SD memory cards for cameras. Formatting.
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SD memory cards for cameras. Formatting.
SD memory cards for cameras.
Done a Proon search with no success.....so here I go from scratch.......
Just bought a Pentax Optio 50 digital camera and a Kingston Elite Pro 256mb SD memory card.
I've read in a photography magazine that I'm supposed to format the card. A quick Google (well, a slow, time consuming one, actually) reveals that the "Format" command in Windows isn't up to a required standard of compliance. So I located a download for a compliant bit of software......in fact it was the only download I could find, and it won't work, telling me that my drive is not compatible.
Question, please -- Should I be fussing with all of this in the first place, ie is the magazine article a load of rubbish?
If it's not a load of rubbish, then could anyone please advise what is the dogs for formatting, please.
Done a Proon search with no success.....so here I go from scratch.......
Just bought a Pentax Optio 50 digital camera and a Kingston Elite Pro 256mb SD memory card.
I've read in a photography magazine that I'm supposed to format the card. A quick Google (well, a slow, time consuming one, actually) reveals that the "Format" command in Windows isn't up to a required standard of compliance. So I located a download for a compliant bit of software......in fact it was the only download I could find, and it won't work, telling me that my drive is not compatible.
Question, please -- Should I be fussing with all of this in the first place, ie is the magazine article a load of rubbish?
If it's not a load of rubbish, then could anyone please advise what is the dogs for formatting, please.
Last edited by acbus1; 27th Oct 2005 at 18:59.
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Thanks, peeps, but...........
There's definitely no format command in any of the menus. I looked for that first.
Do you mean delete the images? I can do that one image at a time in the camera. I've also experimented and popped the card into my PC, right clicked on files, then selected "delete". Both work OK to delete images. I could obviously delete all images.
But that's deleting, not formatting, isn't it? Or is it?
There's definitely no format command in any of the menus. I looked for that first.
Do you mean delete the images? I can do that one image at a time in the camera. I've also experimented and popped the card into my PC, right clicked on files, then selected "delete". Both work OK to delete images. I could obviously delete all images.
But that's deleting, not formatting, isn't it? Or is it?
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For Gawds' sake do NOT format a camera card from within Windows. Aways format the card in the camera for which it is used, as the card can bugger up quite nicely with your priceless pics on it. you could lose them all, thank you very much.
I have never seen a camera wth no format command, but it may be nested in a sub menu somewhere. If you can't find it, please post here and PM me. I will find out what the exact procedure is. I can't believe that the camera has auto formatting, but more than one manufacturer has made a button/key press combination the way to go, in order to prevent some users from formatting treasured piccies accidentally.
Conan
Edited a few mins later - page 22 of the manual
Optio 50? You are looking for a menu called "Setup1" The format command is about three down.
Happy snapping! :-)
Conan
I have never seen a camera wth no format command, but it may be nested in a sub menu somewhere. If you can't find it, please post here and PM me. I will find out what the exact procedure is. I can't believe that the camera has auto formatting, but more than one manufacturer has made a button/key press combination the way to go, in order to prevent some users from formatting treasured piccies accidentally.
Conan
Edited a few mins later - page 22 of the manual
Optio 50? You are looking for a menu called "Setup1" The format command is about three down.
Happy snapping! :-)
Conan
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Conan,
Sorry to diagree, but from personal experience, I have not, to date, (says he tempting fate) had an issue formatting a card under windows. (This with a Canon digital camera)
The secret is to ensure that it is formatted as FAT, not FAT32 or NTFS.
However, since you can delete the pictures from your cards (and any folders if using a PC) why would you ever need to format a card in the first place? It is not the same as a floppy/hard disk where errors, such as bad sectors, can appear on the disk. Generally, solid state memory is exactly that, solid state, so to speak. Re-formatting the card should make no material difference to the usability or performance of the card.
If it aint broke, don't fix it
Regards,
Shuttlebus
P.S. Three posts tonight now....
Sorry to diagree, but from personal experience, I have not, to date, (says he tempting fate) had an issue formatting a card under windows. (This with a Canon digital camera)
The secret is to ensure that it is formatted as FAT, not FAT32 or NTFS.
However, since you can delete the pictures from your cards (and any folders if using a PC) why would you ever need to format a card in the first place? It is not the same as a floppy/hard disk where errors, such as bad sectors, can appear on the disk. Generally, solid state memory is exactly that, solid state, so to speak. Re-formatting the card should make no material difference to the usability or performance of the card.
If it aint broke, don't fix it
Regards,
Shuttlebus
P.S. Three posts tonight now....
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The manual is here
Answers is indeed on page 22
RC
Answers is indeed on page 22
Formatting an SD Memory Card or Internal Memory
The term "Formatting" means preparing an "SD Memory Card" to record images; this process is also called "initialization". This utility formats the internal memory (or memory card) and erases all stored images and data.
1. Rotate the mode dial to SCREWDRIVER AND SPANNER and turn your camera on by pressing the ON/OFF button.
The [Set-up1] menu is displayed.
2. Use DOWN ARROW to select [Format], then press the OK button.
3. Use UP or DOWN ARROW to select [OK], then press the OK button to confirm.
The term "Formatting" means preparing an "SD Memory Card" to record images; this process is also called "initialization". This utility formats the internal memory (or memory card) and erases all stored images and data.
1. Rotate the mode dial to SCREWDRIVER AND SPANNER and turn your camera on by pressing the ON/OFF button.
The [Set-up1] menu is displayed.
2. Use DOWN ARROW to select [Format], then press the OK button.
3. Use UP or DOWN ARROW to select [OK], then press the OK button to confirm.
For Gawds' sake do NOT format a camera card from within Windows. Aways format the card in the camera for which it is used, as the card can bugger up quite nicely with your priceless pics on it. you could lose them all, thank you very much.
acbus1
For what it's worth, I've re-checked my Pentax Optio (older model - 330), and there's definitely a format option in the set-up menu.
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I read all the way down in the belief that someone would assure you there is a format action in your camera.
Then there it was - just as it is with all digi cams.
But NEVER be tempted to do from within Windows - it will cost you plenty if you do.
PPP
Then there it was - just as it is with all digi cams.
But NEVER be tempted to do from within Windows - it will cost you plenty if you do.
PPP
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Note...
I never used the phrase NEVER... as in never had a problem... that would be too much like tempting fate!
After all, it is Windows we are talking about
Seems the sound advice is to "do it" with the camera.
Regards,
Shuttlebus
I never used the phrase NEVER... as in never had a problem... that would be too much like tempting fate!
After all, it is Windows we are talking about
Seems the sound advice is to "do it" with the camera.
Regards,
Shuttlebus
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I know that the logic would suggest otherwise, but many, many users have reported corrupted files after formatting in Windows. This can put a real crimp on a special day...
Often the problem is the file system, as related by Shuttlebus, but not always. If you look in these columns, you may have noticed that there are many flavours of USB for instance- a system that should be universal, but shows that some devices are more universal than others. It is always better to format in the camera and in fact some manufacturers will only warrant their cameras with certain cards, yet these are also equally universal. (My own Nikon D70 is a case in point. If the card is not on Nikons list, then they ain't interested if there is a problem)
If there is an analogy, it might be like getting somebody else to try a condom on your behalf prior to use, to see how big it is.
Regards to all,
Conan
PS the Kingston Elite Pro is a corking little card. Fast, reliable and good value too. I use a pair of the 2GB versions and I will certainly buy another one soon.
Often the problem is the file system, as related by Shuttlebus, but not always. If you look in these columns, you may have noticed that there are many flavours of USB for instance- a system that should be universal, but shows that some devices are more universal than others. It is always better to format in the camera and in fact some manufacturers will only warrant their cameras with certain cards, yet these are also equally universal. (My own Nikon D70 is a case in point. If the card is not on Nikons list, then they ain't interested if there is a problem)
If there is an analogy, it might be like getting somebody else to try a condom on your behalf prior to use, to see how big it is.
Regards to all,
Conan
PS the Kingston Elite Pro is a corking little card. Fast, reliable and good value too. I use a pair of the 2GB versions and I will certainly buy another one soon.
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Thanks, peeps!
The info given above has led me to the format function in my camera! Yessssssss!!
I'm wondering why the camera didn't come with the manual linked to, in the posts above.
It came with a glossy 15 page manual (well, more like 90 pages, but only 15 are English) and thats it! No mention of many of the items in the linked-to manual!
Thanks!
The info given above has led me to the format function in my camera! Yessssssss!!
I'm wondering why the camera didn't come with the manual linked to, in the posts above.
It came with a glossy 15 page manual (well, more like 90 pages, but only 15 are English) and thats it! No mention of many of the items in the linked-to manual!
Thanks!
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.....but do you actually need to format the card. You say you have images on the card so it is obviously working happily as it is.
I have then used the various cards again, and they have seemed ok - so far....
Have looked at the camera and there is a format option, but do I need to use it? Should I be using it??
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A lot of cards come pre formatted (including the Kingstons referred to) but the wise Monkey will put it in his camera and reformat.
For me, I can't remember having deleted photgraphs direct from the card. My usual repartee is to click, click click - download via card reader - put back into camera - reformat.
Now - back to my own Friday nightmare - a new phone cum PDA. Wish me luck...
Conan
For me, I can't remember having deleted photgraphs direct from the card. My usual repartee is to click, click click - download via card reader - put back into camera - reformat.
Now - back to my own Friday nightmare - a new phone cum PDA. Wish me luck...
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I'm using SanDisk & Fuji - presumably they were pre-formatted, 'cause they worked from the outset.
When I've 'moved' the photos, it seems to have deleted them from the card, which I've put back into the camera, and carried on clicking.... and so far ok.
But maybe from now on, the wise monkey
will be 'moving' the pic's to pc and putting the card back into the camera for a 'format'.
Oh, Good Luck!!!
When I've 'moved' the photos, it seems to have deleted them from the card, which I've put back into the camera, and carried on clicking.... and so far ok.
But maybe from now on, the wise monkey
will be 'moving' the pic's to pc and putting the card back into the camera for a 'format'. Oh, Good Luck!!!
I started a related topic re CF cards recently and have singularly failed to sort the problem
One 64 Mb card suddenly started to register in both my cameras as 'incorrect format' (or some such similar). With such a message, the camera WILL NOT format the card.
I had, some time ago, formatted one of my other cards in the 'pooter' (probablyW98) as FAT or FAT 16 and it worked perfectly well. Initially, attempts to repeat this with the new problem card produced an incorrect capacity indication, an attempted format process and a message saying that Windows could not complete the format. I tried this a number of times on four different computers all with the same result.
I recently purchased a USB2 CF reader and inserting the card in this, firstly, allowed it to read the full correct capacity and, secondly, to complete the format process. It is now recognised by My Computer as a removable drive at the correct size, BUT ONLY WHEN INSERTED IN THIS PARTICULAR READER
I can transfer files and media and they are readable and recoverable. HOWEVER, if I put the card in the camera, it again indicates 'incorrect card' or suchlike. I can, therefore use it in my PDAs but not in my cameras .... isn't electronic technology wonderful?
In my previous thread I had reached the point of discovering CF Format - a program which supposedly can cope with these problems and solve them ,, but only if MS Active Synch is installed. I duly installed said software and tried again ... the card cannot be seen in ANY of my four different readers.
One wonders why such an, apparently, simple technology can be so little understood, written about or supported.
Exits left, grumbling.
One 64 Mb card suddenly started to register in both my cameras as 'incorrect format' (or some such similar). With such a message, the camera WILL NOT format the card.
I had, some time ago, formatted one of my other cards in the 'pooter' (probablyW98) as FAT or FAT 16 and it worked perfectly well. Initially, attempts to repeat this with the new problem card produced an incorrect capacity indication, an attempted format process and a message saying that Windows could not complete the format. I tried this a number of times on four different computers all with the same result.
I recently purchased a USB2 CF reader and inserting the card in this, firstly, allowed it to read the full correct capacity and, secondly, to complete the format process. It is now recognised by My Computer as a removable drive at the correct size, BUT ONLY WHEN INSERTED IN THIS PARTICULAR READER
I can transfer files and media and they are readable and recoverable. HOWEVER, if I put the card in the camera, it again indicates 'incorrect card' or suchlike. I can, therefore use it in my PDAs but not in my cameras .... isn't electronic technology wonderful?In my previous thread I had reached the point of discovering CF Format - a program which supposedly can cope with these problems and solve them ,, but only if MS Active Synch is installed. I duly installed said software and tried again ... the card cannot be seen in ANY of my four different readers.
One wonders why such an, apparently, simple technology can be so little understood, written about or supported.
Exits left, grumbling.
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That is a good example of how a universal, open architecture protocol is interpreted by a particular system. It should be as readable there as here.
I think of two solutions here (and trust me, the card manufacturers are right behind you here - their one size fits all approach, sometimes becomes a "One size fits sod all") and the first is to drop an email to the card manufacturer, to see what they say. These things are often guaranteed for life. The second and maybe more fun, knowing that there is no data onboard, is to reformat via the working reader into a different format like NTFS and trhen check that it is readable ny the PC. Then reformat to FAT32 and so on. Hopefully, it will kick the card into compliance somewhere along the route.
If no joy, let me know - I think I could get my teeth into this one :-)
Conan
I think of two solutions here (and trust me, the card manufacturers are right behind you here - their one size fits all approach, sometimes becomes a "One size fits sod all") and the first is to drop an email to the card manufacturer, to see what they say. These things are often guaranteed for life. The second and maybe more fun, knowing that there is no data onboard, is to reformat via the working reader into a different format like NTFS and trhen check that it is readable ny the PC. Then reformat to FAT32 and so on. Hopefully, it will kick the card into compliance somewhere along the route.
If no joy, let me know - I think I could get my teeth into this one :-)
Conan
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Just to complicate things further...
Hmmmm.... Using CF cards in my by now jurassic Nikon digital camera (bought 2001... ), I must say that I always format the card in the camera after transferring pics, and I have never encountered a problem, either when hooking the camera up to my (now defunct) desktop, or by slotting the card into my replacement, card-reader equipped laptop.
However, this formatting thread is interesting- I have just bought a new RS-MMC card, for use in my mobile (reason being I have GPS in my phone), and I have transferred various "countries" into the new RS-MMC card- There is no FORMAT function on the phone, I was unsure which option to pick from the PC, and the GPS manual is mute on the subject...
Data transferred, phone seems to recognise the maps, but I will have to see when actually on the move- Why is formatting so important? How is it different to "Select all" - "Delete"?
), I must say that I always format the card in the camera after transferring pics, and I have never encountered a problem, either when hooking the camera up to my (now defunct) desktop, or by slotting the card into my replacement, card-reader equipped laptop.However, this formatting thread is interesting- I have just bought a new RS-MMC card, for use in my mobile (reason being I have GPS in my phone), and I have transferred various "countries" into the new RS-MMC card- There is no FORMAT function on the phone, I was unsure which option to pick from the PC, and the GPS manual is mute on the subject...
Data transferred, phone seems to recognise the maps, but I will have to see when actually on the move- Why is formatting so important? How is it different to "Select all" - "Delete"?