low level format question?

[vince0501]

Just purchased an S2 IS. Have 2 SD cards that I purchased for the camera. I know I need to format, but don't know the difference between low level format and regular. Can someone advise. Thanks in advance.

[JTL]

A low level format rewrites the FAT partition and directory structure, and actually overwrites all of the data. A regular format merely removes the file pointers and the the data gets overwritten as you add new files. Sometimes you need to do a low-level format the first time you use a card. After that, a regular format is fine and the only time you should need to do a low-level format is if you get corrupted files.

One point worth clarifying...it is possible to recover data from a card even after its been regular formatted...so, if you want to permenently delete the data, you must use the low-level format.

[vince0501]

Sorry, but still not sure of the answer. If I have a brand new SD card, that has never been used, I do a regular or low level format? Also after I format the first time, do I need to format again? Can I not just erase the data? My previous camera was a Fuji, and used an Xd card which I just stuck in and went on my way.

[JTL]

Sorry, but still not sure of the answer. If I have a brand new SD card, that has never been used, I do a regular or low level format? Also after I format the first time, do I need to format again? Can I not just erase the data? My previous camera was a Fuji, and used an Xd card which I just stuck in and went on my way.I've had cards that had to formatted before first use and others that did not require it. If you put in the card and the camera complains, low-level it. And, most camera companies recommend "regular" formatting the card in the camera before first use. After that, just erasing the data is fine. But performing a regular format from time to time cleans up any garbage on the card.

It is only ever necessary to low-level format if 1) The card was not pre-formatted. 2) The card has been corrupted. 3) You want to remove any trace of data.

[bascom]

Also after I format the first time, do I need to format again?
If you have a bunch of photos and videos that you have downloaded to a pc, to remove them from your camera's card you will need to either delete them individually or format the card. Formatting is faster and easier.

[vince0501]

thanks, I think I have it now.

[bascom]

I forgot, there is usually an Erase All command on the camera. That's another way to delete a lot of pics instead of formatting.