How To Clear Memory Card On Canon Camera

How Do I Format a Memory Card? (EOS R)

Article ID: ART171795

Date published: 09/11/2018

Date last updated: 09/13/2018

Description

How Do I Format a Memory Card? (EOS R)

Solution

If the card is new or was previously formatted (initialized) by another camera or computer, format the card with this camera.

IMPORTANT

When the card is formatted, all images and data on the card will be erased. Even protected images will be erased, so make sure there is nothing you need to keep. If necessary, transfer the images and data to a computer, etc. before formatting the card.

1. Set the camera's power switch to < ON >.

2. Press the < > button to display the menu.

3. Press the < > button and select the [ ] tab.

4. Turn the < > dial and select the [ ] tab.

5. Turn the < > dial and select [ Format card ].

6. Press < >.

7. Turn the < > dial to select [ OK ].

8. Press < >.

NOTE

Low-Level Formatting

Perform low-level formatting if the card's writing or reading speed seems slow or if you want to totally erase the data on the card.

Since low-level formatting will format all recordable sectors on the card, the formatting will take longer than normal formatting.

During low-level formatting, you can cancel formatting by selecting [Cancel]. Even in this case, normal formatting will already be complete and you can use the card as usual.

Card's File Formats

SD/SDHC cards will be formatted in FAT32. SDXC cards will be formatted in exFAT.

When shooting a movie with a card formatted in exFAT, the movie will be recorded in a single file (instead of being split into multiple files) even if it exceeds 4 GB. (The movie file will exceed 4 GB.)

IMPORTANT

It may not be possible to use SDXC cards formatted with this camera in other cameras. Also note that exFAT-formatted cards may not be recognized by some computer operating systems or card readers.

Formatting or erasing data on a card does not completely erase the data. Be aware of this when selling or discarding the card. When disposing of cards, take steps to protect personal information if necessary, as by physically destroying cards.

REFERENCE

The card capacity displayed on the card format screen may be smaller than the capacity indicated on the card.

This device incorporates exFAT technology licensed from Microsoft.

ID: 8204198100_EN_1