Format or Erase All?

[themirage]

When clearing are card what do you do?

I've heard formatting can only be done so many times on CF card. Does the same hold true for erase all?

[R Hardman]

I use format. It's quicker. I've never had a card tell me I reached a certain limit.

[Jon]

Format. There's a limit to how many times a cell in a flash card can be overwritten, but it's so high that you're not likely to run into it in real life. Erasing files will overwrite areas of the card, same as formatting. And erasing files doesn't get rid of directory structures, so over time your card will fill up with (now empty) directories.

[themirage]

Format. There's a limit to how many times a cell in a flash card can be overwritten, but it's so high that you're not likely to run into it in real life. Erasing files will overwrite areas of the card, same as formatting. And erasing files doesn't get rid of directory structures, so over time your card will fill up with (now empty) directories.

That would explain the empty folders I run into when looking at old CF cards I have laying around. ;)

[deadpass]

I format, like said above, it's quicker.

[Shoehorn O' Plenty]

when you guys format, do you use the camera to format it? or is there an option you can use on the comp?

[apaccini]

Format / cam

[themirage]

I do know using the computer to format is not a great idea. Efficiency can be affected because of several factors like block sizes, etc.
The camera will format with the settings ideal for the camera itself.

[scottbergerphoto]

Format in the camera unless the card has problems. Then format in the computer first and then again in the camera.

[kevin_c]

Format - it's a lot quicker, and always in-camera.