Formatting a Memory Card - Canon Europe

Formatting a Memory Card

FAQ ID: 8200871200

Release date: 28 February 2017

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Solution

There are two types of formatting, general formatting and low-level formatting.

In the following cases, formatting your memory card with your camera is recommended.

When using a newly purchased memory card
When using a memory card that has been formatted with another camera or a computer

If you encounter one of the following problems, performing a low-level format may solve it.

The [Memory card error] message appears.
The speed at which images are written to or read from the memory card, or the continuous shooting speed has been reduced.
Movie shooting stops partway.
The camera does not work properly.

IMPORTANT

The position and shape of the operation buttons, screens displayed, and setting items may differ according to the model you use.
Formatting (initializing) a memory card erases all data on the memory card. Copy the data from the memory card to a computer or other devices before formatting.
Formatting or erasing data on a memory card merely changes the file management information on the card and does not ensure its contents are completely deleted. Be careful when transferring or disposing of a memory card. When disposing of a memory card, take precautions such as physically destroying the card to prevent personal information leaks.
With Eye-Fi cards, please install the software included on the card to your computer before initializing the card.

NOTE

The total capacity of the memory card displayed in the formatting screen may be less than indicated on the memory card.

1. Press the <Power> button on the camera.

2. Press the <MENU> () button.

3. The following screen appears on the LCD monitor.

Operate the <directional buttons> left or right to select the [Set up] () tab.
Operate the <directional buttons> up or down to select [Format].
After making a selection, press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

4. The following screen appears.

Operate the <directional buttons> left or right to select [OK].
After making a selection, press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

NOTE

We recommend that you perform low level formatting when you think that the recording/reading speed of a memory card has dropped, and when you want to erase data completely.
When performing low level formatting, select [Low Level Format], and then operate the <directional buttons> left or right to display the () mark.
Low level formatting may take longer than standard formatting, since all recorded data are erased.

5. The following screen appears.

Operate the <directional buttons> up or down to select [OK].
After making a selection, press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

6. The following screen appears, and then the memory card is formatted (initialized).

7. The following screen appears.

Press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

8. When formatting is completed, the following screen appears on the LCD monitor.

Applicable Models

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