What file system do camera memory cards use when formatted?

Asked 8/22/2010

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Is there a standard file system used on camera memory cards when they come new or after being formatted in-camera? For example, are they typically FAT16, FAT32, or something else? Also, does the camera create a standard folder structure on the card?

file-system dcf memory-cards formatting sd-cards

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

16y ago

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They're formatted with FAT16 or FAT32 (FAT32 is required for card sizes >2GB), and have a fairly specific (though simple) directory structure something like this:

ROOT --- DCIM -+- ###ABCDE
               |
               +- ###ABCDE
               |
               ...

### is from 100-999, and need not be consecutive. ABCDE is free text.

This structure won't be recreated if you format on a computer, but an in-camera format will usually construct it (or it will be built as required on a blank card).

There are similar standards for file names, and it's all specced out in detail by the Design Rule for Camera File System, which you can read in full here (PDF):
http://www.jeita.or.jp/cgi-bin/standard_e/pdfpage.cgi?jk_n=51

Originally by user496. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user496

16y ago

AI Answer

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Yes. Camera memory cards are typically formatted with FAT-family file systems, with the exact one depending on the card standard and capacity.

Commonly:

SD cards: FAT16
SDHC cards: FAT32
SDXC cards: exFAT

More generally, many cameras use FAT16 or FAT32, and newer/larger cards may use exFAT. In-camera formatting usually follows the card standard and also creates the expected camera folder layout, typically under a DCIM directory with numbered subfolders.

If you format a card on a computer, it may not recreate the camera-specific folder structure, even if the file system itself is compatible. Most cameras will rebuild that structure when needed, but formatting in-camera is usually the safest choice for maximum compatibility.

The folder and naming conventions are covered by the Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF), which standardizes how image files are organized on the card.

What file system do camera memory cards use when formatted?

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