On Sat, 24 Mar 2007 06:24:22 GMT, MikeM wrote:
> After using a 1 GB M type XD card for several months in my C-7070 I
> started getting the "card error" message and nsomething about
> reformatting or turning off. It often happened when I switched the
> camera on so there often some pics on the card. If I turned the camera
> off and on again it eventually worked. More recently I got a 1 GB H
> type XD card and filled it several times in the C-7070 and then put it
> my new SP-550. After filling and reformatting the card about 6 to 8
> times in the SP-550 it has now strted occasionally giving the "card
> error" when switched on. A couple of times it has displayed the error
> message then started ok. Sometimes it displays the error message for 1
> second of less then the camera turns itself off. I have used the CF
> card in the C-7070 from the time I bought the camera in Sep 2005 and
> more recently a 2 GB CF card, neither of the CF cards has had a
> problem.
>
> I just paid $90 for an XD to CF adaptor to allow me to use the XD card
> on an upcoming trip when a computer won't be availble to use the USB
> cable. As this problem never happened with the CF card when both the
> CF and XD cards were in the C-7070 I assume the problem is with the XD
> card. Now that I have committed to the camera that only takes XD cards
> is this the sort of problem that is likely to progress to the point
> where the card will eventually fail.
I've been using xD cards for several years and have had no
problems using them. It seems unlikely that two cards would become
flaky after working properly. One thing that you can check for that
may be causing a problem with the cards is whether the contacts on
the cards have become contaminated or dirty. Since the contacts are
exposed, occasionally handling them might transfer some grease or
oils from the fingers. I'd try cleaning the contacts carefully with
denatured alcohol or some other cleaner. If the contacts aren't
bright and shiny, then a little rubbing with a clean rubber eraser
could be tried. If before cleaning the cards they appeared to be
fairly clean, you shouldn't have to worry about cleaning the insides
of the xD card sockets. After cleaning, if you're in an anal mood,
you could use a spray can of "electronic contact cleaner and
lubricant" on the cards' contacts. This is available from Radio
Shack as well as electronic distributors that don't primarily sell
to retail customers. If Radio Shack hasn't infiltrated Australia, I
assume there will be a local equivalent. If after all this you're
still having problems with the xD cards, put one in the xD to CF
adapter, and then put the adapter into the camera. I've done this
before, and it has allowed some of my older Canon Powershot cameras
to use xD cards even though they only have CF card sockets.
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