FAT vs. FAT32 - Formatting CF

I use SanDisk Extreme3 2GB flash cards. I've got the option to format them as FAT or FAT32.

What is your recommenation and why? Does either option have a performance advantage, especially write performance?

thanks

cadaques said:

I use SanDisk Extreme3 2GB flash cards. I've got the option to
format them as FAT or FAT32.

What is your recommenation and why? Does either option have a
performance advantage, especially write performance?

thanks

Click to expand...

I'd format them the same as the camera does for the D2's,the D200 and I think the D70 anyway that would be FAT32, and you are probably better off using the camera's built in format function rather than your computer's as it, I think, also creates the required files and folders, although it may be able to do that when it first writes to a newly formatted flash card.,

The FAT file system was never meant to handle more than 2 GB whereas the FAT32 system was designed to handle much more. I forget the upper limit at the moment but its much larger.

--
-Steve

Patiently, waiting for the first full spectrum, spherical FOV, infinite resolution digital camera, while enjoying my less than perfect camera of today.

Formatting in your PC or in the camera doesn't seem to matter much. Obviously, in the camera gives you the folders/files as Steve said.

If you format in your PC/Laptop then FAT32 makes the best sense and the camera is clever enough to write the requisite folders/files prior to recording the first image. I have always followed a workflow of downloading the card using a card reader and the standard Nikon software. I then confirm that the images are recorded on the HDD correctly and only then format the card in my laptop.

Formatting in the laptop saves some battery usage for the camera. How much differnece that makes, I do not know. I might get another couple of shots per battery that way. Who knows?

Mustrum

--
My God! It's full of elephants. Terry Pratchett