Computer or Camera

Something that comes up at almost every photo workshop I conduct:  

Should I erase my memory card in my computer or in the camera? Just about everything I have read, and amongst the professionals I have discussed this with, the verdict is IN THE CAMERA.

The major reason is, your computer has a different file structure than your camera, and it is possible that your computer can corrupt your card (different file allocation system).  The best way to keep you memory card’s integrity is to format your card in your camera after you have downloaded your images to your computer AND backed them up on a CD or DVD.

If you’re like me and use several cards and fill them up on a daily basis, a weekly formatting is probably warranted.  On the other hand, if it takes you a month to fill your card, formatting it once a month is probably safe.

Don’t confuse deleting your images with formatting.  Even if you delete images, they are technically still on the card, but their location is “invisible” so they can be overwritten.  These bits of files and fragments of data get wiped out completely with an in camera format.

So make regular card formatting a regular part of your backup routine.

Oh, yeah, today is the longest night of the year which means…summer is officially on its way.