Is it Better to Reformat or Delete Images?

[SJP]

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I think we pretty much agree on everything - or we are getting close.

 

What does what, to my best understanding:

1 delete - removes the reference to data from the FAT (file allocation table)

2 fast format (what the M8 does) - removes all the file references from the FAT and rewrites the folder structure

3 BIG format - only done in the card reader, this basically clears the deck and blocks faulty clusters

 

So I am questioning if the M8 in camera format actually does the resetting of the bits & bytes, I don't think it possibly can in a few seconds + as I understand the pictures are still recoverable (Howard, ho_co, mentioned this elsewhere).

 

For me then 1 and 2 are roughly equivalent, but I prefer to delete in the card reader. Bascially because I am afraid to lose files on a card that I had forgotten to transfer to the PC. I can see that if you have stuff to deliver to clients then double checking the transfer was succesful makes sense, and JT's preferred method may be the way to go.

 

For card health and maintanence you need to do 3 and then 2.

 

Edit:

A Nikon rep told us in a class setting that formatting completely removes all images from a card while erasing leaves a ghost image. But a college computer student said both methods accomplish exactly the same thing. That's why I posted the question.

I think the misunderstanding is in which sort of format is being performed. The Nikon rep is right if he means a BIG format (3), the computer student is right as he correctly assumed that the camera is doing a small format (2).

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[John Thawley]

I need to point out that "health of the card" has never been a priority.... at least from a longeivity stand point... for me. Security of the images is job 1. And, in all honesty, with the megapixel increases with each new model of camera (I typically by 3 per year), I'm usually replacing with bigger cards anyway. My current wallet is holding four 4GB cards and six 2GB cards (compact flash) - for my Leica's I carry four 2GB cards and a couple of 1GB.

 

My 'pet peeve" has always been where I'll shoot 30 or 40 images only to discover the card is full because I didn't clear it. So.... even though making a habit of deleting in the computer/card reader or deleting at the point of loading in the camera will both work, I prefer to make my habit at the point of loading and have the passive backup by leaving them on the card after download. I suppose as long as you choose one, you're find. What I would stress is, be consistent.

 

I've recovered images from cards AFTER formatting cards in the camera. Since I've always cleared my cards by in-camera Format, I'm fairly confident this isn't the same as a hard FORMAT using your computer. It's amazing to me when I've used a recovery program that there are images on the card nearly a year old. And, there's no consistency to what's there and what isn't. Strange.

 

JT

[soleforeal]

so back to the topic at hand...

 

can a memory card be formatted on the D-lux4, if so how?

[farnz]

With the camera in shoot mode (not review mode) press the menu button, go to the Setup menu, press the up arrow button three times and you're in the Format menu item. Press the right button arrow and choose "Yes" in the next screen.

 

Pete.

[soleforeal]

thanks Pete! It also has to be in the "P" mode to get there, that is key.

[Guest user47901]

thanks Pete! It also has to be in the "P" mode to get there, that is key.

 

Thanks for your input but, no, you don't have to. You can be in what mode you prefer.