When I first got it I was reading through the book and decided to take a few pics. then I saw the part where it says you should format it before you use it. Is this really necessary for new cameras? Doesnt that just delete what was on there before? Should I still do it even though it has already been used?


One more question. Is there a way to put another zoom on a camera? Its a Canon Powershot Sd500. It has a 3x zoom and its kinda hard to take some of the pics I wanted too since the zoom isnt great. Or maybe Im just doing something wrong... That is very possible.

As I understand, p&s cameras can only zoom what their built for. And I would definitely format it because it helps get rid of junk and save space.

sorry to tell you , but to my knowledge you've brought the wrong camera to swap lens on and unless you got a lot of mp i wouldn't suggest using digital zoom even then with the mp , unless its improved a lot since i used it last i would stay away from it

Formatting the card is pointless on P&Shoots.
I Format my card every time I take the photos of it and have them on the computer, because I also swap my cards between my HD Camcorder and the DSLR.

Formatting only brings the card up to interact with the camera better and faster. When you format, and have the "100% interaction" a DSLR will be able to shoots its full 4fps capacity.
Not formatting means it will be set to interact better with a different camera, to shoot fast for a different one.

Not really needed for point and shoots, they can't shoot burst or high fps.

Edit: Q2: You can't put a lens on a point and shoot LOL.

This post was edited by TheBlackRose66 on Apr 1 2009 07:29am

Actually, I still think it wouldn't hurt to format your memory card on a P&S, even if you do it just once and be done with it.

And sorry to say, but laughing at his question wasn't exactly the best way to answer... :\ I find it rude. We were all beginners once!

I never stated that I was laughing at his question...And I find it rude you would put words into my mouth and make assumptions.
"LOL" Is an abbreviation,(Laughing Out Loud) I could have been laughing at anything in my entire comment.

Sorry but some of the things you've been saying in here, I just don't like it. End of discussion. I do see some nice things you have been saying here, of course, don't get that wrong.

This post was edited by chantal7 on Apr 1 2009 07:17pm

I don't even talk in here.
Please provide some recent examples.
-Thanks.

not to butt in but I agree with chantal7. I've been looking at the photography forum for about a while now and your recent posts seem to be quite rude. When I first started "trolling" this forum your post's were very helpful and insightful. But recently most of the post I've read of yours are the oppostie - rude and degrading.

Don't take this the wrong way! I just want to see the photography section stay as helpful as it was when I first came here!