Formatting CF cards

[RickJ]

Found this on the Olympus website Q & A pages :

"In the CARD SETUP menu, the options are ALL ERASE and FORMAT. What is the difference between these settings?

Answer:
ALL ERASE deletes all of the images from the memory card directory except for those that have been protected. FORMAT deletes all of the images from the memory card directory and overwrites the directory. In both cases, the actual digital images are still on the memory card until new images are shot that overwrite the old images. Therefore, if images are inadvertently erased or formatted, it may be possible to retrieve them via image recovery software.

If ALL ERASE is used exclusively to delete images, over time a buildup of artifacts in the directory may corrupt the memory card. The FORMAT option is recommended to preserve the integrity of the memory card and extend its useful life."

I've never formatted any of my cards and have had no problems.
Does anyone on here regularly format their cards ?

Cheers
Rick

[beejaybee]

If I wanted to "wipe" a card I'd always format it (in the device which would be writing the card). It's probably quicker and certainly involves less write passes, helping to preserve the life of the card.

In fact, with the cards I use in my cameras, I never use "erase" at all. I simply don't bother to upload the images I can see are rubbish. When the card gets full and I've recovered everything from it that I want, it gets reformatted.

[LargeFormat]

The consensus seems to be that it is safer to format in the camera. There is, however, a case for occasional formatting on the computer, particularly with a brand new card. A full format scans the card for bad sectors. This is why it takes so long. After full formatting on the computer I’d be inclined to carry out a format in the camera. This would be a quick format but would ensure compatibility between camera and card.

[RogerMac]

If you attach the camera to the computer you can do a full format in the camera via "my computer" - which would seem to be the best of both worlds

[LargeFormat]

I suppose it's obvious but I never thought of that! Thanks for the tip.