Is ok to format Compact Flash Cards?

[yamezbond]

Hi all, I have 3 2GB compact flash cards, and 1GB that came with my camera, I have taking some pics and filled up and empty those cards, but since Canon take pics and put it on folders automatic I wonder if is ok to format those cards and get rid of those empty folders, the other option is to manually delete those folders.
If I format the cards so many times will this card will be damage?

Please advise

[PacAce]

Yes, it's OK to format those cards in the camera. I do that all the time instead of deleting all the images off of the card. Formatting is a lot faster then deleting the files.

Formatting the card is not going to damage you card. As a matter of fact, formatting the card will probably do more good over the long run than deleting all the time would.

[dgcorner]

Formatting the card will not damage it. I always format mine on my CF card reader... or in-camera. I don't think that it should be a problem.

[dsze]

After almost every shoot, I format my cards in my computer and then I format in camera before using the cards to record more images. Its just a good practice to keep the cards in better condition to avoid corrupted data and also to avoid altering the file #'s if the card from one body finds its way into the other body.

[ScottE]

After every day in the field I make two separate copies of my CF cards on different hard drives, and then format the CF cards using the camera. I have never had any trouble using this procedure.