Canon Powershot Memory Card

Like other digital cameras, a Canon Powershot has a distinct advantage over film cameras. It can store images on a memory card, and the card can be safely removed or replaced without having to worry about exposed images. You can use a Secure Digital (SD) Flash Memory Card or a MultiMedia Card (MMC).

An SD/MMC memory card allows you to expand the memory capacity of your Canon Powershot digital camera. You can store still pictures or videos on a memory card. The bigger the capacity of the card, the more images it can store. Typically, a 2GB memory card can store more than 700 images. With an 8GB card, you may be able to store more than 3000 images.

Formatting a Memory Card for a Canon Powershot
You should always format a memory card with the camera before you start using it for the first time. If you fail to do this, you may not be able to save your images. SD/MMC cards are both formatted in much the same way.

You can access and format a memory card for a Canon digital camera by connecting the camera to a computer using a USB cable, or by removing the card from the camera and inserting it in a compatible card reader. It is also possible to format your memory card with your digital camera.

The simplest way to format your memory card is by using the camera’s built-in image delete or card format function. This is found in the menu options.
You can also use a computer to format or delete images. Without removing the memory card from the camera, connect the device to your computer with a compatible USB connector. Or, you can take out the memory card and insert it in a suitable card reader. The computer will automatically detect the memory card. If there are no problems, you will see the memory card’s folder on your computer and you can delete images or format the card.


Fixing Memory Card Errors
If your memory card gets damaged or corrupted, you may lose any images stored on it. You may get a “Memory Card Error” or “Memory Card Locked” message while attempting to view your images. If you have no backup of your pictures, you will have to use an advanced Digital Photo Recovery utility.

A memory card can become corrupted due to improper camera shutdown, virus attack or interruption of the read/write operation. A low-level format of the memory card for your Canon Powershot will usually render the card usable again. However, whatever images were previously stored on the card will be erased. Use a Photo Recovery utility to recover lost data after performing a low level or standard formatting procedure. Transfer all recovered data to another location, such as your computer’s hard drive.

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