How should I format CF cards ?

LCPete

LCPete

Suspended / Banned
Messages
9,785
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi Should I be formatting CF cards in camera or on computer ?
I had problems with a extreme 3 4GB today got error 4 on the 40D (said card was full) I took card out and turned camera off then on but still got card full message.
There were only about 12 shots on the card changed to a Kingston 8GB everything was was fine then
Dont know wether to chance the card again as I did miss shots while I was changing the card over :(
The card is only a year old but I cant find reciept guess its time to get some new ones
 
Although you should always format in the camera, with your problem try initialy formatting on the computer ( use FAT 16 option). Check the card is empty and then try formatting it again in the camera. The camera format should over ride the computer format.

If you still get the error it looks like the controller in the card has failed. If it has then the card is useless.

Had something similar happen to me a couple of years ago. I dumped the card, can't afford to have a card fail on me. Cheaper to buy a new card
 
i have never formatted my cards. is this something that should be done on a regular basis as i just delete the old images then re-shoot on the card. i also use a canon 40D or my back up 400D??
 
Thanks very much for the advice guys :)
I've just realised that I've not been formatting them just deleting them on the computer
I've gone through my cards and formatted them all on the 40D will do each time now
I formatted the faulty one on the computer then in camera it seems OK now says 297 shots avaliable will test it tommorrow but think I'll use that one for backup only
Pete
 
scubataff said:
i have never formatted my cards. is this something that should be done on a regular basis as i just delete the old images then re-shoot on the card. i also use a canon 40D or my back up 400D??
Click to expand...
You should always format the card completely between shoots, providing yo are in no doubt whatsoever that the images have been safely transferred to the storage device of your using; be that your computer or some sort of 'backup' device.

Once you're sure, pop the card back in your camera and format it. That'll take it back to its optimum condition ready for re-use.

Additionally, never let anything other than yourself 'delete' photos or 'move' them from the card. Always copy and always check that they have reached their destination safely.

Better to spend a few minutes extra making sure than to make a monumental cock-up.
 
If your camera has a low level format option use that to sort out any coruption / size issues
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top