Digital camera accessories

[Camera Jill]

I have a Canon PowerShot A630.  About a year ago, I replaced the memory card that it came with with a 2.0 GB card.  For the year, I have been able to take all the pictures I've wanted between downloads.  But yesterday, it would only take 22 pictures before saying that the card was full; I downloaded those and did a test--this time it took only 34 pictures before saying the card was full.  Do memory cards go bad?  

Thanks for any help.

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Camera Jill and welcome to the Q&A Forum.

Yes, memory cards can go bad but don't assume yours is until you try a few things.

Have you ever formatted the card? I'm not talking about erasing it, but actually using the Format card option.

Your A630 may also have a "Low Level" format option. If it does, do a low level format instead of a regular format.

Don't forget to transfer any images to your computer before formatting.

If the formatting doesn't work, you probably need to get a new card. But call the card manufacturer first. They might also have additional suggestions to get the card to work. Plus they can authorize giving you a new one if it's still on warranty.

If there is even a little doubt  that the card is faulty, don't risk losing photos. Get a new memory card.

Oh, and here's a long shot. Check if your Secure Digital Memory card is locked. If so, unlock it.

As an aside, I format my memory cards about once a month (I take A LOT of photos each month). Every now and then I do a low level format.

Related reading

Difference between Erasing and Formatting:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/accessories/memory-cards/erasing.php

Memory card corruption:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/accessories/memory-cards/memory-card-corruption.php

[Camera Jill]

Thanks, ShutterbugGail.  I didn't realize the importance of formatting--I thought it was a one-time thing.  And I didn't know my camera could do it, and that this is a better way to do so.  I have followed your advice.  Now, off to takes some shots!