There are two types of formatting, general formatting and low-level formatting.

In the following cases, formatting your memory card with your camera is recommended.

• When using a newly purchased memory card
• When using a memory card that has been formatted with another camera or a computer
  

  If you encounter one of the following problems, performing a low-level format may solve it.

  • The Memory card error message appears.
  • The speed at which images are written to or read from the memory card has been reduced.
  • The camera does not work properly.
    
    Attention:
    • The position and shape of the operation buttons, screens displayed, and setting items may differ according to the model you use.
    • Formatting (initializing) a memory card erases all data on the memory card. Copy the data from the memory card to a computer or other devices before formatting.
    • Formatting or erasing data on a memory card merely changes the file management information on the card and does not ensure its contents are completely deleted. Be careful when transferring or disposing of a memory card. When disposing of a memory card, take precautions such as physically destroying the card to prevent personal information leaks.
      
      

      Note: The total capacity of the memory card displayed in the formatting screen may be less than indicated on the memory card.

    • 1. Press the <Power> button on the camera.

    • 2. Press the <MENU> () button.

    • 3. The following screen appears on the LCD monitor.

    • 

    • Operate the <directional buttons> left or right to select the Set up () tab.

    • Operate the <directional buttons> up or down to select Format.

    • After making a selection, press the FUNC./SET () button.

    • 
      4. The following screen appears.
    • 

    • Operate the <directional buttons> left or right to select OK.

    • After making a selection, press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

    • Note: We recommend that you perform low level formatting when you think that the recording/reading speed of a memory card has dropped, and when you want to erase data completely. When performing low level formatting, select Low Level Format, and then operate the <directional buttons> left or right to display the ( ) mark. Low level formatting may take longer than standard formatting, since all recorded data are erased.

    • 5. The following screen appears.

    • 

    • Operate the <directional buttons> up or down to select OK.

    • After making a selection, press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

    • 
      6. The following screen appears, and then the memory card is formatted (initialized).
    • 
      

    • 7. The following screen appears.

    • 

    • Press the <FUNC./SET> () button.

    • 8. When formatting is completed, the following screen appears on the LCD monitor.

    •