Why Formatting Is Better For Your Memory Card than Deleting

Summary: The blog discusses whether formatting or deleting the images from memory card is better. It provides the benefits of both the ways to erase image files and suggests the solution to recover and restore data to its original format in case it is required for future reference.

formatting better than deleting
Memory cards can be considered the best innovation as they can be reused, and are portable and handy. These devices have changed the photography techniques and strategies, thus making it digital. But when it comes to managing the memory cards, it is quite a question of debate that if it is better to delete the images from memory card or whether formatting is more preferred?
Well, it depends on individual requirements – whether one wants to delete some of the unwanted images or clearing the card is the main purpose. However, it is always a good practice to download all the contents from the SD Card to computer or laptop before deleting them from the card. Indeed, the blurry shots are kept until the moment the card runs out of space.

Which is Better – Deleting or Formatting?

Deleting and Formatting is equally important features that look similar but work differently. Both the features can be found at different locations on the camera where delete is visible and comes with a dedicated button while format comes hidden somewhere. If you just captured an image and it ends up blurred, you can delete it right after the shot. Deleting an image can be the quickest option that makes the card ready for further use.
Although the theory is that instant deletion prepares the card for future use, however, practically formatting it is the best option that a user must follow to clear all the contents from the card. You can find the format option at the bottom of the Settings menu. It is purposely stated here so as to prevent users from accidentally deleting all the images stored on the card.
You must now be wondering if formatting is better than deleting. If so, let’s bust the popular belief. Neither deleting, nor formatting erases the contents of the card, in fact, it just removes the references to the image files to prevent the system or camera from reading it. As a matter of fact, the erased images only get completely inaccessible when new data is added to the card.
If the SD card is formatted or its contents deleted, it is still possible to recover the items using a professional photo recovery software.In cases when it calls upon the need to make a clear-cut comparison between deleting and formatting the memory card, there are some attributes due to which formatting leads the duo.

Formatting is recommended over Deleting Images from SD Card. Read to know Why!

The logical evidence to the statement ’Formatting is better than Deleting’ is that the format operating preserves the actual file structure on the memory card.

• It makes more space for new data to write perfectly on the card.
• Formatting prevents the card from getting corrupt considerably

Most of us have the habit of using the same memory card on multiple devices. This damages the file structure, therefore, making the storage media corrupt. Similar devices from the same manufacturer create different file structure; thus when the card is used in different devices with unusual file and folder structures, unintentional modifications are made to the card structure, which in turn, damages the card.

Consider Low-Level Format over Regular Format

Some cameras provide Regular format option while some advanced models offer Low-Level Format. It is considered the more powerful alternate to regular format as it deletes and replaces the file or folder structure as well as wipes out all the unrequired or left over traces of data.
Regular format removes references to the images so that the camera or computer fails to read it or link to it while low-level format replaces the images with binary codes i.e. 0s and 1s making it inaccessible beyond recovery. It can be considered a good option if you want to delete some crucial image files to the extent that it is not recoverable by any means.

Do & Don’ts while using Memory Card

Backup Memory Card before Formatting

After formatting, it is nearly impossible to recover pictures from the memory card; therefore it is suggested backing up the entire data to computer or laptop before initiating the format operation.

Format Memory Card in Camera

It is a good practice to format the memory card on camera and not a computer or laptop. The images that are protected will get erased after the format is initiated. However, deleting does not remove the protected images and hence formatting is recommended.

Format Memory Card before First Use

When you buy a new memory card, it is highly advisable to format the card to prepare it for first-time use. Make sure that the card is not full and does not reach the stipulated storage limitation; hence the data will turn inaccessible once it gets corrupt.

Avoid Using Memory Card on Different Devices

Make sure to use the memory card on a single device as discussed earlier in the blog. Using the card on various devices corrupts the header section thus making it inaccessible. Also, do not interfere with the card while it is performing any read or write operation.

Tip: Before every use, ensure that there is sufficient battery available in the camera.

Now, you must have understood the actual difference between formatting and deleting data from the memory card. What if you just realised that the data you deleted or formatted is required for future reference? In both the cases, it is really difficult to recover data and restore it back to the device unless a professional photo recovery tool is employed.

Stellar Photo Recovery tool is the potential solution that helps recover deleted photos from all types of memory cards and other storage devices even if the devices are corrupt, formatted or inaccessible. The actual formatting and structure of the images are well taken care of while initiating the recovery process. RAW images created on various make and models are supported for recovery. Different versions of the tool, compatible with Windows and Mac platforms are available.

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