Memory Card Error with SD630

I got the SD630 which I love and I got a kit from an online photo shop with a 1gb card (no major brand), accessories, etc. The first card I got would not work with the camera. So I sent it back and they sent me a new one. This one seemed to work once I formatted it. I used it in Florida and it was fine, pics turned out well.

Was in Paris last week and in the middle of the St. Chappelle, the memory card died. I turned the camera off, turned it on and there was the error showing 0 photos. I took it to a Kodak store, the only open photo store I could find. The proprietor could not find pics on the card but admitted that he didn't have the right computer to do so. I bought a new 1gb Kodak card from him and had no further problems the rest of the trip. I tried using a picture recovery program to see if there are pics on there but no luck. In light of all this, are my pictures gone forever? Thankfully my mom has a bunch and i have my second card but this just makes me sick. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

Dana

Hard to say if they are gone forever since it would depend on the type of failure. Don't give up though as there are many programs and services available. I've never had to use it on a faulty card, but have had good luck recovering deleted files (I realize there is a big difference here) with PhotoRecovery for Digital Media. It has worked on two occasions that others had not. What happens if you try to take and store a picture with the card now? I'm wondering if there is any communication.

Sorry this happened, and hope you have some luck.

There are a number of image recovery programs; I've used PhotoRescue successfully. They have a demo version that will show if it can retrieve anything from the card before you buy.

I've used the program and it shows nothing. And if I try to take a picture it just shows memory card error on the screen. It shows that there is 0 capacity for pictures. The card that came with the camera and my new one works fine. Grrrr. Thanks for your help, both of you.

Dana

Sounds a bit grim, but do try at least a couple of other programs. As Jon said, you can download and try for free so it's certainly worth a try.

Probably a million-to-one shot, but have you examined the contacts on the card? Check for oxidation or contamination.

Definitely grim. But thanks for the ideas. I am looking at the card and there are little striations like when it is put into the camera but darker than my other card. Would you suggest I try to wipe the contacts to clean them? I guess nothing can really hurt now....

UPDATE! I seem to have found a program that works! Photosrecovery.com, simply found through google is retrieving SOMETHING at least off my card! So I may have my pics yet!

Once you get all you can I would "can" that card from future use.