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
Every time that I switch on my camera it shows protected card across the screen and I am unable to take pictures . What can I do?
It sounds like you may have your camera in Playback mode. If so, switch to Shooting Mode. Here’s an explanation of both modes. If this is not the problem, please post your questions in our Q&A forum so we can provide additional help. Also provide us with as much information as you can, including camera model.
I like to “play” with my pictures such as make them black and white or change contrast, however my camera does not let me. Is it because I didn’t format my memory card?
What camera do you have…only some cameras have the ability to do
that kind of in-camera editing. On the other hand, the vast
majority of image editing programs will let you change contrast,
convert them to black and white or sepia, etc. The software that
came with your camera may have those abilities. If not, try a free, easy-to-use and effective basic photo editing program such as Picasa.
I recently got a new card reader, because a USB cable was much more difficult to get ahold of for my camera (Casio Exilm 8.1)
I went to my computer/removable disk and although it recognized it, it says I must format the card to the computer. After trying to do so, it responds that the card can not be read. It is brand new, and has no possibility of damage. Any Advice?
Formatting a memory card in a computer that is to be used in a digital camera is not generally recommended. Try formatting it in your camera. Also try plugging the card reader into a different USB port. Your memory card is probably not damaged, but if formatting the card in the camera doesn’t work, call tech support (in this order) for the card, reader and/or camera. Here is some information about causes of memory card problems.
Hi i bought a new 4gb lexar platinum II 80x compact flash card for my nikon ED coolpix 5700 and the camera says out of memory and no images are on it. Please help
Spencer, I believe the 4GB card may be beyond the capacity and/or speed of your Coolpix 5700. I owned the Coolpix 5400, which came out around the same time as the 5700. 24x and 24xWA were the highest speed cards recommended by Nikon for the camera and I suspect it may be the same for yours. Check your manual specifications or contact Nikon to verify if your new card is incompatible with the 5700.
The number one problem brought to our attention at our Q&A forum, in comments and via email relate to memory card problems. Always format a card, including a brand new one (before using the first time), in your camera (not computer); make sure the one you purchase is compatible with your model, especially if it is an older model. And do learn about the causes of memory card corruption before they occur!
I was playing with my camera and i was in the format option when i went to cancel out of it(because i didn’t want to format yet) it clicked ok to format. Is there anyway of getting my pictures back?
There are programs to recover images that have been removed from a memory card. Here is a tutorial. Some programs are free, others must be bought. Art Plus has a free recovery program. There are other useful, free digital photography related programs listed on the page too.
Hi, I have pought 4 Maxim 4gig SD cards, I have a Kodak 6490 and the camera won’t let me format the cards, any ideas please.
According to the Kodak site, DX-series cameras accept SD and MMC Cards, not Secure Digitial High Capacity cards. 4 Gig cards are SDHC. You may have to get a different, lower capacity card. Check with Kodak tech support to be sure.
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