A full (not quick) format in the computer will do a write and read back
check on every storage location on the card.
Chuck Norcutt
C.H.Ling wrote:
> Sorry, I didn't notice it was talking about format the card in computer, I
> never did that. So far for all CF cards I use personally does not have one
> failure. BTW, I switch card every two years or so, the old ones were give
> away with the camera I sold. I will not buy extra memory card if not
> necessary, now I only use one 8G CF for my 5D II, it is good for one day
> use. If I'm going to a longer trip I will purchase another 8 or 16G and
> bring a notebook for image backup.
>
> C.H.Ling
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "C.H.Ling"
>
>> I don't think format in camera will add any wear to the card, it just erase
>> the directory information. I do format instead of 'erase all' 100% of the
>> time in E-1, 5D II and C5050... They are very fast, I remember format is
>> even faster than 'erase all' in one or more of them.
>>
>> C.H.Ling
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Moose" <olymoose@xxxxxxxxx>
>>
>>>> 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.
>
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