Card Format v Delete
 

After you have uploaded images from the memory card do you format the card each time or just bin all the images.

When I transfer images to a PC, I do not delete or format the card. Only when I have checked the images on the HDD and I am satisfied all is okay I then format a card but more usually I format a number of cards before I use the camera again. Formatting a card will ensure it never becomes fragmented. Always format a card in the camera.

I always make two copies of my files, one remains in it's original state which is Raw.

Then unlike Stephen I nearly always use the PC. Have been formatting my cards this way for almost 6 years.
In the old days with Smartmedia. Then with compactflash when I bought a Minolta D7 in 2001.
Only when away on holiday do I use the camera after downloading to my X-Drive.

I personally never format a card via the PC but do delete files this way, using Raw Shooter Essentials, I tend to format the card on the camera after several uses, not each time.

I have a copy of Image Rescue just in case I ever do have a problem with a card having previously experienced problems with one.

I tend to delete the files in the camera and only re-format the card every so often.
What I meant originally was what is the differance between deleting the files on the card against re-formatting the card.

Deleting leaves folders on the card, formatting completely clears everything. It should be done in the camera you're using to prevent any problems with compatibility, although often there's no conflict when using a card in different cameras - just some are more prone to problems than others. As far as I know, there's no 'wear and tear' involved on the card either way

I agree about the folders still being left on the cards, this was the main reason I started to format via the PC as part of my workflow way back in 2001.

I'm positive there's no wear and tear on cards due to formatting.
My original cards which are now well over 4 years old are still functioning perfectly.

I always format on my PC after transfer of files. These cards are used in a variety of cameras, which include Canon 10D, 300D, Kodak DCS 520 and my Minolta d7.
For the Canons I format as Fat 32 and for the Kodak and Minolta as Fat.

Harry

If a card is formatted in the card reader (PC) it looses the camera specific folder a camera uses to put images. When I get a new card my USB2 card readers do not 'find' the card but a USB reader does. However if I format and use the card in camera the USB2 readers work perfectly well - strange.

I cut and paste the images from my memory card to my pc hard drive, but if i am using an external storage unit i format the card in my camera after cpying the images to the unit and making sure they have copied,