SD Card Deterioration Question
Apr 29, 2019 13:26:55 #
burkphoto wrote:
Technically this is true.
Functionally, I cannot imagine a scenario in which I would erase in computer and format in camera, UNLESS the issue involved security of sensitive images that I wished to become unrecoverable.
In that case, I would perform a “government wipe” format on the card, or just shatter it with a hammer and flush it down the toilet!
Functionally, I cannot imagine a scenario in which I would erase in computer and format in camera, UNLESS the issue involved security of sensitive images that I wished to become unrecoverable.
In that case, I would perform a “government wipe” format on the card, or just shatter it with a hammer and flush it down the toilet!
I copy from the card to the two computers; wait for Carbonite to back them up; and then select all files on the card in Windows Explorer and delete them. Put the card back in the camera, without formatting it.
Been doing this for over ten years so far.
Never a problem.
Speaking of making unrecoverable, is CIPHER available in Win 10? I use it in Win 7.
Apr 29, 2019 13:29:15 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
TonyBrown wrote:
A professional photographer recently told me that I should never delete images on an SD card in my camera as this can damage the card. He said that I should always download the images and only reformat the card in my camera. Is this fact or fiction? I often delete images in my camera while I am travelling to reduce editing when I get home.
I am not aware of any "deterioration", due to image deletion.
However, I don't do much in-camera deletion for a couple reasons...
1. Additional memory cards are pretty cheap.... especially SD cards. So are hard drives for storage.
2. The screen on a camera is to small for image evaluation. So I mostly only delete images from the camera if I'm sure they were spoiled by something such as severely missed focus or if I accidentally take a shot of my toes.
Yesterday I shot 4325 images with two cameras, nearly filling eight memory cards. I think I deleted 5 or 6 images in-camera, during the day's shoot. I've since downloaded all the images from yesterday and have started reviewing them in Lightroom. I've deleted a couple more this morning during the first pass through... That will probably be all I'll delete until I'm done with sorting, selecting, lightly editing and proofing out the best "keepers".
I leave images on my cards until the next time they are used... This is a form of "backup", just in case there's a problem with the copies of the images I've downloaded.
Later I'll format the card in-camera, right after swapping it into the camera, before I start filling it with new images.
Apr 29, 2019 13:34:38 #
nadelewitz
Loc: Ithaca NY
burkphoto wrote:
Technically this is true.
Functionally, I cannot imagine a scenario in which I would erase in computer and format in camera, UNLESS the issue involved security of sensitive images that I wished to become unrecoverable.
In that case, I would perform a “government wipe” format on the card, or just shatter it with a hammer and flush it down the toilet!
Functionally, I cannot imagine a scenario in which I would erase in computer and format in camera, UNLESS the issue involved security of sensitive images that I wished to become unrecoverable.
In that case, I would perform a “government wipe” format on the card, or just shatter it with a hammer and flush it down the toilet!
Here's two scenarios for you.....
I test lots of camera donations to a recycle/reuse business. Many come in with memory cards in them containing photos of all kinds (people are not too bright. We also get computers in with very personal user data on them). I format memory cards on my computer to erase them all the time, without knowing where they will be used next. I even use the SD Association's "SD Card Formatter" program, as recommended.
I will also format cards while they are in the computer after viewing/copying files off of them.
Okay?
Apr 29, 2019 14:44:39 #
Longshadow wrote:
I copy from the card to the two computers; wait for Carbonite to back them up; and then select all files on the card in Windows Explorer and delete them. Put the card back in the camera, without formatting it.
Been doing this for over ten years so far.
Never a problem.
Speaking of making unrecoverable, is CIPHER available in Win 10? I use it in Win 7.
Been doing this for over ten years so far.
Never a problem.
Speaking of making unrecoverable, is CIPHER available in Win 10? I use it in Win 7.
I mostly use a Mac. Anyone else know the answer?
Apr 29, 2019 14:47:03 #
nadelewitz wrote:
Here's two scenarios for you..... br br I test lo... (show quote)
Sure. Just format cards in camera before use to ensure any camera model/brand-specific structures are applied.
Apr 29, 2019 15:28:29 #
amfoto1 wrote:
...
2. The screen on a camera is to small for image evaluation
....
....
...
2. The screen on a camera is to small for image evaluation
....
....
Haha - If I can tell it's bad on the screen, IT'S BAD.
<delete>...
Apr 29, 2019 19:03:55 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Complete fiction regarding physical impact to the SD card.
As a best practice, it's a good guideline relative to avoiding a corruption of the file system (aka software) that resides on the SD card. However, this best practice was developed in the long ago past when both digital cameras and SD cards were less mature. You'll be challenged to get an anecdote, even from the conspiracy theorist on UHH, that support this continued best practice with any recent evidence.
As a best practice, it's a good guideline relative to avoiding a corruption of the file system (aka software) that resides on the SD card. However, this best practice was developed in the long ago past when both digital cameras and SD cards were less mature. You'll be challenged to get an anecdote, even from the conspiracy theorist on UHH, that support this continued best practice with any recent evidence.
Apr 29, 2019 20:19:47 #
James R wrote:
Totally "Bull-Truffles". br br The dele... (show quote)
I also have designated cards for each of my 4 cameras, always format in camera and never cross use the cards. Cards are rotated periodically in same camera.Sometimes I will delete a few images in camera but usually wait until they are downloaded. Never had a card problem in 14 yrs shooting digital. Still have my original cards from my D50.
Apr 29, 2019 20:36:09 #
burkphoto wrote:
I mostly use a Mac. Anyone else know the answer?
I finally found this: "Cipher command line tool in Windows 10/8/7."
Love cipher, but boy does it take a LONG time for a 1Tb drive!
(Worth it for wiping sensitive data though.)
Apr 29, 2019 23:11:18 #
From way back when... Most of you have missed the largest point of all- Most Pros, and Column writers have for years said,"Do not delete photos in the camera!" Why ? Because you cannot see a photo on a 3" screen! Who are you kidding that you want to save space? Do you have such large files you cannot afford another card? It has been written many times for many years now- delete your photos in the computer! The picture you thought was lousy, may have been one of your best shots! Would you edit your photos on a 3" screen? Instead of pixel peeping, you should be looking for the next shot-or you probably just missed the best shot of the day cause your looking at your camera! I'm quite sure, most of you could afford another small card if needed, for about $25 bucks!! Keep shooting and son't worry about "What you may have missed"!
Apr 30, 2019 00:13:25 #
Apr 30, 2019 07:15:41 #
Murray wrote:
Strange
I’ve been told to ONLY format in camera.
I’ve been told to ONLY format in camera.
FINAL format in camera before use, no matter what you do prior.
Apr 30, 2019 11:45:49 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Complete fiction regarding physical impact to the SD card.
As a best practice, it's a good guideline relative to avoiding a corruption of the file system (aka software) that resides on the SD card. However, this best practice was developed in the long ago past when both digital cameras and SD cards were less mature. You'll be challenged to get an anecdote, even from the conspiracy theorist on UHH, that support this continued best practice with any recent evidence.
As a best practice, it's a good guideline relative to avoiding a corruption of the file system (aka software) that resides on the SD card. However, this best practice was developed in the long ago past when both digital cameras and SD cards were less mature. You'll be challenged to get an anecdote, even from the conspiracy theorist on UHH, that support this continued best practice with any recent evidence.
Thanks for the clarification. I have deleted, with no ramifications, but wondered if I had missed something important. Now I understand. I do reformat my card after downloading the photos I've saved.
Apr 30, 2019 13:45:57 #
Theoretically, there is write-read-erase cycle maximum but I wouldn't think that it is within the range of usually ownership of a chip. The larger issue would be damage to the contacts of the chip or possible the receptacle.
Apr 30, 2019 16:49:07 #
larryepage wrote:
There is no difference in deleting an image from a memory card and reformatting that card. In either case, new data gets written to the memory which, interestingly enough, is exactly what the card was designed for.
There is a significant difference in terms of the card, but not as it effects the shooter. If you delete, you only remove the location of the photo. With the right software, it can be recovered. If you format, you remove all data. There may still be ghost left for a serious geek, but nothing I want to get into. It is the difference in deleting your address from computer records, and burning down your house.
Either way, you can over-write the existing data when you take a new photo. The only reason I reformat is if the card starts getting hinky
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