PC or In Camera format?

[neil_r]

In another thread there is some debate about the best way to remove a CF card from the reader (dismount, eject, just pull it out, etc) This got me thinking does it make any difference if the media (CF of SD) is formatted via a PC or in camera? I always format in camera as I have simply presumed that as it is the camera that will be writing to them I may as well format with the same device.

Is there any science behind this?

n

[CyberDyneSystems]

You should definitely format in camera...
You are quite correct.

There are benifits to an PC full format every so often particularly on Micro Drives... but if you format in your PC then it is best to also format in camera.

[tommykjensen]

I also format in camera. I do it just before I go out to shoot.

[PacAce]

I always format my cards in the camera. However, I will on occassion format a card at the PC before I format in the camera. I do this whenever I want to move the card from one camera to another, to keep the file sequence numbering from getting messed up.

[Citizensmith]

You should definitely format in camera...
You are quite correct.

There are benifits to an PC full format every so often particularly on Micro Drives... but if you format in your PC then it is best to also format in camera.

Why? Do you know specifically of a difference between PC quick format and Camera quick format? I've heard it before but never heard a decent reason for the statement.

Just a wonderin'

[robertwgross]

If you are having troubles with a CF card, like you've lost files or had corrupted files, then you sure need to run that card through a complete formatting in the computer (probably well after you have finished any file recovery!) However, if your CF card is running straight and clean, then I would never bother. I would just do the quick format in the camera, since that does things beyond what a PC quick format does. Mainly, it takes care of part of the shot counting and directories, which is not done with a PC quick format.

---B.G.---

[Ikinaa]

The camera and the PC don't format the card the same way.
Last time I formatted my 512MB Sandisk Ultra II in the PC (not quick format), the camera showed some 487 MB left, I formatted it in the Camera (20D), it showed 488 MB left.
That alone is a reason for me to format it in the camera before using.

[PhotosGuy]

I format before shooting 'cause the card is a backup of pics in case the computer crashes before/during backup. The oldest card with pics is the first one I use for a new shoot.

[Citizensmith]

I would just do the quick format in the camera, since that does things beyond what a PC quick format does. Mainly, it takes care of part of the shot counting and directories, which is not done with a PC quick format.

But it does that after the format not as part of it, and if you put a blank CF card in it will make those files the instant you power on the camera.

I guess my thing is since 2000 I've used Canon powershot A10, 20, 40, 60, a G1, an S1 IS, and a RebelD all with countless CF cards, and then Sony and Olympus camera with their assorted memory. Almost never formatted, and never had any problems. I was just wondering why everyone was so big into formatting.

[CoolToolGuy]

I do both, but I do the PC format mostly to clear the card after I load the images on my PC. That way I don't accidently resume using a CF card that I should have formatted, but forgot. Most times I format in the camera right after removing the card from the PC, but sometimes I don't have the camera right there at the time.

Have Fun,