Nikon D600 For Dummies

Formatting cards

The first time you use a new memory card or insert a card that's been used in other devices, such as MP3 players or phones, you should format it to ensure that the card is properly prepared to record your pictures. Formatting after you download pictures to your computer is also a good idea. However, don't use your computer's file-management tools to format the card; the camera is better equipped to do the job.

Formatting erases everything on your memory card, even if you apply the incamera file-protection feature that I cover in Chapter 5. So before formatting, be sure to copy any pictures or other data to your computer.

You can format a card in two ways:

• Choose the Format Memory Card command from the Setup menu, as shown in Figure 1-20. When you select the command, you're asked to select which card you want to format. After taking that step, you see a screen where you confirm your decision to format the card. Highlight Yes and press OK to go forward.
• Simultaneously press and hold the Metering Mode and Delete buttons. See the little red Format labels next to the buttons? They're reminders that you use these buttons to quickly format a memory card. Hold the buttons down for about two seconds, until you see the letters For blink in the Control panel.

  Figure 1-20 ...