The error message “Card not formatted” or “This card is not formatted” is a common issue that can occur with different brands of digital cameras, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and others. This error indicates that the camera is unable to read or write photos and videos to the memory card inserted in the camera.
When a camera displays this error, it is typically referring to the SD card, Micro SD card, CompactFlash card, or other removable memory card being used to store photos and videos. The camera requires these cards to be properly formatted in order for the camera to be able to recognize the card and save new files.
There are a few potential reasons why a camera may suddenly give this error, even with a card that was working fine previously. The card may have become corrupted or damaged in some way, or the camera’s card reader may be having an issue reading the card. Fortunately, in many cases this error can be resolved by reformatting the card or trying a different card reader.
What the Error Means
The “card not formatted” error message means that the camera is unable to properly read or access the memory card inserted in the camera. When you insert a memory card, the camera expects the card to be formatted in a file system it recognizes before it can store new photos and videos. If the card is unformatted, corrupted, or contains a format not supported by the camera, the camera will show the “card not formatted” or “please format card” message.
Essentially, this error indicates that the card is unrecognizable to the camera. The camera requires the memory card to be in a proper formatted state before it can be used to save new files. Since the card is not readable in its current format, the camera prompts the user to format the card, which overwrites existing data and converts it to a file system the camera can work with.
So in summary, the “card not formatted” error occurs when the camera cannot read or access the files on the memory card due to corruption, unsupported formats, or the card not being formatted properly for the camera.
Possible Causes
There are a few common reasons why your camera may be displaying the “card not formatted” error message:https://www.easeus.com/partition-master/why-cannot-format-sd-card-on-camera.html
Card is actually not formatted – If you insert a brand new SD card into your camera that has not been formatted yet, you will get this error message. The camera requires the card to be formatted to its own file system before it can save photos and videos. Simply formatting the card in the camera should resolve this issue.
Card is corrupted – Sometimes, the card can become corrupted from a sudden power loss, improper ejection from the camera, or physical damage. Corrupted cards may show the “card not formatted” error even if they were working previously. You can try reformatting the card in the camera, but corrupted cards should be replaced.
Card reader issue – Using a low quality or defective card reader can also cause the camera to misread the card and show this error. If the card works when inserted directly into the camera but shows errors when accessed through a reader, try switching to a different high quality reader.
How to Fix – Format the Card
One of the simplest solutions is to format the SD card in the camera. This will erase all data on the card, but can often resolve errors like “card not formatted.” Here’s how to format the card using your camera settings:
Go into your camera’s menu and look for the “Format” option. This is usually under the “Setup” or “Tools” menu. Select the SD card you want to format. The camera will prompt you to confirm formatting, which will delete all data on the card. Select “OK” to format.
You can also format the SD card using a computer, which gives you more options for choosing the file system. To do this, insert the card into a card reader attached to a computer. On Windows, open File Explorer, right-click on the SD card, and choose “Format”. On Mac, open Disk Utility and select the SD card drive. Click “Erase” and confirm. https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-format-sd-card-camera-4587017
Formatting the card erases all data but often resolves card errors. Be sure to back up any files you want to keep before formatting. After formatting, test the card in your camera to see if the error persists.
How to Fix – Try a Different Card Reader
One potential cause of the “card not formatted” error is an issue with the card reader you are using. Memory cards connect to computers and devices through either built-in card readers or external USB card readers. Sometimes these card readers can malfunction or become damaged, preventing the computer from properly reading the card.
If you are using an external USB card reader, try connecting the memory card directly to your computer’s built-in card reader using an SD card adapter or by putting the card in another device like a camera. Many computers have built-in SD card slots that you can access. If the card is recognized properly when connected directly to the computer, then the issue is likely with the external USB card reader.
Similarly, if you are using a built-in card reader, try using a different external USB card reader to see if that resolves the issue. Using a different card reader that is known to be working properly can help determine if the original card reader is faulty.
Sometimes dust, debris or even loose connections between the card and reader contacts can prevent proper communication. Trying a different card reader can bypass any physical issues that may be occurring in the original reader. If the card functions normally using an alternate reader, the original reader likely needs to be replaced.
Overall, changing the card reader used is an easy troubleshooting step that can identify if the root of the “card not formatted” problem lies with the reader itself. Readers are prone to wear and tear over time, so swapping to another known good reader is a quick fix before exploring other potential causes of the error message.
How to Fix – Test the Memory Card
One possible cause for the “card not formatted” error is that the memory card has developed bad blocks or other errors. You can test for this by using the card manufacturer’s tools or third party software.
Bad blocks are sections of the memory card that can no longer reliably store data. They can develop through normal wear and tear, or if the card gets corrupted. Many cards have spare blocks that get swapped in when bad blocks occur, but eventually the number of bad blocks exceeds the spares.
To scan your memory card for errors, you can use the official utility from the manufacturer if available. For example, SanDisk offers the SanDisk Memory Zone app. Otherwise, you can use a free bad block checker like HDDscan to test the card.
These tools will scan the entire card and identify any bad blocks or other issues. If errors are found, you may be able to fix them by reformatting the card. But if the card has excessive bad blocks that cannot be mitigated, then it likely needs to be replaced.
Testing the memory card can determine if undiscovered errors are the root cause of the camera not recognizing it. Addressing those issues directly or replacing the card may resolve your problem.
How to Recover Data
If you have accidentally formatted your memory card before transferring the photos and videos off of it, you may still be able to recover the lost data. There are a few options for attempting to restore your media files:
Use recovery software: Specialized data recovery software like Minitool and DiskGenius can scan your memory card and find lost or deleted files. These programs attempt to recover data even after formatting. Follow the instructions to connect your card, scan it, and restore your files.
Send it to a specialist: For best results, consider using a professional data recovery service. Companies like DriveSavers and Gillware have extensive tools and expertise to recover lost data, even from formatted media. This costs more but has a higher chance of restoring your photos and videos if DIY software fails.
How to Avoid This Error
There are a few simple practices you can follow to avoid getting the ‘card not formatted’ error message:
First, always safely eject the memory card before removing it from your camera or card reader. Simply turning off the camera or unplugging the card reader can lead to corruption and errors like this one. Use your camera’s ‘Safely Remove Hardware’ function or eject icon in your computer’s system tray to properly eject the card.
Second, be careful not to expose your memory cards to moisture, dirt, dust, or high temperatures as this can also lead to corruption. Store cards in a protective case when not in use. It’s also a good idea to avoid using very old cards that may be prone to errors due to wearing out over time.
Finally, regularly reformat your memory cards in your camera to clear out any latent corruption or errors. Some experts recommend formatting cards after each use, while others suggest formatting once every few months or after 10-20 uses. Refer to your camera manufacturer’s guidelines on card formatting best practices.
Following these precautions for safe memory card handling, storage, and maintenance can help prevent cryptic ‘card not formatted’ errors from ruining your photo sessions.
When to Replace the Card
Memory cards have a limited lifespan and will eventually fail, so it’s important to replace them regularly to avoid potential data loss. Most experts recommend replacing SD cards every 2-3 years with regular use, or more frequently with heavy use like in a security camera or other recording device. Some signs indicating it’s time for a new card include slower read/write speeds, trouble formatting, and more frequent errors like “card not formatted.”
Card capacity can also impact lifespan. Higher capacity cards with more NAND flash memory chips tend to wear out quicker than lower capacity cards. Write-intensive uses like 4K video recording on 128GB+ cards accelerates degradation. Consider lower capacity cards around 32-64GB for longer lifespans.
Additionally, card speed affects durability. Faster cards with specs like UHS-I and V30 are engineered for more robust endurance with features like wear-leveling. Slower cards are more prone to failure sooner. Check your device’s speed requirements and choose cards rated for at least those minimums.
Replacing cards regularly, say every 2-3 years, helps prevent annoying errors like “card not formatted” and potential data loss. Choose cards with adequate but not excessive capacity and speed ratings for your device. With proper card retirement, your devices will continue reading your cards flawlessly.
Sources:
When Should You Replace A Memory Card? – Q&A
How often do you replace your memory cards?
Conclusion
In summary, the “card not formatted” error usually occurs when the camera cannot recognize or read the memory card, often due to formatting issues or card corruption. The most common solutions include reformatting the card in the camera, trying a different card reader, testing the memory card for errors, and replacing the card if needed.
To avoid this error in the future, it’s recommended to regularly reformat cards in the camera, avoid removing cards during read/write operations, handle them carefully to prevent physical damage, and retire cards that are old or have been heavily used. Periodically backing up photos to another storage medium is also wise to minimize potential data loss.
With a few troubleshooting steps and proper memory card maintenance, the “card not formatted” error can usually be resolved quickly, allowing you to get back to capturing photos and videos.
