Memory cards are a key component for every level of digital
photographer, from novices all the way up to professionals.
However, memory cards only remain effective image storage devices
so long as they're maintained correctly.
Taking good care of memory cards and remembering a few easy tips
to maintain them well will help ensure that images are protected.
Here are my top 10 tips...
1. Format the card in
your camera
Before you start taking photos, format your memory card in the
camera you'll be using.
This is better than formatting it in your computer as the
formatting of the card will align itself automatically with your camera,
ensuring that the card works properly.
2. Acknowledge your
capacity
Make sure you pay attention to the image counter as it ticks down
available images. Pictures could become corrupted if you try to use a full
memory card.
3. Remember you can use
recovery software
If you have formatted your card in the camera or deleted an image
by mistake, don't panic, your images may not be lost. Using recovery software,
such as Lexar® Image Rescue® 4, gives you the ability to try to retrieve lost
images.
If you accidentally format the card incorrectly in your camera, do
not continue shooting with that card. Instead, remove the card from the camera
and run your recovery software on it to retrieve the images. If you continue
shooting with the card, the images that you capture will override the images
already on the card.
4. Rotate cards in and out of use
If you're using multiple memory cards on a shoot, as many
professional photographers do, develop a system for knowing which cards have
been used and which cards are empty.
For instance, if using a card wallet, place the used cards in
upside-down and the empty available cards right-side up. This will ensure you
don't accidentally use a full card and corrupt existing images, as well as get
even use out of them.
5. Use a card reader
It's best not to connect the camera to the computer via a
USB cable, as this drains your camera battery.
Also, if the USB cable is accidentally disconnected, it will
interrupt image transfer and possibly corrupt images.
Instead, use a card reader, which is a much faster, safer, and
more efficient method. The Lexar® Professional ExpressCard™ reader, for
example, offers high-speed file transfer - up to 133MB/s.
6. Try to not delete
images on your camera
If there's an image you don't like, don't delete it on the camera.
Choose a high-capacity memory card, which allows you to shoot uninterrupted for
longer so you don't need to spend time clearing space during shooting.
It's more efficient to wait until you have downloaded your images
to your computer, so you can have the operating system handle the deletion
rather than the camera.
7. Don't remove the card
from the camera too early
When you are ready to transfer your images from your card to the
computer, always wait until the red light indicating image transfer has turned
off before removing the memory card from your camera.
8. Don't panic
If your card gets wet, don't panic. Since Lexar memory cards are
all made of solid state memory with no moving parts, they are incredibly
durable. If your card gets wet just ensure you dry it out before you put it
back into any electric equipment.
9. Backup first
Any time you have taken images that are very important to you, or
you have taken photographs for a paying client, make sure to keep the images on
your memory card until you have backed up the images.
For the most peace of mind, you should back up to multiple hard
drives on your computer and preferably have you backups in multiple locations.
10. Label your cards
Label your memory cards with your name and phone number so that,
if you misplace it, there is a better chance you might get it back.
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