built-in memory full

[klyne]

I just got my brand new ZS20. It did not come with a memory card. I take just one photo and then get the message "built-in memory full", and cannot take any more photos. This camera is supposed to be able to work without a memory card.
Any ideas?
Thanks

 

[ChristianHass]

According to the review here on the site the ZS20 has 12mb of internal memory, that's not going to give you a lot of shots. Seems mostly like something added for demo purposes.
--
Shooting for fun and memories.

 

[windmillgolfer]

As Christian said, there's only 12MB of memory, which is unusually small. It could well be that there is not room for two images on best quality JPEG. Try deleting all images and changing the quality to the lowest. Better still, RTFM and get a card ASAP, at least 4GB and preferably 8GB, Class 10, they are cheap these days. Stuart

 

[klyne]

Christianhass

Yes, it even says in the "manual" that the built-in memory is just 12 mb. That does not amount to much, but only one photo? The manual implies that the camera can be used without a memory card. If being "used" means taking one photo, then I guess they have a point. I will get a memory card and try again.
Thanks

 

[Robiro]

Increase the JPEG compression by setting lower quality (fewer dots in the menu).

That will give you a capacity for 2 or 3 images in your built in memory.

And get an SD card...

 

[klyne]

It did help to change the settings, but I can see that I need a memory card, and I will get the largest capacity I can find. 12 mb is not enough for anything.
Thanks

 

[klyne]

I just installed an 8 mb SD card. The camera works perfectly now, and the photos are awesome. That built-in memory is just useless. They should not make the claim that the camera can be used without a memory card. It is otherwise a beautiful camera.

 

[Peg Bethany]

I actually use my built in memory. I take a picture of my business card. Then maybe, if I lose my camera - and if it is found by someone who wants to return it - they will know who to contact.

But, that is about the only use I can see for the built in memory.
--

Peg

 

[windmillgolfer]

That's a good idea Peg, I must adopt it. Stuart

 

[jotor]

Did you review the photo(s) on the built in memory? I would be very curious to see what else is in there besides your one shot.

Joe
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/jotor/sets/72157603857531887/show/

'Learn everything, forget everything and play'
Jimi Hendrix

 

[vcayenne]

I too, when I purchased my ZS20 had the same experience (I'd not intended to get it that day so didn't have SD cards with me). One shot and the memory was full. There was nothing else stored. I'm of the belief that aspects of the GPS capability are a factor in the paucity of available onboard storage. I'd never gotten the impression that the camera was "usable" without a card though. Operational, yes, but usable as a device for capturing photos [plural]? No.

 

[MissingLinkie]

If you are serious thinking about "using" build-in memory, use/setup to

• lowest pixel count,
• smallest ratio
• highest compression ,

and get many pictures without a card..

i think you will like it...

but if you want more out of you nice cam and better I.Q. GET A CARD
--
This is just my RAW avatar....

 

[klyne]

Thanks to all who came with suggestions.

I never intended to use the built-in memory for taking pictures. The camera came in the mail late on Friday, and without an SD card. The manual implied that it could be used without an SD card. I bought a card the next day, and the camera works beautifully. It is an awesome camera.

 

[Vandyu]

What a great idea, Peg. I never would have thought of that.
--
Are you ready to make someone's day a little brighter?

 

[EOS Paul]

As long as you remember to remove your SD card before you lose the camera. With the SD card still in it's unlikely that a casual user would find the image on the internal memory.

 

[kkardster]

The sibling ZS19 model has 70 MB of internal memory, but the ZS20 GPS must use part of that - leaving only the paltry 12 MB for photos. That is so small that the ZS20 won't even allow recoridng video to the internal memory.