Camera Labs

Hi all.

I've never formatted any of my memory cards before and now I'm wondering, should I? If I should when should I? And why should I? Sorry for all the questions
Im using flash cards on my Canon 50d

Thanks all

Mark

I think pretty much all camera manufacturers recommend that you format the card in camera before first use - check the manual. But it doesn't normally need to be done after that. I think that is to make sure nothing else did a funny format which might cause problems later.

The only other time I might format a card is if I have been copying lots of stuff on and off it. It would be a simple way to make sure nothing unwanted is left on it.

Do be aware it is a "quick" format that only erases the references to any files on there. It doesn't actually overwrite the actual data. It may be possible to undelete later and shouldn't be relied on to remove all traces of data.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Thanks for the speedy response and answering all my questions

.
There's just been a similar discussion originally in the Nikon section but now moved to this section. Probably best if I lock this thread and ask that discussion continues there to save repetition. Hope that's OK?

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.