Many digital camera owners don’t understand the difference between erasing and formatting a memory card. Both methods of deleting images should be used.

Erasing can be done whenever desired, such as when your card is at full capacity and you need more space on the card. A memory card should be formatted several times a year, particularly if its performance seems sluggish. Format more often if your camera is used frequently.

Erasing a memory card

When you erase a memory card, individual photos are deleted from their directories on the card. You can erase one image at a time, or erase all images. However, if you’ve protected any images they won’t be removed during the erasure process.

Formatting a memory card

Formatting, on the other hand, deletes all images from a memory card, even the ones that may have been protected. It recreates the file system including new directories and folders where images are saved on the card.

Unlike erasing, formatting improves the overall performance of a card.

Low level formatting

Some digital cameras offer a low level format in addition to the standard format option. With a low level format, all data on the card is deleted. New directories and folders are also recreated during this process.

A low-level format of a high speed memory card helps ensure smooth continuous shooting at a constant interval. For optimal performance, it’s also recommended that a low level format be done prior to shooting video.

In camera, not computer

It’s best to erase and format memory cards in a digital camera, not via a computer. If you plan to use a memory card that was previously used in another camera, particularly if it was made by a different manufacturer, format the card in the new camera before taking any shots.

Even a brand new memory card should be formatted in-camera before using it for the very first time.

A word of caution: make sure you back up any important photo and video files prior to erasing or formatting a card.

Related reading: Recovering deleted images