ProGrade just sent out an email to its folks reminding us how to get the best performance out of our cards. As one who does a Full Format in the camera after every shoot, I thought their advice was not only spot on but needed to be shared. Here you go, courtesy of ProGrade.
Format In-Camera, Every Time:
Always format your card using the specific camera you’re shooting with. This ensures the file structure is perfectly optimized for the host device, significantly reducing the risk of file system errors during high-speed burst.
Power Down Before Ejection:
Removing a card while the camera is still writing buffered data is a leading cause of corruption. Always turn your device completely off to ensure every bit of data is safely finalized before the card leaves the slot.
Avoid Mid-Shoot Deletions:
Deleting individual files in-field can fragment the memory and increase internal wear. It is a best practice to shoot until full, back up your files, and then perform a fresh format to keep the data path clean.
Protect the Physical Interface:
Contaminants on contact pins can lead to read/write failures. Avoid touching the pins and store cards in a dedicated protective case when they are not in a camera or a high-quality reader.
Maintain Factory-Fresh Speeds:
Over time, heavy usage leaves behind data fragments that can throttle performance. Periodically “sanitizing” the flash memory will restore your card to its original, peak factory performance, a process made seamless by utilizing our Refresh Pro software.