Inserting and formatting memory cards: try it yourself
This is the practical for the lesson. Work through it in order. Nothing here is a test of memory. Keep the lesson open if you need it and check the instructions as often as you like.
Aim
At the end you should be able to remove and insert the card without guessing, recognise the warning before formatting and explain why a card should not be removed while the camera is writing to it.
What you need
Your own camera or phone, enough battery power to complete the exercise, and a memory card or free storage space where your equipment requires it. You do not need to buy anything specially for this practical.
Do this step by step
- Switch the camera off and locate the memory-card door.
- Remove the card and identify its type and capacity from the label. Do not worry about understanding every symbol yet.
- Use the diagram on the camera to insert the card correctly. It should seat with gentle pressure.
- Switch the camera on and take one unimportant test photograph.
- Wait until any card-access light has stopped, then review the photograph on the camera.
- Copy the test photograph somewhere safe if you want to keep it.
- Find Format in the camera menu, but before confirming it, read the warning on screen. Only complete the format if the card contains nothing you need.
- Take another test photograph after formatting to confirm the camera can write to the card.
What should happen
At the end you should be able to remove and insert the card without guessing, recognise the warning before formatting and explain why a card should not be removed while the camera is writing to it.
If it does not work
Stop rather than changing lots of things at once. Check that the camera is switched on, the battery has charge and the card or storage is available. Then return to the last step that definitely worked. If a named control is missing, your camera may use a different name or menu location. Check the manual for your exact model. Never force a card, battery, lens, door or control.
Before you finish
Explain out loud, or in one sentence on paper, what you changed and what happened. If you can explain the result in your own words, you have understood the exercise. If you cannot, repeat the part that was unclear.