How Do I Format the Card? (EOS 5D Mark III)

    20-Dec-2011
    8201359000

    Solution

    If the card is new or was previously formatted by another camera or computer, format the card with the camera.
    The procedures for initializing a memory card with the camera are explained here.
    CAUTION
    When the card is formatted, all images and data in the card will be erased. Even protected images will be erased, so make sure there is nothing you need to keep. If necessary, transfer the images to a personal computer, etc., before formatting the card.

    Formatting the Card
    1. Set the power switch to < ON >.

    2. Press the < MENU > button to bring up the menu.



    3. Press the < > button, and then select the [ ] tab.



    4. Turn the < Quick Control Dial > to select [Format] then press < SET > .



    5. Select the card to be formatted.
    • [ ] is the CF card, [ ] is the SD card.
    • Turn the <Quick Control Dial> to select the card, and then press the <SET> button.



    6. Select [OK], and then press the <SET> button.
    • The card will be formatted.
    • When the formatting is completed, the menu will reappear.



    When [ ] is selected, you can do a low-level format. Press the < > button to checkmark [Low Level Format] with [ ], and then select [OK] and press the <SET> button.


    NOTE
    About Low-level Formatting
    • Do low-level formatting if the card’s recording or reading speed seems slow.
    • Since low-level formatting will erase all recordable sectors in the SD card, the formatting will take longer than normal formatting.
    • You can stop the low-level formatting by selecting [Cancel]. Even in this case, normal formatting will have been completed and you can use the SD card as usual.

    IMPORTANT
    When the card is formatted or data is erased, only the file management information is changed. The actual data is not completely erased. Be aware of this when selling or discarding the card. When discarding the card, execute low-level formatting or destroy the card physically to prevent the data from being leaked.

    REFERENCE
    The card capacity displayed on the card format screen might be smaller than the capacity indicated on the card.