Using Memory Cards Correctly
8 tips for proper handling of memory cards – to keep your photos safe.
Digital photography has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Whether with a DSLR, bridge, or compact camera: you don't have to be a hobby photographer to take 10,000 pictures a year.
An important and often underestimated helper is the memory card. Here are 8 tips for proper handling.
📚 What is the FAT table?
In addition to a controller and flash memory, memory cards also have a File Allocation Table – or FAT for short. This is an allocation table for files and contains the entire table of contents of the card.
If images are deleted or the card is formatted, only this table is cleared. All images are still present on the card – and can be recovered with recovery tools like our Forensic System or the Rescue Stick.
🎯 The 8 most important tips
How to handle your memory cards safely:
Never delete photos with the camera
Cameras are designed to take pictures – not to edit or manage them. You should do that on your computer. Deleting individual images via the camera can lead to problems with the file allocation table. And then you won't be able to access your pictures without recovery software.
Do not use up all storage space
As storage space runs out, memory cards behave like full hard drives – performance suffers. Fill the card to a maximum of 90% and change your card in good time.
Only use one card in one camera
Never remove the memory card from one camera and continue using it in another camera without formatting it first. With a bit of luck, the second camera will work with the allocation table – but it could also be that it needs to format the card first.
Format correctly and regularly
Ideally, you should format the memory card every time you have backed up the images to your computer and an external hard drive. This keeps the card clean and offers optimal performance for its next use. It's best to format the card directly in the camera you are using it with.
Use high-quality card readers
A memory card "giving up the ghost" is more often due to cheap card readers than to cameras or pockets. Use a high-quality card reader. Important: As long as data is being copied or processed, do not remove the card from the reader.
Use branded products
Whether pictures with friends, from other countries or family: you entrust irreplaceable values and memories to your memory card. It's better to invest a few more euros in a good card and a well-known name.
Dispose of cards in good time
The better the quality, the longer the card will serve. But even with the most expensive card, it's only a matter of time until it fails. As soon as you notice any defects or dropouts, back up all images and replace the card immediately.
Enhance images
How many of your snapshots are truly good photos for the photo album in the end? With photo software like Photomizer 3, you can enhance your digital snapshots in no time. Numerous optimization filters help with digital post-processing.
🚨 Lost something despite all precautions?
With our data recovery tools, you can recover deleted photos on memory cards and hard drives.