Erase all, format, low level format but which?

[waussie]

:o Since there is 3 options I assume that it makes a difference which one one uses.
Can anybody explain this please?
So the post isn't wasted can anybody tell me how to delete my duhhhhh posts?

[nwyman]

since no one else has answered, I'll give it a go.
Erase - use this for the odd shot you notice is not what you were expecting.
Format - restructures the memory card. If you are deleting a whole batch of shots - use this - less danger of corrupting the files. Or so I've read.
Low level - I think, but am not sure, that this is the best option for videos


To delete duh posts -you should be able to see an "edit" selection after you've posted. Click on that, and it will give you a delete option.

Nancy

[ss_kiran]

Hope this link helps

http://www.digicamhelp.com/erasing-and-formatting-digital-camera-memory-cards/index.htm

[Jon]

Nancy's right about "Erase" and "Format". What memory type are you using that you see "Low-level format" as an option? I don't get it as an option on my CF for my A80, or in computer for either SD or CF. Generally, I'd only resort to a low-level format as a last resort where you were getting card errors, and even then I'd retire that card from critical use (i.e., photos), and just use it for unimportant stuff (moving files between computers, loading audio files onto a player) where a failure wouldn't result in a permanent loss of data.

[nwyman]

THe SD card for the S2 gives the three options. I've done a bit of research, and the gist of it seems to be that there are three instances when one wants to use low level formatting.
1. if the memory card has not been pre-formatted
2. if there are signs of corruption on the card
3. if you want to totally erase ALL data on the card.

Apparently regular formatting still leaves some teeny bits of files on the card.

My source went on to say that you really don't want to use low-level unless you are in one of these three situations.
I'd say - just forget about it and hope you don't need it!


Nancy

[waussie]

Low level format is an option in the S2 camera. I have used it a couple of times on a new SD card mainly because it would be my method of choice wirh a hard drive.
This may not be the same for a SD card, but I think using erase isn't the best choice if you want to empty the card. There isn't a defrag option.
I really know nothing about these cards, which is why I asked the question.

[runner42]

Hi Nancy

I'm a new user of this site. Had to join as I'm in a photography class and my seat mate asked the question: "What's the difference between low level format and regular format?" I checked around and ended up in this site, feeling that you answer was one of the clearest ones. Thanks

Rose:lol:

THe SD card for the S2 gives the three options. I've done a bit of research, and the gist of it seems to be that there are three instances when one wants to use low level formatting.
1. if the memory card has not been pre-formatted
2. if there are signs of corruption on the card
3. if you want to totally erase ALL data on the card.

Apparently regular formatting still leaves some teeny bits of files on the card.

My source went on to say that you really don't want to use low-level unless you are in one of these three situations.
I'd say - just forget about it and hope you don't need it!


Nancy

[Jon]

Actually, you can recover files even from a low-level format. All that really does is rewrite the File Allocation Tables and the directory structure. A regular format just zaps the FAT; deleting files just removes their entries from the directory.

[teekay]

.....Generally, I'd only resort to a low-level format as a last resort where you were getting card errors, and even then I'd retire that card from critical use (i.e., photos), and just use it for unimportant stuff (moving files between computers, loading audio files onto a player) where a failure wouldn't result in a permanent loss of data.

It's not a last resort on the S5. I use a low level format quite often as recommended on p.37 of the Advanced User Guide - "...when you think the recording/reading speed of a memory card has dropped...". It normally doesn't take more than a few seconds, so why not do it if it assures optimum performance?

[VelociRacer]

Actually, you can recover files even from a low-level format. All that really does is rewrite the File Allocation Tables and the directory structure. A regular format just zaps the FAT; deleting files just removes their entries from the directory.

Jon, I need your help. I did just that with my PowerShot A620 (low-level format) by accident, then took a few more pics and now I would LOVE to recover what was on the card before the low-level format.

Can you receommend a software/procedure to accomplish this? Or am I SOL? Thanks in advance!

PS. I downloaded a bunch of shareware today and will try something tonight, but wanted to see if you can address the fact that it was low-level format that deleted my files. Maybe I need a special program for that?

[Jon]

They would have been just as deleted with a "regular" format. If I need to recover files, I have RescuePRo, which comes with SanDisk Extreme cards and readers, and PhotoRescue Advanced. You can download a trial version of PhotoRescue Advanced from DataRescue (http://www.datarescue.com/photorescue/download_pc.htm). It'll let you see what it can recover; if you're happy with that, you can buy a registration key and recover the files. It's extremely thorough and has been used (not, since I switched to SanDisk, by me) on failed cards as well as accidental deletions.

[frolickingdirtchild]

Actually, you can recover files even from a low-level format. All that really does is rewrite the File Allocation Tables and the directory structure. A regular format just zaps the FAT; deleting files just removes their entries from the directory.

Hi Jon,

Here's hoping you're still floating about somewhere out there....:D

I moronically did a low-level format on my Ixus75 and have tried a myriad of programs all to no avail, and searched frantically on the net. Everyone except you seems to be saying it's impossible to recover from a low-level format. You are my little glimpse of light - can you offer any way that I can recover my photos? I refuse to believe they have gone forever and as in most cases I will do anything to get them back.

Many thanks for any specks of light,
Michelle.

[Jon]

See my post immediately above yours. The latest version of SanDisk's RescuePro is 3.3, and it is extremely easy to use.

[frolickingdirtchild]

Thanks for the reply!
However sadly I've tried RescuePro already and it cannot recover anything - pops up with a message saying sometimes things are overwritten with zeros (which I am told by some people is what happens when you do a low-level format) and in such case cannot be rescued :cry:
Anything else up your sleeve? :D