Rick Garside

Hey Gang - this is a specific question related to an old PowerShot SD450 I gave my daughter, so isn't for everyone. She really enjoys the camera but said it stopped working. I got a new battery charger, then started it up. I keep getting the message: 'Memory Card Error'.
What I have tried: restarting, blowing out slot, making sure card is not locked, re-formatting the card using my computer and trying different cards from the same era. I also looked into Canon's repair shop, but it definitely wouldn't be worth the price - I could buy one off eBay cheaper.
I also have been trying to re-format the card IN camera. However, sadly, the Canon is not allowing it. That option, of all the settings, is grayed out. I have tried everything but have no idea why I can't re-format the card in camera.

I would hate to toss the camera after getting this close, but I've Googled every variation of memory card problems with Canon and come up empty. This is my last ditch effort in case one of the Hoggers happened to have had the same problem and remembers a solution. Any takers? :)
Rick

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

The camera's broken. Electronics or card connector kaput.
It thinks the card is bad so it won't format it.
Can't format a "bad card".

Is the memory card too large?

Bill_de Loc: US

There are a lot of posts regarding this issue.

https://www.google.com/search?q=powershot+sd450+doesn%27t+recognize+card&sca_esv=0e8323c2151ee07e&ei=SAK_ZcL9GIWfqtsPuvSB8Ac&ved=0ahUKEwjCwdWE3ZCEAxWFj2oFHTp6AH4Q4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=powershot+sd450+doesn%27t+recognize+card&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJnBvd2Vyc2hvdCBzZDQ1MCBkb2Vzbid0IHJlY29nbml6ZSBjYXJkMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABSJyDAVDIC1igfXABeAGQAQCYAasBoAGUFqoBBDEuMjK4AQPIAQD4AQHCAgoQABhHGNYEGLADwgIFEAAYgATCAgYQABgWGB7CAgsQABiABBiKBRiGA8ICBRAhGKsC4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Card too large or xFAT not supported? Only FAT32?

The fact that a computer will format the card implies that the card is not "bad".
My T1i can't use anything larger than 16GB.
I don''t remember what my H-1 is limited to using. But I have enough cards for it.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Don't throw anymore money into this, except maybe the idea of the SD card size and / or the format of the card. Find another used one or an upgrade. I see the SD450 dates back to 2005 and captures in 5MP. It's been used to death at this point in 2024. Today's new models capture at 20MP typically.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

If my Sony H-1 dies, I won't repair it.

BebuLamar

I have cameras that won't take card larger than 1GB.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Did you try another memory card? They can be damaged by static or spills or extreme magnetic fields. I'd try a newer one before abandoning hope.

IMHO, None of the PowerShot cameras are worth repairing if they are over 3-4 years old. MPB.com, KEH,com, UsedPhotoPro.com, Adorama.com, and bhphotovideo.com all have used cameras at reasonable prices. All are reputable dealers frequented by others on UHH. I've bought something from all of them. No issues.

Frankly, most modern smartphones are better than that camera for casual imaging.

I bought our twins a couple of old PowerShot cameras back in 2007. Both of them made short videos and lots of stills for school projects with them. They were great starter cameras (<$100 each at the time), but quickly abandoned when the kids got iPhone 5Cs in their teens.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Does the card work in another camera?

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

If you aren’t happy with available replacements, you might consider calling Canon sales and ask about their loyalty program. I had a Canon S110 that developed a “non-curable” focus issue. My particular S110 camera was registered with Canon, but I don’t know if that’s a requirement. As part of the program, I was offered 10% off the best price of any refurbished or 15% off on new. Not all cameras are available for sale under the program and are, of course, subject to availability. I bought a refurb R5 for “under” the best price I’ve seen posted up to now. All in stock compacts were eligible at the time as well. Google “Canon loyalty program.” I think it’s still around.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

That camera model is pushing 30 years old - do your daughter and yourself a favor and spend some cash to get a working and considerably newer P&S.

Stan

Rick Garside

Thank you all that replied on this. Turns out, there WAS a solution. Thanks go out to Longshadow, CH_Canon and Bebulamar for pointing out what was not obvious to me - the SIZE of the card. That and one of the threads I linked to gave me the answer. It wasn't the age of the card or the condition of the card, but it was the size. What threw me was that there was a 16GB card with the camera that had old photos I was able to download onto my laptop. I assumed it had been used in the camera, but was apparently a card from a different camera my daughter had.

The manual did NOT make this clear, but apparently, the SD450 camera cannot read/handle any card over 2GB. I bought an old 2GB card off eBay and bam - as soon as I plugged it in, it started right up and worked perfectly.

And - yes, I was aware it is an old camera and frankly not worth bothering with. But I was hoping to get it going because it meant a lot to my daughter. (It was her grandfather's camera.) You should have seen the excited look on her face when I handed it back to her and told her it was working again. :)