How to format an sdhc card?

C

csmith418

New member
Could someone tell me how to format my sdhc card? I was reading Barry Green's book and noticed it said that you need to format an sdhc card.
 
-Put the card in the camera
-Turn on your HMC40
-Flip out the screen
-Press Menu --> Other Functions --> Card Format --> YES

Enjoy!
 
Correct, unless you're using the SD Card Formatter program you can get from the SD Card Association.

If you just right-click and "format", you'll end up with a card that doesn't comply to SD Card specifications and that can lead to trouble, lost footage, whatever. You are always safe formatting in-camera. If you absolutely must format on a computer, use the special SD Card Formatter program. You can find it on Panasonic's website.
 
I always format in camera anyways but have always been curious as to why you ant in a computer. Can you please expand on this statement, "you'll end up with a card that doesn't comply to SD Card specifications"? I guess I don't understand how you can format 2 different ways and get 2 different results. If you cant thats fine too, I would just like to know.
 
Ok... dumb question by a new SDHC user
Should you format the card the first time you use it (brand new) Or only when you erase old footage

Thanks
 
Ogrus said:
Ok... dumb question by a new SDHC user
Should you format the card the first time you use it (brand new) Or only when you erase old footage

Thanks
Click to expand...

Anyone please!!

Yes, im a complete beginner with digital cards and i can't find the answer...
 
Yes, is my answer. I always format it in the camera before first use. I'm not sure if it does any good, but it certainly doesn't do any harm.

I also record some test footage on each new card (and play it back!) to make sure it works before I head off into the field with a potentially dodgy card.
 
Mike Beckett said:
Yes, is my answer. I always format it in the camera before first use. I'm not sure if it does any good, but it certainly doesn't do any harm.

I also record some test footage on each new card (and play it back!) to make sure it works before I head off into the field with a potentially dodgy card.
Click to expand...


Thanks!
 
Ogrus said:
Ok... dumb question by a new SDHC user
Should you format the card the first time you use it (brand new) Or only when you erase old footage

Thanks
Click to expand...

Important, ALWAYS format a new SDHC card in the camera BEFORE you use it. That way the card is exactly in the form the camera likes.

Now I also format the card to clean off the video files before the next shoot.


Another thing about cards: Most are OK, but there is always a slight risk that a new card might fail. The chance of failure happens in the first few times you use the card. Thus, if you format the card, record some junk, format, record more junk, format, ... repeat this about 6 times, the chances are the card will not fail. It's still possible, but unlikely. The more you use a card and the more ti works without problems, the less likely it is going to fail.


Bob Diaz
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top