Digital camera accessories

[Chloe]

I bought an SD card for my hp photosmart 320 and took about 50 pictures... I uploaded them onto my computer and they all came out distorted... The little icon that you see before actually opening the picture is fine, but once it's opened it's all cut up... does anyone know how I can fix this??

[bdery]

Hi Chloe and welcome!

This problem is generally caused if the data is corrupted, either on the card or during the transfer to the computer.

First, a general guideline to avoid this in the future : always format your memory card in your camera before using it. If the camera offers a low level format option, use it, if not just do the standard formatting. Remember to format your card from time to time.

Now, about your specific situation, there are a couple of things that can be done. For starters, if the pics are still on the memory card (if you didn't erase them) you could try to transfer them a second time. Did the pics display will on the playback mode of the camera? Another thing you can do is use a software, such as PC Inspector File Recovery (free) to scan your memory card, and possibly recover lost files this way. Don't format your card before trying this, but do format the card before taking more pictures.

Maybe the other mods will have some input as well. Good luck!

[Deb]

Good reply bdery. I really can't add anything I'm afraid. I've had images show up as completely black before but not what was described by our poster. .... Turns out my problem had been due to my shutting the camera off BEFORE the image had fully written to the card. Of course, I don't make that mistake anymore!  

[Chloe]

Thank you so much!!! I'm going to try everything you suggested.... I think the second option will be the trick because on the preview of the pictures they look fine but when the titles go away the pictures mess up... Thank you again!

[Chloe]

I feel extremely useless... I downloaded a freeware called PC Inspector...File recovery 4.0.... and now I'm completely lost.... Help?? Again? sorry!

[Chloe]

ok... i got past that... i realized i had used the wrong one.... now i have smart recovery... but the problme is that my computer doesn;t read my camera as a logical device and if that happens to use a card reader... i don't have one... is there anyway to create a logical device?

[Deb]

Hi Chloe, If you don't have a card reader, you may want to purchase one. They aren't expensive and will save your camera's batteries. They are also portable and can be plugged in just about anywhere. I'm unfamiliar with the software you are using so can't be of much help in that area I'm afraid.

I'm curious. Are your images viewable on your camera's LCD when in playback mode?

[bdery]

Hi again Chloe,

to use the software I mentionned, you're right that you have to access the memory card from a reader. Most brands allow that, but not Kodak, Canon, and some others. To access your files with that software, you will have to get a card reader. However, even then there is no garantee that you'll get your files back. I think it,s your best shot, but it's not a 100% proof technique. If the files are corrupted on the card, there isn't much to be done.

Good luck!

[Chloe]

Thank you so much everyone!!!! I'm going to try everything and hopefully recover my pictures..... answering a question... yes, the pictures are fine when sown in playback on the camera ... but as soon as the titles clear they distort.... thank again!