Format for CompactFlash cards

[MagentaCompany]

Hi All,

Could someone give advice on the following?
What format (FAT, FAT32, etc) does CompactFlash cards should have in order to be used in Canon digital still cameras? Does it depend on the camera's model? I have my laptop running on WXP. Do I need extra software to format CF cards?

Thanks in advance!

Magenta

[gkas]

I always format my CD cards in the camera. That way there is no doubtthat it is formatted correctly. Also, I format every CF card after I dump the images. That way if I need to recover a deleted or corrupted file, the CD card directory is clean. It makes life a lot easier for the restoration software.

[Jon]

Depends on the camera. Earlier models only supported FAT16 so couldn't take over a 2 GB card; most current models, including all current Canon DSLRs, support FAT32. I don't believe anyone uses NTFS. Your laptop can format the cards fine (if you use a card reader - can't cope in the camera). Just right-click on the drive entry for your card in "My Computer" and choose "Format" from the pop-up menu. Then choose the appropriate FAT. Don't worry if you get twisted up; formatting a card won't damage it. At worst, you can always use the Format command in the camera if you forgot and loaded the wrong file system on the card.

[Raymate]

Like others have said FAT16 or 32 is to aid larger size cards.

Always format the card in the camera to avoid any card read/write errors

[Paul Stimpson]

Hi,

I notice on the Canon site that you shouldn't use a card of more than 2GB if you're doing a
firmware update. Is the updater program limited to FAT16 cards?

All the best,
Paul.

[sumunz]

I am new to this..just purchased camera.. How do I format the memory card? Hope this does not sound to dumb..thanks

[RossW]

Hi, and welcome. What kind of camera did you purchase? In general, I'll recommend that you use the camera to format the card until you get more accustomed to how things work, and have gotten a card reader for your PC. It's usually a choice on one of the camera menus. (Check your owner's manual.)

Note two things: a new card should already be formatted, so you probably don't have to format it unless you want to completely wipe out whatever is now on the card; and two -- formatting does just that... it wipes out all old images, folders, etc. So make sure you have a copy of anything you want to keep before you format. You can selectively erase specific images from a card to make more room for new images, without formatting. An occasional format in the camera is a good idea regardless.