After downloading all your fantastic photos onto your computer, you’ll want to erase your digital camera’s memory card to free up space for more pictures. Doing so properly will minimize your risk of card failure and loss of images.
There are two ways of erasing (also know as formatting) a camera’s memory card. The first is to do so on a computer. This should be avoided because a computer’s file system is different from a camera’s and errors may occur, ruining your digital photos. The second and proper method is to format the memory card inside your digital camera. This erases all images and writes the correct file system to the card.
Make a habit of erasing your CompactFlash, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, or xD Card this way and it’s likely that you’ll never experience a memory card failure and the tears of frustration it causes.
