Clearing SD card

[JayC]

There are some on the internet that say they do not reformat a card after importing the photos - they just delete the photos from the card via their computer. They would rather do that each time and save formatting for when the card starts to act up. They use SDFormatter for that job.

There are three levels on my SD card:
DCIM folder
>xxxLEICA folder
>>jpg and raw files

What to delete? The entire DCIM folder? Will it get recreated when the first new photo is snapped?

I suppose I could test the different scenarios out, but then that would add nothing to my post count....🙂

 

[benmacphoto]

I always import all the photos to my computer then reformat the card in camera.

Some say that deleting files or folders from the card does not properly delete them and can cause issues on the card.
So I've always just reformatted in camera, never had an issue with a card.

 

[kxl]

DCIM and the NNNXXXX folder follow the DCF standard, which was created by JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). The technical specs are formally known as the CP-3461 standard.

All digital cameras create a DCIM (digital camera images) folder at the highest level, which then contains subfolders using a naming standard that includes a 3-digit number (NNN) and a name (XXXX).

If you just delete the images, the structure remains. All future images will still be stored under DCIM and an appropriate folder. The appropriate folder will depend on how you set up your sub-folders in your camera's settings.

If you delete or reformat your card, the camera will just create a DCIM folder and the next appropriate sub-folder.

Whether or not it is better practice to reformat or just delete files? I don't know. I do both. Never had any issues.

Cheers!

 

[Frankton]

After uploading an sd or cf card to computer, I put it back into the camera and reformat there. In my experience that's the only way to go. Never had any issues and I know it works.

 

[markus_h_photography]

The only possible advantage of not formatting the card is that it 'might' make data recovery a bit more successful if you decide you need to get some old images back.

 

[jarski]

Been swapping card between Leica and Nikon, saving files and importing always worked (using import tool from Adobe Bridge). Always formatted using camera without problems.

 

[jaapv]

If you only delete there will be a gradual buildup of junk data on the card, slowly reducing the capacity. Best to format in the camera from time to time.

If a card starts to act up it is best to use SD Formatter to restructure it. If you reformat using a computer disk utility or reformat use exFAT. (Not for an M8. Use FAT in that case).

These last options have nothing to do with the file tree, but rebuild the basic memory structure. To get your folders in place you should use the card in the camera, and ideally reformat in camera before use.