5 Tips For Your Memory Card
1 - Never insert or eject your card while the camera is turned on.
Inserting your card while the camera is turned on can result in electrical shock to the memory chip which can permanently damage the memory modules.
When the camera is switched on it may be reading and writing to the memory card and performing critical file structure updates.
Removing the card at this time could result in a corrupted file structure only recoverable with specialised software tools.
This advice also goes for computer connected card readers.
2 - Card Maintenance
While much more sturdy than traditional camera film, memory cards are still quite sensitive devices.
Always store your extra cards in an airtight and waterproof carry case to keep it away from water and high humidity, and avoid temperature extremes such as leaving them in the car all day.
3 - Rotate Cards Periodically
Handy devices as they are, memory cards unfortunately have a limited life span.
While some manufacturers tout a lifetime warranty on their products, those in the data recovery field will tell a different story.
Depending on the demands you put on your cards; always keep a couple spares so you never miss that shot, rotate old ones out periodically to replace aging memory cells and never use a memory card as a storage device.
4 - Backup!
The memory card is not a storage device.
Backup your card as soon as is humanly possible to prevent corruption, deletion, damage or loss of your photos.
Imagine how distraught the bride would be if all her wedding photos were lost.
Backup the photos immediately following an important shoot by utilising a laptop or portable card reader. Then back them up again to alternate media.
5 - Card Failure.
If the inevitable happens, stop shooting.
Prevent further damage to the card from inserting, ejecting, formatting and trying to access it on different computers and devices.
