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Camera/SD card communications
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Feb 11, 2019 13:31:51   #
alh41
 
I am using a Canon 80D and a Lexar SD 128 GB card.

I have had this card since January 2016, use it ALL the time and have NOT reformatted either in the camera or in my computer. I probably photograph 12 - 15 events a month to give you a feel for the number of times the card is in and out of the camera.

Recently and with increasing frequency I have been receiving unable to communicate with memory storage notifications. Taking the card out and reinserting it worked well for a while. When that didn't, I tried using a standard pencil eraser to carefully clean the tabs on the card. This worked sometimes. Next I tried using an EraserStic eraser pencil which seems to have a little more aggressive erasing capabilities. Since that too has not proven to have cured the problem, I have done a full reformatting of the card on my computer.

Currently the system is functioning ok. Over the past couple days I have removed and reinserted the card a dozen or so times, just to check.

Are there other recommended steps I should try if the problem returns?

I have an upcoming trip planned to my grandson's graduation at the Air Force Academy in May and I am thinking I will purchase a couple more cards before I go, just to be safe.

Thanks for your help.

...Al

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Feb 11, 2019 13:35:59   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
I'd get the images off of the card and re-format it in the camera.
If the problem persists, replace the card.
Rare, but they sometimes do go bad.
Cards can also be compromised (partially damaged) by static electricity.

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Feb 11, 2019 13:49:49   #
jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ
 
Longshadow wrote:
I'd get the images off of the card and re-format it in the camera.


Yes, I agree, re-format in camera. Reformatting a card actually keeps the card organized and indexed for each use. It's generally done each and every time you use your camera so that the card is freshly formatted.

Format card, use camera, upload images using a card reader on your computer, make sure you've backed up the images that you just uploaded, then put the card back in your camera and format. Ready to go next time you use it.

128GB is, IMHO, kind of large for an 80D camera. Personally I'd use 32GB cards, and keep several of them in use and rotate them.

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Feb 11, 2019 13:50:42   #
rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin
 
As UHH member Longshadow suggests, “get the images off of the card and re-format it in the camera”
The key here is re-format it in the camera. Your objective is to have the camera communicate with the memory card and subsequently with your computer/laptop. The warning message you’ve been receiving tells you that communication is not happening. Formating memory cards as suggested in the opening pages of your fine camera manual is a good place to start.

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Feb 11, 2019 14:26:17   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
alh41 wrote:
I am using a Canon 80D and a Lexar SD 128 GB card.

I have had this card since January 2016, use it ALL the time and have NOT reformatted either in the camera or in my computer. I probably photograph 12 - 15 events a month to give you a feel for the number of times the card is in and out of the camera.

Recently and with increasing frequency I have been receiving unable to communicate with memory storage notifications. Taking the card out and reinserting it worked well for a while. When that didn't, I tried using a standard pencil eraser to carefully clean the tabs on the card. This worked sometimes. Next I tried using an EraserStic eraser pencil which seems to have a little more aggressive erasing capabilities. Since that too has not proven to have cured the problem, I have done a full reformatting of the card on my computer.

Currently the system is functioning ok. Over the past couple days I have removed and reinserted the card a dozen or so times, just to check.

Are there other recommended steps I should try if the problem returns?

I have an upcoming trip planned to my grandson's graduation at the Air Force Academy in May and I am thinking I will purchase a couple more cards before I go, just to be safe.

Thanks for your help.

...Al
I am using a Canon 80D and a Lexar SD 128 GB card.... (show quote)


The best and most effective fix is to format your card IN THE COMPUTER after transferring your images. This assures the SDXC formatting is correct. Then insert the card back in the camera and do an in camera format to structure the fresh card for camera usage.
This should solve all your issues.

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Feb 11, 2019 14:36:06   #
sloscheider Loc: Minnesota
 
It’s also possible one or more of the contacts on the card are wearing thin causing the flakey issues. I agree with others, get several cheaper 32 gig cards and format often.

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Feb 11, 2019 15:30:56   #
PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA
 
I would not reformat, I would replace immediately.

When I worked for a Fortune 500 electronics company we NEVER used an eraser. It would scrape off any plating on the contacts and they would corrode quicker thereafter. We would clean it with contact cleaner only. At this point, I would replace it.

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Feb 11, 2019 15:40:53   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
PHRubin wrote:
I would not reformat, I would replace immediately.

When I worked for a Fortune 500 electronics company we NEVER used an eraser. It would scrape off any plating on the contacts and they would corrode quicker thereafter. We would clean it with contact cleaner only. At this point, I would replace it.

Most prudent answer.

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Feb 11, 2019 17:10:45   #
uhaas2009
 
I would download the pics and replace this card. Make sure the camera don’t break down ether......

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Feb 11, 2019 18:59:38   #
Brokenland
 
Use inferior SD card, achieve less that perfect results. ALWAYS trust SanDisk I have for more than 20 years. Just make sure you have the right card for your devices and follow the format protocol.

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Feb 12, 2019 06:33:25   #
traderjohn Loc: New York City
 
alh41 wrote:
I am using a Canon 80D and a Lexar SD 128 GB card.

I have had this card since January 2016, use it ALL the time and have NOT reformatted either in the camera or in my computer. I probably photograph 12 - 15 events a month to give you a feel for the number of times the card is in and out of the camera.

Recently and with increasing frequency I have been receiving unable to communicate with memory storage notifications. Taking the card out and reinserting it worked well for a while. When that didn't, I tried using a standard pencil eraser to carefully clean the tabs on the card. This worked sometimes. Next I tried using an EraserStic eraser pencil which seems to have a little more aggressive erasing capabilities. Since that too has not proven to have cured the problem, I have done a full reformatting of the card on my computer.

Currently the system is functioning ok. Over the past couple days I have removed and reinserted the card a dozen or so times, just to check.

Are there other recommended steps I should try if the problem returns?

I have an upcoming trip planned to my grandson's graduation at the Air Force Academy in May and I am thinking I will purchase a couple more cards before I go, just to be safe.

Thanks for your help.

...Al
I am using a Canon 80D and a Lexar SD 128 GB card.... (show quote)


Before you go to your grandson's graduation. Take that card and put it in the round file and buy a new one or two. What's more important a possible malfunctioning card or getting pictures of your grandson's graduation?

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Feb 12, 2019 08:23:16   #
mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma
 
Reformat in the camera is the best way to go,IMHO. If you don’t want to remove the images from your current card, you’ll find that prices for cards are very reasonable.

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Feb 12, 2019 08:23:50   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
If you still get that message after reformatting it in the camera, use a different card. If you get the message with that, then it's probably an issue with the camera. Return the card to the manufacturer. Those cards are generally guaranteed for life.

Generally speaking, when in doubt, use a different card.

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Feb 12, 2019 09:57:35   #
KarenKaptures Loc: New Jersey
 
Bokehen wrote:
Use inferior SD card, achieve less that perfect results. ALWAYS trust SanDisk I have for more than 20 years. Just make sure you have the right card for your devices and follow the format protocol.


SanDisk card let me down once. Had to leave event and buy another. It wasn’t a paid event, thanks goodness, or I would have had another on me.

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Feb 12, 2019 10:59:08   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
Whether you format in the camera or on your computer the basic format will be the same. It is an industry standard, otherwise your computer would not be able to read the card without a secondary program. There is a difference though. In camera formatting will add the necessary folders that your camera requires. Canon does this automatically, whether you format in camera or not. Take a freshly computer formatted card. A check will show it to be blank. Put it in your Canon, turn the camera on for a second or two, then turn it off. Re-check the card and the folders are there. You're good to shoot.
I don't know if this is part of your problem or not, but there is a peculiarity with Canon. It writes data to SD cards differently then other systems. That is why there is a "Low Format" option on the format page of your menu. Canon recommends that you use that option periodically to maintain full write speed of your SD card. It takes longer for any such issues to show up with a large card, and, it may not even be a factor, but try the "Low Format" option and see if it helps.

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