limits to this type of storage, but your shutter button or finger will wear out before card does. And that's the reason for reformatting in camera: to catch card failure.
Jun 4, 2018 01:13:57 #
julian.gang wrote:
I have heard formatting or bulk erasing memory cards will cause a certain percentage memory loss from whatever kind of memory card and after the memory card is used up it should be discarded, is this true?...Julian
Huh? No, absolutely not, complete nonsense. You are saying that each time a memory card is formatted capacity is lost? So after a while a 16 Gb SD becomes a 14 Gb, and so on? The non volatile RAM chips in an SD card have a read/write cycle somewhere northwards of 100,000, no capacity is lost in the manner you describe.
Jun 4, 2018 03:57:13 #
Jun 4, 2018 06:46:23 #
bsprague wrote:
"I have heard formatting or bulk erasing memory cards will cause a certain percentage memory loss....."
That's the answer! Now I know why I can't today remember the new Photoshop trick I learned yesterday. I've been formatting too much!
That's the answer! Now I know why I can't today remember the new Photoshop trick I learned yesterday. I've been formatting too much!
Jun 4, 2018 06:47:44 #
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
Huh? No, absolutely not, complete nonsense. You are saying that each time a memory card is formatted capacity is lost? So after a while a 16 Gb SD becomes a 14 Gb, and so on? The non volatile RAM chips in an SD card have a read/write cycle somewhere northwards of 100,000, no capacity is lost in the manner you describe.
Jun 4, 2018 06:57:44 #
Jun 4, 2018 07:06:37 #
julian.gang wrote:
I have heard formatting or bulk erasing memory cards will cause a certain percentage memory loss from whatever kind of memory card and after the memory card is used up it should be discarded, is this true?...Julian
False information
Jun 4, 2018 07:15:31 #
WF2B wrote:
Sounds like more misinformation to me.
Definitely! Formatting in the camera is standard procedure - not a card killer.
Jun 4, 2018 07:16:28 #
camerapapi wrote:
It is advisable to format memory cards often.
Everyone should do what gives them peace of mind with their cards.
I format a new card once in the camera. I've not re-formatted in years-no problems.
I also delete files on the card via the computer - no problems.
Am I worried? No.
(I was a component test engineer for 27 years.)
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