Solution
There are two types of formatting, general formatting and low-level formatting.
In the following cases, formatting your memory card with your camera is recommended.
When using a newly purchased memory card
When using a memory card that has been formatted with another camera or a computer
If you encounter one of the following problems, performing a low-level format may solve it.
The [Memory card error] message appears.
The speed at which images are written to or read from the memory card, or the continuous shooting speed has been reduced.
Movie shooting stops partway.
The camera does not work properly.
Caution
The position and shape of the operation buttons, screens displayed, and setting items may differ according to the model you use.
Formatting (initializing) a memory card erases all data on the memory card. Copy the data from the memory card to a computer or other devices before formatting.
Formatting or erasing data on a memory card merely changes the file management information on the card and does not ensure its contents are completely deleted. Be careful when transferring or disposing of a memory card. When disposing of a memory card, take precautions such as physically destroying the card to prevent personal information leaks.
With Eye-Fi cards, please install the software included on the card to your computer before initializing the card.
Caution
The total capacity of the memory card displayed in the formatting screen may be less than indicated on the memory card.
1. Press the
button to turn the camera on.
2. Press the [MENU] button.
3. The following screen appears on the LCD monitor.
![](-/media/c10e6197cb3d4e04aee038a5afdf3852.ashx)
Operate the ⋖directional buttons⋗ left or right to select
the [Set up]
tab.
Operate the ⋖directional buttons⋗ up or down to select
[Format].
After making a selection, press the [
] button.
4. The following screen appears.
![](-/media/a38ecef055a84b4a93b3203790965301.ashx)
Operate the ⋖directional buttons⋗ left or right to select [OK].
After making a selection, press the [
] button.
Caution
Low-Level Formatting
To perform low-level formatting, press the ⋖directional buttons⋗ up or down to choose [Low Level Format], and then press ⋖directional buttons⋗ left or right to select this option. A [
![](-/media/5c5cbac4e9e44d40b1f030b87cc8a6b1.ashx)
] icon is displayed.
Low-level formatting takes longer than general formatting because data is erased from all storage regions of the memory card.
You can cancel low-level formatting in progress by choosing [Stop]. In this case, all data will be erased, but the memory card can be used normally.
5. The following screen appears.
![](-/media/5d56ebf76ddb4e168ffc9dadfdd2822c.ashx)
Operate the ⋖directional buttons⋗ up or down to select [OK].
After making a selection, press the [
] button.
6. The following screen appears, and then the memory card is formatted (initialized).
![](-/media/5f3c328c51c742d2903875343f59cf74.ashx)
7. The following screen appears.
![](-/media/b5b356eb16c3470f97fd9a350f6776c2.ashx)
Press the [
] button.
8. When formatting is completed, the following screen appears on the LCD monitor.
![](-/media/f90e5b224b7441c78126b91169930689.ashx)