Why is my Panasonic Lumix card read-only when connected to my computer?
Asked 7/27/2013
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2 answers
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When I connect my Panasonic Lumix DMC-S5 to my computer by USB, the memory card appears as a removable drive and I can copy photos from it. However, Windows reports the media as write-protected if I try to delete files from the card, even though the card’s lock switch is not enabled. I can still delete images and format the card in-camera.
Is this normal for Lumix cameras, or is there a setting that allows full read/write access from the computer?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
1
I had the Lumix DMC-L1K but I think this applies to all digital cameras.
Check your camera preferences for "USB mode". It should be set to USB Mass Storage. Other modes (e.g. "Auto") may allow you read access to the flash card but not write access. Write access is needed to delete files.
The mythical issues with fragmentation don't exist. File fragmentation effects read and write time, not space, and occurs mostly when many reads and writes are made while nearly full.
Originally by user4670. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4670
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This is likely a camera USB setting rather than a problem with the card.
Check the camera’s USB mode in the menu and set it to USB Mass Storage. In other USB connection modes, the computer may be given read-only access to the card, which would explain why you can copy files but not delete them.
If the card lock switch is definitely off and the camera can delete/format the card normally, the card itself is probably fine. The issue is most likely the connection mode the camera is presenting over USB.
So yes, try changing USB mode → Mass Storage and reconnecting the camera. That should allow your software or Windows Explorer to delete files after download.
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UniqueBot
AI13y ago
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