How do I reset the 303 in the 303-0001 for the image count?

Hello All!

I posted a question about my 30D coming back from Canon with a lot of shots on the camera that were not on it when I sent it to them. I figured out that problem, but how can I reset the 303 in the 303-0001 image count? What does the camera read when new? I thought it was 100-xxxx. I tried to manually reset the count, but that only resets the xxx-0001.

Thanks for any help!

Have you formatted the card? On a pc?

Yup, I tried formatting the card on my computer and in the camera. The 303-xxxx wont reset. (the 303 that is)

You have to tell the camera to reset to "0" on a new card. Then, format the card in the card reader and again in the camera. That should start you out as if the camera were brand new with a brand new memory card.

I'm sorry Skip, I'm not sure I understand. Do I have to get a brand new card and insert it into the camera, or is there a way I can use my current card?

You can use your existing card. Format the card, but first change the setting in the camera that allows you to keep the numbering system going (or reset it to #1 each time you put a card in) so that the camera will reset its numbering. After starting the card with the default beginning number, you can return the setting to allow the camera to keep the new numbering.

Unfortunately, you'll have to read your manual. What you want to know is in there.

File number resetting instructions as published by Chuck Westphal:
Let's review the order of events:

* An initial file numbering sequence is established by shooting a set of photos.
* Subsequently, a CF card with a higher file numbering sequence is used. The EOS digital SLR resets its internal file numbering system to the new numbering sequence.
* The user wants to revert to the initial file numbering sequence.

If this is the case, then the correct procedure to get back to the original file numbering sequence is going to depend on a couple of conditions.

CONDITION A: The user still has a CF card with images that are exclusively from the initial file numbering sequence, ideally from the end of that sequence.
In this case, use the following procedure:

1. Find a spare CF card that you don't mind formatting.
2. Set the 10D's file numbering setting to Auto Reset.
3. Format the spare CF card. This resets the file numbering sequence to 100-0001.
4. Set the 10D's file numbering sequence to Continuous.
5. Replace the spare CF card with the CF card that has the last image from the initial file numbering sequence. The 10D will resume file numbering from that point.

CONDITION B: The user no longer has a CF card from the original file numbering sequence.
In this case, use the following procedure: (Please note, this procedure requires a card reader.)

1. Find a spare CF card that you don't mind formatting.
2. Set the 10D's file numbering setting to Auto Reset.
3. Format the spare CF card. This resets the file numbering sequence to 100-0001.
4. Set the 10D's file numbering sequence to Continuous.
5. Take a photo on the spare CF card.
6. Remove the CF card from the camera and mount it on your computer's desktop via the card reader.
7. Open the DCIM folder and locate the folder named 100CANON. Open this folder to locate the image named IMG_0001.JPG.
8. Rename the image to the desired sequence number, i.e, one number higher than the last image from the original file numbering sequence. For example, IMG_0238.JPG.
9. Rename the 100CANON folder to the desired folder name. For example: 204CANON.
10. Place the newly renumbered CF card in the 10D and take at least one shot. The camera's file numbering sequence is now reset as originally intended.

A few other tips:

All of this is unnecessary if you decide to rename your files with Canon software such as File Viewer Utility or 3rd-party software with file renaming capabilities.
If you really want to keep the camera's file numbering sequence intact, be very careful to control exactly which CF cards you are using. Only use your own cards with the desired file numbering sequence.

As a matter of general "good housekeeping," consider following this procedure which is slightly amended from one posted here a few weeks ago by Richard Smith:

1. Start by locating the CF card that has the most recent image from the file numbering sequence you wish to preserve. PUT THIS CARD IN A SAFE PLACE AND DON'T LOSE IT.
2. Gather all (ALL!) the rest of your CF cards in one place.
3. Set camera to auto-reset.
4. Format all (ALL!) the rest of your CF cards.
5. Set camera back to continuous.

Thanks Skip and tzalman! I just figured it out! Thanks a bunch!