Low Level Card Format vs Format

[Sepiana]

Hi everyone,

After my last thread, I thought I had it figured out concerning card format vs erase. However, I noticed that, when I go to format the card, I also have the option of "Low Level Format." Therefore, here are my questions (couldn't find an explanation in the manual):

- What is low level format?
- When should it be used?
- How does it compare to "regular" format?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Byron Gale]

Sepiana,

Is this an option of your camera's Format option?

Byron

[Inspeqtor]

Sepiana,

In the owners manual on page 41 it explains low level formatting.

-Do low-level formatting if the card's recording or reading speeds seems slow.

-Since low-level formatting will erase all recordable sectors in the card, the formatting will take slightly 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 card as usual.

I have no idea why Canon calls it low-level. To me it seems like it should be called high-level!

As for it taking slightly longer, the few times I have tried it, it took perhaps 2-3 seconds longer!

To select low-level formatting, press the ERASE (trash can) button.

[Sepiana]

Sepiana,

Is this an option of your camera's Format option?

Byron

Hi Byron,

Yes, it is (Canon A720IS). Here is the image. Sorry for the flash. I forgot it was on.

[Sepiana]

Sepiana,

In the owners manual on page 41 it explains low level formatting.

-Do low-level formatting if the card's recording or reading speeds seems slow.

-Since low-level formatting will erase all recordable sectors in the card, the formatting will take slightly 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 card as usual.

I have no idea why Canon calls it low-level. To me it seems like it should be called high-level!

As for it taking slightly longer, the few times I have tried it, it took perhaps 2-3 seconds longer!

To select low-level formatting, press the ERASE (trash can) button.

Charles, thanks for the explanation. I just have another question. Which manual are you referring to?

In my initial post, I was referring to the User Guide that comes with the Canon A720IS. Is there a lengthier one? I can't find this explanation on page 41.

Also, I don't see this low-level option in the Rebel XT. Is this some Canon idiosyncrasy for the P&S?

[Inspeqtor]

Sepiana,

My memory failed me again! For some reason I was thinking you owned a Canon XSi camera. My Canon XSi manual is the one I was referring to. I was not aware the XT does not have that option.

I am glad that Canon put it in the manual for the XSi, but they should have put that into every camera manual that has the low-level option.

I hope this helps. :o

[Sepiana]

Sepiana,

My memory failed me again! For some reason I was thinking you owned a Canon XSi camera. My Canon XSi manual is the one I was referring to. I was not aware the XT does not have that option.

I am glad that Canon put it in the manual for the XSi, but they should have put that into every camera manual that has the low-level option.

I hope this helps. :o

Hi Charles,

Thanks for taking the time to give me all explanations. I'm quite embarrassed - I finally found the explanation in the manual for the A720IS -- one of those short notices at the bottom of the page. Sorry!

BTW, keep thinking I own an XSi; I can use all the positive thinking I can get -- as of today, I still haven't been able to convince my husband we need to upgrade to an XSi. I guess I have to turn up the Brazilian charm a notch.;)

[Inspeqtor]

Hi Charles,

Thanks for taking the time to give me all explanations. I'm quite embarrassed - I finally found the explanation in the manual for the A720IS -- one of those short notices at the bottom of the page. Sorry!

BTW, keep thinking I own an XSi; I can use all the positive thinking I can get -- as of today, I still haven't been able to convince my husband we need to upgrade to an XSi. I guess I have to turn up the Brazilian charm a notch.;)

You are most welcome for any and all help I can give you :) I am glad you finally found the explanation in your manual. I understand not being able to find it. There are many many times I read something, but don't see it! :eek:

I hope someday you can use your Brazilian charm to convince your husband you need to upgrade to a better camera, whether it be an XSi, or some other model :D