Memory Card Question

[rockin-photos]

I was just reading the threads in the Wedding forum, and it got me thinking about my new memory card. I just bought an 8gig RIDATA Lightning 233x card about a week ago, and have noticed 1 out of about each 100 shots is corrupt, and un-readable. I didn't format the CF card when I got it, and haven't done it yet. Do most of you format new cards before you use them? Do you format it between each use? Does anyone else have this card, and if so, has it given you any problems?

[LDB]

I format every card in the camera before ever using it. Most of the time I format it between each usage as well but once in a while I don't. You don't want to format it in the computer either, always in the camera it will be used in.

[49884]

I format in camera before using first time. Then every once in awhile. haven't had any problems.

[bondarnes]

I reformat in the camera FIRST TIME and EVERY TIME I use a card. Why would you not do this???

[Whumbahcumba]

I format in the camera whenever I get a new card. Then everytime after I download my pictures onto my computer and make sure they are all there.

[Ahh!]

Jerry, another member of the format-everytime-crowd. And why not?

Unlike film, it is not the permanent resting place, and subject to damage easily. Back it up, then when verified or backed up again, use the camera to format it. When new, format it first. It performs better. Don't bother defragging it. Don't pull it from the camera when the read/write light is on or the camera is on. Release it from the computer before pulling it out. Don't drop it in the water...

There is software to recover from missing files which works magic, but never bet on it...

I use the large capacity memory cards, but many do not because of the history of bad cards/mishandling and the too-many-eggs-in-one-basket. If it is valuable, don't skimp on your cards.

[Wes]

I can't imagine NOT formatting a card before first use. You're probably lucky to have only 1 in 100 that is corrupt.

[rockin-photos]

Well, I formatted it in the camera this morning, and will do it after each download from now on. Until a few weeks ago, all my experience was with SD cards, and I never had a problem with them becoming corrupt, and I never formatted them. But I will start now.

Thanks everyone for your input.

[toverman]

With its 40D, Canon finally got ride of that "erase all" option that was an accident waiting to happen in the prosumer line. Cards can still be cleared in a hurry by formatting them.

Like mentioned, always buy the best cards you can afford, format them when you put the card in and every time you've cleaned them off. In the digital age, it's a must just like setting white balance and making sure you've got tons of spare batteries.

[aerosolcheese]

yeah, I format cards as son as they are placed in the camera, every time. never had any problems.

[fnkypenguin]

format my card before each use, no problems yet either!

[CaptainTom]

I format as soon as I get the card. I am one of those "don't put all your eggs in one basket guys", but I also download the card after every session so my 2 and 4 gig cards are always completely empty and ready to use.

[dminton]

Mine even go for a ride through the washing machine every once in a while.

"Dave, did you check all your pockets?"

"Huh?...Oh yeah, sure hun, mhmm... What did she ask me?"

[Christopher Mac]

Dave, that's hilarious. I've done the same.

Yes, I format the card after I've backed everything up. I doubt your corrupt files are the result of formatting vs not formatting. You may have a problem with a specific card.

I ran a test on a card where I would ALWAYS get 1-2 corrupt files and it was almost always at the end of the shoot (within the last 10-15 frames on a full card). I was able to replicate it enough to conclude the card had a problem somewhere in the storage architecture. Duplicate cards by the same manufacturer did not produce the same problem.

[MT Stringer]

Jerry, I have been using a Kingston 8 gb 133x for some time with no problems encountered with a 40D. I also have a 2gb and a couple of 4gb Kingston and Sandisk. No problems there either.
Good luck.
Mike