Instruction manual

• Opening, deleting, renaming or moving files on the card while its contents

are open on a computer

• Using a memory card which has not been formatted in the camera, or

using a memory card from one camera in a different camera without first

formatting it in the new camera

• Formatting a card in a computer instead of the camera

• Inserting a second memory card into a card reader before closing and

removing the first, when viewing photos on the card from a computer

• Taking photos when camera batteries are nearly empty

• Taking photos so rapidly that the camera cannot complete writing one

photo to the card before starting the next

• Continually shooting and deleting photos when the card is full

• Letting a media card get too full before downloading the photos to a

computer or storage device. Cards that are too full may overwrite the

card headers

• Exposing media cards to powerful electrical sources (remember that static

electricity from walking on a carpet in winter can produce a very high

voltage charge that can damage a card) and strong magnetic fields (walk-

through x-ray machines and scanners at airports are safe, but some of

the new more powerful x-ray machines that they use on checked luggage

may damage your cards). If you have any doubt or concerns, carry your

media cards on the plane.

If your card becomes corrupted, try formatting the card in your camera and

see if this corrects future problems.

1.4 Photo File Formats

Digital cameras save photos onto memory cards, but you (the camera

operator) must choose how the photo is saved. Your choice will affect how the

photo can or cannot be used by our customers. In this chapter we’ll review the

basic photo file formats, and then discuss resolution and quality in more detail in

the following chapter.

For CAP missions, the photo format and size is usually determined by the

customer’s needs. Basically there are two factors to weigh when considering

formats: the output format (e.g., photos will be displayed on a computer monitor or

the Web, or the photos will be printed) and the format's specific features.