Formatting (Initialising) the SD Card
SD Cards Must Be Formatted to the Camera
When using an SD card for the first time with this camera it will become necessary to format the card. Formatting will always erase existing data that is left on the card. Make sure you’ve copied any existing files on the card to a portable drive before you format.
NOTE: SD cards formatted on PC’s or other devices cannot be used on this camera.
BEST PRACTICE – before you start your production shoot, always format your cards to have them ready when you need them.
How to Format the Card
Make sure the camera is OFF and the open the LCD Monitor cover to access the SD card slots.
Make sure the terminal side of the card faces away from the lens and insert the card as far as it will go.
Power up the camera – the SD card indicator below the shots will display RED when accessing data, and GREEN when ready for use.
Click on MENU > SYSTEM > MEDIA > FORMAT MEDIA and select which slot your card is using. Then select FORMAT – the formatting will start the instant you press select FORMAT – there will be no warning.
Formatting is complete when you see COMPLETE displayed in the monitor and the camera returns to the Format screen.
Removing the SD card
- Check that the SD slot indicator isn’t accessing data – the light will be RED.
- Push the SD card and remove it from the slot
- Close the LCD Monitor cover when not in use.
NOTE: When both slots are using SD cards, the previously selected slot will be used first. To switch between card slots, use the SLOT SEL button located above the card slots.
CAUTION: When the camera is accessing the SD card, never remove the card or shut down the camera. Doing so could damage the card and even corrupt the data.
Restoring the SD Card
If the camera detects an abnormality in the card, !RESTORE appears in the monitor.
Select SYSTEM > MEDIA > RESTORE MEDIA and select the SD card to be restored. Press the SET (Joystick) button. Restore Media can only be selected in Camera mode.
Tips to Avoid SD Card Problems
Don’t get into the habit of using the memory card to store other projects or files. The media card should never be used as a substitute for a portable drive. If the camera detects other files, such as Adobe Premiere project files, it might give a recording error. The likely solution to the error will be to format the card, which will delete all the existing data.
- Never touch the terminals on the back of the SD card
- Do not bend or drop the card as this may damage stored data.
- When the card slot access light is lit, do not remove the SD card from its slot or turn off the camera.
- Do not place the card in direct sunlight, in dusty or humid areas, near a heater or where static electricity or electromagnetic waves occur.
- To protect the card, keep it inside its case or in a protective bag.