Chuck Norcutt wrote:
> ....
>
> My recommendation for using flash memory cards is to
> 1) label them. (mine are 2A, 2B, 2C, 8A, 8B, 8C for capacity, sequence)
> 2) rotate usage in some sequence
> 3) don't format or delete anything until necessary
> 4) check the next card to be used to be sure the content is old
>
Yup, excellent plan, and what I do.
> 5) format *in camera* to clear the directory (while verifying that it's all
> writeable) and refresh file folders the camera depends on
>
Here, I don't see the necessity. But then I only ever delete the last
shot taken, which doesn't fragment anything, or Delete All when starting
to reuse a card.
> 6) periodically, format the card in the computer being sure *not* to choose
> "Quick Format". If you do a full format it will write to and verify all
> storage locations on the card.
I think this is absolutely unnecessary and wastes flash card life.
Remember, a CF card (and SD(HC)?) has a built in controller with wear
leveling algorithms. It stores data according to its own rules, which
aren't linear, and translates actual memory locations to virtual mass
storage device location data for its interface, so the camera/computer
has no detail control whatsoever over what's actually on the card and
where it's stored. All a complete format in the computer does is add one
more wear cycle to the card. Anybody still using a CF HD, sure, go ahead.
> Then do a format in camera to restore the camera's file structures.
>
Yeah, if it makes you feel better. I haven't done that in years, since I
figured out that all the warnings were based on poor OS implementations
in a couple of brands of camera.
Moose
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