Swamphunter Posted September 2, 2013 Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 What does formatting a SD card do for a trail camera? Do you format it while its in the computer or in the camera? I have one that's not working that for some reason it says it now needs to be formatted... Not sure why I'm having problems with these cards.. if its that trail cam screwing them up or the computer.... they are SanDisk and Sony 8GB cards.. the trail cams are Spypoints... thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted September 2, 2013 Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 From what I have read, formatting will delete any pics on the card. Also found this if it helps. Formatting a card basically insures that it is going to work right with your camera. Just like computers, memory cards have files systems, folders, etc. When you use your camera to format a card, it sets the card up the way the camera needs it to be in order to function properly. Now, for the most part, if you just pop in the memory card it will usually work. Most cameras will automatically put all the necessary "stuff" on the card for you, regardless of whether you've formatted it or not. However, formatting a card is a very quick and (mostly) painless procedure, so I recommend doing it the first time you pop the card into your camera. Just in case. Since the actual way you format the card varies widely from camera to camera, you'll have to consult your owner's manual for specific how-to advice. In addition to getting the card ready to use with the camera, formatting can also fix minor problems. If your card and camera are not getting along too well—lots of error messages, bad writes, etc.—try formatting the card. Sometimes it works, sometimes the card has passed to the great digital beyond, but it's worth a try. All that useful tech stuff aside, formatting is a quick way to delete all the images off of a memory card. Rather then scrolling through and picking them off one by one, just do a format - the images are erased in a matter of seconds. Of course, don't do this if there are images on that card you want to keep :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted September 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 Then formatting it is Joe... thanks... my computer deletes the pics after downloading them if I check the box "erase after downloading".... I have 5 SD cards that swap between my two Spypoints... because they are the same camera, they should work camera to camera with only being formatted to the one? Or are they "camera specific"? Thx for the great reply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 2, 2013 Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 Probably best to format them in the cameras Ken, rather than on your computer. If the cams are all the same type then it should not matter which one you format them in. Formatting may resolve issues, then it may not if something else is going on. Have had a few cards over the years that just went bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted September 2, 2013 Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 Ken...I agree exactly with what William said. I've also had some CF cards go bad over the years. Haven't had an SD card go bad yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husabud Posted September 2, 2013 Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 My Cuddeback goes kookalookie every yr. I just go to their website and format accordingly. Spy point may have the same thing. how have those Spypoints treated you? I've been thinking of a couple new cams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted September 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 I love the Spypoints. Very simple to use, awesome pics and awesome customer service Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbHunterNY Posted September 3, 2013 Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 I get that the pictures off them and then delete everything on the card. when you put the blank card in the camera and turn the camera on it formats it automatically. if they're the same model camera just put the card back in and it'll continue where the other one left off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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