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How to Format an Action Camera SD Card
Do you need to store new items in your camera’s SD card? The best way to go about this is by formatting your SD card. When done right, the process created more space without altering the initially partitioned sections.
For safety purposes, you should first save all the images and footages as they might not be recoverable after formatting. Let’s take a look at how to format an action camera SD card for new use & specifically GoPro cameras.
Quick Tips
- The process can be handled via a computer or in the camera. The latter has a significant advantage as it functions just how the camera wants to. The partitions remain the same hence fostering communication between the camera and the SD card.
- Another quick reminder is saving your previous work to avoid loss. Recovering is possible but takes more time and the involvement of data recovery software. By saving your work, you reduce the hassle.
- The process is beneficial and should be DIY scheduled regularly.
- Depending on the model, the process takes between 5 to 30 seconds.
Format Your SD Cards for Hero9 Black and Hero8 Black
Insert the card into your camera and switch it on to view. On display, you will see a menu; open it and swipe down to the section labelled ‘Preferences’.
You should then further scroll down to the ‘Reset’ prompt. Choose ‘Format SD Card’.
Format Your SD Cards for Hero7 Black, Silver or White
You begin by inserting the SD card into the camera and turning it on.
There is a menu button on the back screen; open it, and use the side button to go to the ‘Preferences’ section.
Scroll down to the ‘Reset’ prompt and Choose ‘Format SD Card’.
Format Your SD Cards for Hero6 Black or Hero5 Black
Follow the turning on the procedure and get to the ‘Preference’ section.
The only difference in these models is that there is no Reset Button. You go straight to the ‘Format SD Card’ section, tap on it and choose delete.
Format Your SD Cards for Hero5 & 4 Session
The camera does not have formatting available on the menu. As such, one has to download the GoPro mobile app.
You should insert the SD card into the camera, turn it on and connect the GoPro app through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In the app, you will find a ‘Settings’ Section; scroll down and find the ‘Delete’ prompt and choose’ Delete All Files from SD Card’ option.
Format Your GoPro Fusion Camera SD Cards
Insert the SD card and power on your camera. Press the side mode button repeatedly until you see a ‘Settings’ icon.
To enter the ‘Settings’ menu, you should press the front shutter button. You should continuously press the front shutter button until it displays the ‘Preferences’ button. Use the side mode and press ‘Format’ prompt.
It takes you to the ‘Format’ menu. Use the front shutter button and select format both SD cards.
The best thing with the Fusion camera is that it allows you to perform the formatting for both cards and each card individually.
For the best results, you should format both at the same time as outlined in this guide.
Formatting your GoPro Camera SD Cards using a Computer
You require a micro SD adapter and reader to feed the SD card into the laptop or computer.
First things first, back up your preferred videos and photos to avoid loss of data in the formatting process.
With everything safely backed up, open ‘Computer or ‘My PC’ and view your SD card under ‘Devices with Removable Storage’ or under ‘Devices and Drives’. Right-click on your SD card icon and click on the ‘Format’ prompt.
For the 32GB cards and less, you should use FAT32 and exFAT for 64GB and above. The process only takes a short while for completion.
Conclusion
Formatting your GoPro camera SD card requires that you understand the model of the camera as different models have different steps for the formatting.
With the understanding of the camera, you should schedule the formatting from time to time in order to create more space for a new shoot.
For owners of the GoPro Max have a read all about SD cards specific to the Max VR 360 camera.
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