It is easy to take for granted that your memory card will perform perfectly every time you shoot a picture. There is nothing more frustrating than shooting pictures and not being able to download your images. If this has not happened to you yet don’t worry, it will if you don’t follow some easy steps to help eliminate this problem.
1. Make sure from time to time you reformat your card. Go to your camera’s menu and look for the reformat icon and follow the instructions. Reformatting completely cleans the area of the card where the image information is stored. This process will optimize the process of data access and storage. I reformat my cards before every shhot. Why? Because it only takes one problem to ruin your day. Do not make this mistake; I have and it is an aweful feeling! Make sure before you reformat that you have downloaded all your images you want to keep, otherwise you will lose this information.
2. Do not remove your card from the camera or card reader before the processing light stops blinking. This ensures the information has transferred. Cards can become damaged if you remove them before this process is finished.
3. Replace low batteries because if the power shuts down before you transfer the information, you can corrupt your card. So carry an extra card and battery.
4. Avoid exposing your card to static electricity, excesive hot or cold.
Thanks to Joe Farace for helping me learn these lessions.
3 responses so far ↓
1 soileau // Mar 8, 2006 at 1:16 pm
GREAT Advice Benjamin! A must to remember.
2 Deedi Esstoube // Mar 9, 2006 at 8:14 pm
My father does Invisalign, and he’s had the same problems. The best thing to do is to keep the card in your camera at all times. Use the connecting cord that comes with the camera and connect it that way. An ounce of prevention. . .
3 Benjamin // Mar 9, 2006 at 8:25 pm
Thanks Tony. Long time no speak. I hope all is well!
Deedi, thanks for the response. If that works for your Dad that is awesome. I like removing the capture card from my camera and using a firewire card reader. Many times in a photo shoot I will utilize several cards necessitating the removal of the card. Also if you are away from your computer, it may be neceesary to change or remove the card and download your information on a portable hard drive such as the Epson P2000. I guess it all depends on your workflow in managing your digital files. I always shoot in raw format and use Aperture to manage my projects.
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