Advertisement
32
Part I: Getting Started
You may be tempted to pick up a 32GB or 64GB card, thinking you can store
a gazillion images on one card and not worry about running out of room.
The truth is, though, that memory cards are simply electrical devices that
are subject to failure — and will fail when you least expect it. And if a large
card fails, you lose lots of images. The very definition of not good. I carry a
couple 16GB SD cards in my camera bag. Although I hate to lose any images,
I'd rather lose 16GB worth of images than 32GB or 64GB. I advise you to pur-
chase smaller memory cards.
It bears repeating: A memory card is a mechanical device that can and will
fail when you least expect. If the worst happens and your computer cannot
read a card, however, you can purchase a data recovery program to retrieve
the data from the card. Data recovery programs also work if you accidentally
erase the card before downloading the images to your computer. (Chapter
4 covers deleting images.) A program called CardRecovery, which works
with Windows applications, retails for $39.99 (www.cardrecovery.com),
or you can purchase CardRescue for the Mac, which retails for $39.99 (www.
cardrescue.com). Both applications offer trial versions, which you can use
to scan a corrupted card for recoverable data. After you perform a preview
scan, you can purchase the applicable application for your operating system
to recover the data.
Formatting an SD Card
After you download images to your computer and back them up (see
Chapter 9), I strongly recommend formatting your cards before using them
again, even if you didn't fill them. Doing this ensures that
The only way you can restore images from a card that's been formatted is
with a data recovery program. Make sure you download all images to your
computer before you format a card.
3. Gently push the card in, and then let go to eject it.
The SD card pops loose from the card mechanism.
4. Gently pull the SD card from the slot.
You're now ready to insert a new SD card and start shooting.
5. Pop the full SD card in the protective case from which you removed
the blank card.
✓
You'll have a full card to work with.
✓
You won't download duplicate images the next time you download the
contents of the card to your computer.
Advertisement
