Hi Shel, On Sun, 14 May 2006 08:52:47 -0700, Shel Belinkoff wrote:
>Over the past few months I've read that one shouldn't delete files from a >memory card in the computer, and that the deletions should take place in >the camera, I don't think it really matters when you are really DELETING (one or more files) >preferably by formatting the card because it's a faster operation than deletion and because formatting may fix any anomalies. Yes, both are true. It is faster since it does not really delete file by file, where it would have to go through the directory once for each file, and update the allocation info inf the FAT areas, but it simply writes a NEW empty FAT-area and empty ROOT directory. It is better to do this IN-CAMERA since many cameras, including PENTAX require some folders to be present for storing the images. (On Pentax that is often \DCIM) If you know exactly what the camera expects, you could do it on the computer too, but in-camera is easier :-) >I've also read that it doesn't matter where the files are deleted. When deleting individual files, that is correct. >Additionally, it's been written that one shouldn't format the cards in the >computer, but to use the camera in which the card will be used. I agree >with that if for no other reason than it feels right and comfortable. And makes sure the correct directory structure is created ... >So, what's the consensus on deletion - FWIW, I've deleted frequently in the >computer because it's fast and simple, and have yet to encounter any >problems - although that's not an indication that there may not be a >problem in the future. If you keep the directory structure intact, and just delete ALL the files, you are probably just fine. >If you feel like commenting on the formatting issue, please do - other >ideas are welcome. There is one more issue related to deleting, when you delete selective files (leaving some others on the card) you can cause file-fragmentation for new files fairly quick. This will both slow down reading and writing a bit, and will also make RECOVERING images much more problematic would you ever need that ... After formatting, all new files will be unfragmented, which is the ideal status for an undelete/recovery from a FAT filesystem. That is also a reason to NEVER delete files while shooting :-) Or only delete the LAST image(s) shot ... My standard procedure (*istD and Optio W10) is to copy all images to the computer, check the images in a file-viewer or CS2-Bridge. If all OK, I make a copy to an external USB attached large disk as a first unmodified backup. Only THEN I put the card back into the camera and FORMAT it. Regards, JvW PS: Data recovery is my hobby as well as profession at the moment :-) ------------------------------------------------------------------ Jan van Wijk; http://www.dfsee.com/gallery
