Format a Memory Card for a Camera
Small and thin, memory cards don't look like your typical computer hard drive, although they both function the same. And like a hard drive, formatting on a regular basis will help to keep the card performing at full potential. Formatting will keep "bad sectors" from developing and eliminate "fragmented files." Although you can format the card on a computer, most manufacturers recommend that formatting be done in- camera. Described below are two ways to format a memory card in-camera, using a Nikon camera as an example. Other camera brands will be similar.
Instructions
1. Ensure camera is turned off. Open memory storage door, insert memory card and close door. Turn camera on and make sure camera is operating.
2. Locate the 2 buttons on the camera body that say "FOR." Simultaneously depress both buttons. Release both buttons when the LCD that is located on top of the camera's body starts blinking "FOR." Depress both "FOR" buttons again and the camera will begin formatting the memory card.
3. Monitor the top LCD display until the "Frames Remaining" indication reappears. This signifies that the memory card has been reformatted and that the camera is ready to take photographs.
4. Perform the second option instead. Repeat Step 1 and, after the camera is operating, depress the "Menu" button located on the back of the camera. When the LCD on the back of the camera illuminates, scroll through the "Direction Tab" until you find the "Setup" menu. Press the "OK" button to navigate into the "Setup" menu.
5. Scroll down with the "Direction Tab" until you find the "Format Memory Card" option. Press the "OK" button and the camera will ask if you wish to format and delete all photographs on the memory card. Press "OK" once more and the camera will format the card.
Tags: memory card, both buttons, camera will, back camera, camera body, camera operating
