SD Card Formatting
When using an SD card for the first time with this camera, it will become necessary to format the card. Formatting always erases 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 proceed with formatting.
BEST PRACTICE – before you start recording, always begin with a freshly formatted SD card.
Inserting the SD Card
It’s easier to insert the card before you insert the battery. That’s because the card slot is located at the bottom of the battery compartment, which makes it slightly awkward trying to open the slot door when the battery is installed.
NOTE: Before installing the battery, insert the SD card into the slot.
Open the SD CARD door by placing your thumb over the words SD CARD and gently press forward and up.
Slide in the card, terminal side facing downward, and insert as far as it will go until it clicks.
Close the SD CARD door.
Power up the camera – the status indicator for the card slot will light up.
To remove the card, make sure the status indicator is not flashing or on. Flashing would mean that the camera is accessing the card.
Press the centre of the card once to release it. When the SD card springs out, pull it all the way out.
Don't forget to close the SD CARD door.
How to format the SD card
Once the SD card is inserted and the camera is powered up, press the MENU button (located at the back of the camera).
Use the joystick/SET button to scroll down the MENU items until you get to the wrench icon (OTHER FUNCTIONS).
Scroll through the OTHER FUNCTIONS submenu until you find Initialize Media - press SET
Select SD Card and then press SET
Use Complete Initialization, which will delete all data on the card completely. The Quick Initialization will only clear the file allocation table, but it doesn’t physically erase the stored data.
When the confirmation message appears, press SET and the SD card is formatted for use with this camera.
IMPORTANT – formatting the SD card will permanently erase all data on the card. Lost data cannot be recovered. Make sure you save important recordings to a portable drive in advance.
Troubleshooting SD Card Issues - SD Card Needs Recovering
Sometimes, actions such as turning off the camera or removing the recording media while data is being recorded can cause data errors. In such cases, you may be able to recover data if a message comes up that says the SD card needs recovering.
When the camera prompts you to recover the data, select OK and then press SET. When the confirmation message appears, press SET
NOTE: the recover procedure will delete clips shorter than 10 seconds and up to 10 seconds will be deleted from longer clips. In some cases, if the file system on the card is corrupted, then it won’t be possible to recover data.
Tips to Avoid SD Card Problems
- Don’t get into the habit of using the memory card to store other projects (especially Adobe Premiere project files) as this may cause recording errors. Should you get an error message, the likely solution will be to format the SD card.
- 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 access light is lit or flashing, DO NOT remove the SD card or turn off the camera
- Do not place SD cards 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