I don't delete files from the card until after I've transferred them
to the computer or image tank and verified they're good by reading
them or converting them to DNG.
Once the files are verified, I use the camera to "delete all" (if I
have any with protect bit set) or "format" (if I don't). The two
commands differ in that delete all erases the individual file entries
in the FAT structure, where Format re-writes the FAT structure.
Format might also map out bad blocks, but I've never seen it actually
do that. Some cards format is faster, some delete all is faster. I
haven't found a rhyme or reason to it, nor have I really seen any
problems with either.
Deleting in a reader is equivalent to using delete or delete all.
I've never seen any problems doing that but then my workflow has been
as above since when I started working with digital cameras.
Formatting in a reader has been said to cause problems sometimes. On
the other hand, I have one report from someone who said they were
able to use 4G SD cards in a *ist DS by formatting them as FAT file
system with their Mac OS X system. I've never done it and always use
the camera to format cards.
Godfrey
On May 14, 2006, at 8:52 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote:
Over the past few months I've read that one shouldn't delete files
from a
memory card in the computer, and that the deletions should take
place in
the camera, preferably by formatting the card because it's a faster
operation than deletion and because formatting may fix any
anomalies. I've
also read that it doesn't matter where the files are deleted.
Additionally, it's been written that one shouldn't format the cards
in the
computer, but to use the camera in which the card will be used. I
agree
with that if for no other reason than it feels right and comfortable.
So, what's the consensus on deletion - FWIW, I've deleted
frequently in the
computer because it's fast and simple, and have yet to encounter any
problems - although that's not an indication that there may not be a
problem in the future.
If you feel like commenting on the formatting issue, please do - other
ideas are welcome.
Shel
