Canon 5D Mark III. Images disappear

[EnterpriseFred]

Canon 5D Mark III. Images show on camera screen but CF card shows to be empty when connected to computer. Used two different CF cards, same result. Tried Sandisk Rescue program but no current images were found. Image counter goes down with or without a CF card inside, but it takes a few shutters to equal one frame.

[RobertTheFat · Accepted solution]

Do you also have an SD card in the camera? Even if you don't think you're using it, look for your images there. The 5D3's behavior with both card slots occupied can be very strange. Suppose you've told it to use the CF card, but to switch to the SD card if the CF card becomes full or unavalable. Then suppose you take the CF card out - to put it in a card reader, for example. The camera will permanently switch to the SD card, even if it is turned off at the time. Then if you put the CF card back in, the camera will not revert to using it; you have to set it again manually. This behavior is strongly counterintuitive, not well documented, and accompanied by no warnings.

[RobertTheFat · Accepted solution]

Do you also have an SD card in the camera? Even if you don't think you're using it, look for your images there. The 5D3's behavior with both card slots occupied can be very strange. Suppose you've told it to use the CF card, but to switch to the SD card if the CF card becomes full or unavalable. Then suppose you take the CF card out - to put it in a card reader, for example. The camera will permanently switch to the SD card, even if it is turned off at the time. Then if you put the CF card back in, the camera will not revert to using it; you have to set it again manually. This behavior is strongly counterintuitive, not well documented, and accompanied by no warnings.

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

First go into the tools menu and clear all settings.  Try again.

[EnterpriseFred]

SD card was in, had images. I feel silly. Coworker borrowed camera. Thanks to you both.

[ebiggs1]

Great!    It hppens to the best of us and even me!