By the way, why are you formatting SDHC in a PC?

[Sunspark]

Hello, I just remembered I've been meaning to mention this for awhile. When it comes to formatting a SDHC card, I format it inside my digital camera, not the PC. The reason is because for whatever reason, PC's don't format them properly which _may_ be related to possible issues. Also, the camera is fast.

Panasonic makes free SDHC formatter software for Windows http://panasonic.jp/support/global/c...oad/index.html

[Solicitous]

The PP doesn't support the ability to format SD/SDHC cards. I think it is actually better to have a device support formatted memory cards from a PC as you can switch cards between readers without hassle. I know some cameras are funny if you plug in a memory card from another camera. Using a standard base such as a PC for formatting relieves this potential problem.

[theducks]

Here is the "Official" SD card association download link.
http://www.sdcard.org/consumers/formatter/



Both locations have a FAQ

The software only works on Windows.. No Mac or Linux

The software should not be used to format other than SD, SDHC media

Great find

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Solicitous

The PP doesn't support the ability to format SD/SDHC cards. I think it is actually better to have a device support formatted memory cards from a PC as you can switch cards between readers without hassle. I know some cameras are funny if you plug in a memory card from another camera. Using a standard base such as a PC for formatting relieves this potential problem.

http://www.sdcard.org/consumers/formatter/ FAQ inferred that this was not a Camera specific requirement, but a CARD level requirement.

BTW A camera that is fussy is non-compliant with the SD spec

My Nikon Coolpix plays nice with my Wife Cannon AND my PEz (you can view photos on you PEz, just in Grey scale.

[Solicitous]

Originally Posted by theducks

http://www.sdcard.org/consumers/formatter/ FAQ inferred that this was not a Camera specific requirement, but a CARD level requirement.

BTW A camera that is fussy is non-compliant with the SD spec

My Nikon Coolpix plays nice with my Wife Cannon AND my PEz (you can view photos on you PEz, just in Grey scale.

Well bugger me, thanks theducks, I had no real idea. I know a SD card is recognised as a block device, but I would have assumed that Windows would have formatted the card within specifications of the standard. Is this limited to Windows and an inability to handle flash memory correctly?

Learn something everyday.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Solicitous

Well bugger me, thanks theducks, I had no real idea. I know a SD card is recognised as a block device, but I would have assumed that Windows would have formatted the card within specifications of the standard. Is this limited to Windows and an inability to handle flash memory correctly?

Learn something everyday.

I assumed Windows and Linux knew how to format it also.

I was aware of the "block" nature of flash. It did not dawn on me that Windows/Mac/Linux could not detect and format correctly

RobertB
Another important request for the factory.
On the Settings Menu: Format Storage (With appropriate warnings, and security code keypresses required)

1. Format SD Card
2. Format internal

Not everyone has a Windows PC to be able to run the official SD formating program.

While we are at it, why not have options to check the storage for errors (dosfsck)

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by theducks

I assumed Windows and Linux knew how to format it also.

I was aware of the "block" nature of flash. It did not dawn on me that Windows/Mac/Linux could not detect and format correctly

RobertB
Another important request for the factory.
On the Settings Menu: Format Storage (With appropriate warnings, and security code keypresses required)

1. Format SD Card
2. Format internal

Not everyone has a Windows PC to be able to run the official SD formating program.

While we are at it, why not have options to check the storage for errors (dosfsck)

Dear Duckey:

OK. Will bring up to the factory and try to get that Format Storage option added. Agree we need it. Just cannot promise as factory keeps saying "who pay engineering dumb you?". I think they pronounce Robertb and "Dumb You" the same way.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear Duckey:

I think they pronounce Robertb and "Dumb You" the same way.

You can gently remind them that every Camera that uses a SD Card can do this out of the box.
And they end up with a better product line (should be on all SD Card models)

[jusmee]

Originally Posted by Solicitous

Well bugger me, thanks theducks, I had no real idea. I know a SD card is recognised as a block device, but I would have assumed that Windows would have formatted the card within specifications of the standard. Is this limited to Windows and an inability to handle flash memory correctly?

Learn something everyday.

I wouldn't worry excessively. A plain FAT format will work fine in nearly every situation. The SD card manufacturers are probably covering themselves, and ensuring the greatest chance of compatibility in every situation.

I have seen examples where one device formats it one way, and then it doesn't work so well in a second device - but then format it in the second device - and it works well in both. Luckily these situations are rare. I have a little folder with about 20 SD cards that I regularly swap between cameras and music players and other things. Some have been formatted in Windows - even set up as bootable devices for my netbook. They are very reliable.

Formatting internal flash memory with an external operating system worries moe more.