Why you should not delete images on your memory card using your camera – and other memory card tips!

Comments

1. Simon Garrett says

   8th December 2016 at 10:04 am

   Well, I agree with most of that post, but boy, does he make a meal of it!

   There’s a small chance that File Allocation Table gets corrupted over time, so it’s a good idea to reformat the card from time to time. As Jeff says, I do it every time I erase images, just so I don’t forget (and because it’s much quicker than deleting individual files).

   The mean reason why the FAT gets corrupted is because the card is removed while the camera (or computer) is writing to it, so ideally turn off the camera before removing the card (and wait until all lights go out), and dismount/eject the card from the computer before removing it from the card reader. Another cause of corruption is removing the camera battery while it’s writing to the card.

   Very very occasionally, computers format the card in a way that the software in the camera doesn’t like, so better to format cards in the camera. That, and his issue of not formatting in one camera and then using in another, is probably true mainly with old cameras with hokey software. Not bad advice, but probably not necessary with modern cameras.

   However, I think he’s wrong to suggest not filling cards. I know of no reason why one should stop using a card when it’s 90% full.

2. Michael says

   8th December 2016 at 1:36 pm

   Leaving cards unprotected scudding around in the camera bag is asking for trouble.
   I always store mine in their slim plastic containers – why not?