Formatting SD Cards

SD Card Handling Precautions

You should always format a new SD card or one from which you wish to erase all images and other data.

Please note that formatting (initializing) an SD card erases all data, including protected images and other file types.

1. Press the ON/OFF button until the power lamp lights green.
   
   
   
   
2. Press the <MENU> button.
   
   
   The (Rec.) or (Play) menu is displayed.
   
   
3. Use the button to select the (Set up) menu.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Use the or button to select [Format] and press the <FUNC./SET> button.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Use the button to select [OK] and press the <FUNC./SET> button.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • To exit instead of formatting, select [Cancel].
   • To perform a low level format, use the button to select [Low Level Format] and the or button to add a check mark.
   • If [Low Level Format] is selected, you can stop formatting partway by pressing the <FUNC./SET> button. You can still use the SD card without problem even if formatting was halted partway.
   • The capacity of the SD card displayed after formatting will be less than the rated capacity of the SD card. This is not a malfunction of the SD card or camera.
     
     

When the camera is malfunctioning, a corrupted SD card might be the cause. Reformatting the SD card may solve the problem. When a non-Canon brand SD card is malfunctioning, reformatting it may solve the problem. SD cards formatted in other cameras, computers, or peripheral devices may not operate correctly in this camera. When that happens, reformat the SD card with this camera. If formatting in the camera does not work properly, turn the camera off and re-insert the SD card. Then turn the camera back on and format again. Low Level Format You should select the [Low Level Format] option if you suspect the read/write speed of an SD card has dropped or if you wish to completely erase its data. A low level format may require 2 to 3 minutes with some SD cards.

SD Card Handling Precautions

• SD cards are high-precision electronic devices. Do not bend them, apply force to them, or subject them to shocks or vibration.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or alter the SD card.
• Do not allow dirt, water or foreign objects to contact the terminals on the back of the card. Do not touch the terminals with your hands or metal objects.
• Do not peel away the original label on the SD card or cover it with another label or sticker.
• When writing on the SD card, use a soft point pen (e.g. felt-tip pen). Using a sharp point pen (e.g. ball-point pen) or pencil may damage the SD card or corrupt the recorded data.
• Since some or all of the data recorded on the SD card may be corrupted or erased by electrical noise, static electricity or card malfunction, making a backup copy of important data is recommended.
• Moving an SD card rapidly between temperature extremes will cause condensation to form in the card and lead to a malfunction. To avoid condensation, place the SD card in a sealed plastic bag before moving it into a different temperature zone and allow it to adjust slowly to the new temperature.
• If condensation forms on the SD card, store it at room temperature until the water droplets have evaporated naturally.
• Do not use or store SD cards in the following locations.
  - Locations subject to dust or sand
  - Locations subject to high humidity and high temperatures