Why do I need to format a new memory card for a digital camera before using it?

Question by tiggirl19: Why do I need to format a new memory card for a digital camera before using it?
We've have just bought a new digital camera and immediately started taking pictures, then read that the memory card should be formatted before using. What now?


Best answer:

Answer by Terisu
I've done the same thing, and usually it's no problem. Every now and then, the pictures will mysteriously disappear though. Buy an inexpensive card reader and see what's on the card. If you have images there, just transfer them over to your hard drive. Formatting is an easy way to erase old pictures that you've already transferred, but I've gotten by many times by just deleting the pictures using my computer.

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SeaLife DC1400 14MP Digital Underwater Camera, 3" Color LCD, 5x Optical Zoom, 20MB Internal Memory - Pink Edition

SeaLife DC1400 14MP Digital Underwater Camera, 3" Color LCD, 5x Optical Zoom, 20MB Internal Memory - Pink Edition

• Camera:
• 14 Megapixel CCD for Sharp, High-Resolution Picture
• Built-In 26mm Wide Angle Lens
• HD Video Mode with Sound
• Large 3.0" (7.6 cm) Color LCD

SeaLife's new 14-megapixel camera combines diver-friendly design and six underwater color modes for sharp, colorful photos and HD video - underwater or on land. The SeaLife DC1400 is the easiest digital camera to use underwater, EVER. The camera features five widespread "piano key" controls, a large shutter button, and a fingertip-control lever that allows scrolling through menus or zooming in and out without releasing your grip from the camera. The DC1400 Limited Edition Pink features all of the specifications of the standard DC1400 underwater camera, including 720p HD video, Super Macro Auto Focus down to 1-inch, easy-to-use "Piano Key" controls, and a built-in 26mm wide angle lens.With bold graphics and styling, the new DC1400 Limited Edition Pink doesn't just make a statement about your great sense of style; it also supports breast cancer research

List Price: $ 529.98

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ContourROAM Hands-free Waterproof Camcorder + 32GB Ultra High Speed Memory Bundle

ContourROAM Hands-free Waterproof Camcorder + 32GB Ultra High Speed Memory Bundle

• Full HD 1080p Video
• Wide-Angle (170°) Fixed-Focus Lens
• Rotating Lens with Laser-Aided Leveling
• Waterproof to 3' & Impact-Resistant
• Turn On & Record with One Switch
• One-Click Video Uploading
• Trail Mounting & Tripod Thread
• Weighs Only 5 oz
• What's in the Box: Contour ContourROAM Hands-Free HD Camcorder
• USB Cable, Profile Mount, Rotating Flat Surface Mount
• 180 Day Limited Warranty Extends to 1 Year via Online Registration
• Bundle Includes: 32GB microSDHC Memory Card with SD Adapter & MicroSD Key Chain

The ContourROAM Hands-Free HD Camcorder from Contour keeps
things simple for capturing high-quality action video while the world is rushing
past you at high speed. Flip the switch to turn on the rugged camera, and you're
already recording 1080p full HD video. The rugged-bodied aluminum camcorder is
impact-resistant and even waterproof to 3' (1 m), so you can find yourself
helmet-down in a large puddle or small pond and maintain confidence in the
integrity of your ContourROAM.

The wide-angle (170° coverage) lens of the ContourROAM rotates in the body so
that you can mount the camera at any angle, using either the standard tripod
thread or the integrated TRail mount that plays well with all of Contour's
optional accessories. Then, with the help of the ContourROAM's high-precision
laser leveling, adjust the orientation of the lens to level out the horizon.

At only 5.1 oz with a slim, low-profile design, the ContourROAM rides along
so subtly that you'll forget it's there - until it's time to offload your video
and brag about your exploits. There, also, the ContourROAM shines: included
software helps you upload your action-packed clips to the Internet with only one
click.

32GB microSDHC Memory Card from LEXSpeed is ideal for
use with multimedia mobile phones or any other device that uses microSDHC cards.
Expand your entertainment storage with up to 32GB of extra music, videos,
photos, games, software, and more.

• Contour ContourROAM Hands-Free HD Camcorder


• USB Cable
• Profile Mount
• Rotating Flat Surface Mount


• 180 Day Limited Warranty Extends to 1 Year via Online Registration


• LEXSpeed 32GB microSDHC Memory Card












List Price: $ 219.99

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Sanyo VPC-WH1 High Definition Waterproof Flash Memory Camcorder w/ 30x Optical Zoom (Blue)

• Capture HD digital video (720p, 30fps)
• Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet)
• 30x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD screen
• Face Chaser technology (can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos)
• Capture video and stills to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

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Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX70BDL 16.2MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4 GB Memory Card and Case (Violet) (2012 Model)

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• Includes 4GB SD Card
• Includes carrying case

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• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V 18.2MP Digital Camera with 16x Optical Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD in Silver
• Sony 16GB Class 10 Memory Card - Mini HDMI Cable
• 2 Sony Case - Memory Card Reader
• Replacement Battery Pack
• Flexible Tripod Memory Card Wallet 3pc Cleaning Kit Microfiber Cloth & 3 Screen Protectors

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*Sony 16GB Class 10 Memory Card


*Replacement Battery Pack


*2 Sony Case


*Memory Card Reader


*Mini HDMI Cable


*Flexible Tripod Memory Card Wallet 3pc Cleaning Kit Microfiber Cloth & 3 Screen Protectors

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When it comes to the camera's shooting specs, the WB150F sports respectable functionality, as well. A 14 MP CCD image sensor allows for capture of not only 14 MP still images, but also 720p (30fps) video. A 24mm Schneider wide-angle lens, with 18x optical zoom and Dual Image Stabilization, also helps you capture clear, precise images. And the 3.0" (7.6 cm) LCD screen provides a generous platform on which to compose and review shots or scenes. Additional features include a full manual mode (A / S / M), Samsung's Smart Filter 3.0, and Live Panorama.


*16GB Memory Card


*USB Card Reader

*Well Padded Digital Camera Carrying Case with Pocket & Strap


*Flexible Tripod Memory Card Wallet 3pc Cleaning Kit Microfiber Cloth & 3 Screen Protectors


*25 Free Quality Photo Prints

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• 3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama mode
• Includes 4GB SD Card
• Includes carrying case

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• Sony Camera Carrying Case - Memory Card Wallet - Replacement NP-FG1 Battery Pack
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KIT INCLUDES:


* SONY 32GB CARD.


* SONY CASE.


* MEMORY WALLET.


* MINI HDMI CABLE.


* BATTERY PACK.


* SCREEN PROTECTORS.


* MINI TRIPOD.


* CLEANING KIT.


* 25 FREE PRINTS!!!!

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