Should you format a memory card in-camera or delete photos from a computer?

Asked 8/20/2010

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After copying all photos from a camera memory card to a computer, what’s the best way to clear the card for reuse? Is it better to format the card using the camera’s menu, delete all files from a computer as if it were a USB drive, or use another method? Does it make any real difference?

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Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

16y ago

2 Answers

There's no "right" way to do this, it's what works best for you. In general, I just tend to do the "delete all" unless the card is quite full, then I may format. It's just a question of speed, I'll tend to use the fastest path to clearing it off.

Now, there are some that recommend regular formatting of the card for various reasons. I'm not in that camp, the basis for it isn't entirely sound. However, the upside is the detection of potential hardware flaws on the device. So, even if it isn't specifically regular, doing it every now and then may have some use.

Either way, I only do it after I've made two successful copies (primary and backup). I've lost images in the past by not being more careful about it, so now I take a little time to be sure.

Originally by user472. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user472

16y ago

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Either method can work, but the safest general recommendation is to format the card in the camera. That matches the camera’s expectations and is commonly recommended in camera manuals.

Deleting files from a computer usually also works, and for many people the main difference is convenience or speed. Modern card formats are standardized, so computer-written metadata or hidden files are usually not a major issue. Still, doing a periodic in-camera format is a good precaution.

The most important part is not how you clear the card, but when: only do it after you’ve verified your images are safely copied, ideally in two places (for example, your main storage and a backup).

A practical workflow is:

Copy/import photos.
Confirm the files are intact.
Make a backup.
Format the card in-camera before the next shoot.

If your image-management software offers a trusted “import and clear card” option, that can also be fine. But if you want the safest default, use the camera’s format command and follow your camera manual.

Should you format a memory card in-camera or delete photos from a computer?

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