EOS 50D Memory Card Issue

[JRW99]

Any advice on formatting the memory card or the appropriate memory card(s)?  Have tried formatting 2 new 32GB CompactFlash cards and both cards have resulted in the msg "Cannot format. Change card." (multiple times with each card, after removing and reinstalling the 511 battery).  Thanks

[deebatman316]

Have you tried using a smaller CF Card. Older cameras CAN NOT USE LARGE CF Cards. I own the EOS 40D the predecessor to the EOS 50D. It also CAN NOT USE 32 GB CF Cards. I would try smaller 8 or 16 GB CF Cards.

-Demetrius

Current Gear: EOS 5D Mark IV, EF 16-35mm F/2.8L III USM, EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM, EF 50 F/1.8 STM, EF 85mm F/1.8 USM, EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM, 430EX III-RT, 470EX-AI & 600EX II-RT

Retired Gear: EOS 40D, Sigma 17-50mm F/2.8 EX DC OS HSM & EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

[JRW99]

Thanks.  Will try that.  Had read somewhere (not here) that the 50D used up to a 32GB card and after the failures to format, I began to wonder if I might have more success with a card with less storage. Will try it.  Again, thanks!

[deebatman316]

I personally used 8GB CF Cards in my now retired EOS 40D and never had problems. But I had problems with 32 GB or 64 GB CF Cards. I would recommend using Lexar CF Cards. CF Cards don't come cheap only purchase cards from a reputable store such as Best Buy or any other electronics store. Even a Camera store whether that be local or online. DO NOT use Amazon they're NOT A REPUTABLE store. There have been many reports in the forums of counterfeit memory cards. Also DO NOT USE a CF to SD Card adapter. Always use the correct memory card format.

-Demetrius

Current Gear: EOS 5D Mark IV, EF 16-35mm F/2.8L III USM, EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM, EF 50 F/1.8 STM, EF 85mm F/1.8 USM, EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM, 430EX III-RT, 470EX-AI & 600EX II-RT

Retired Gear: EOS 40D, Sigma 17-50mm F/2.8 EX DC OS HSM & EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

[JRW99]

Thanks again.  Appreciate all the advice.

[JRW99]

Am beginning to wonder if the card formatting issue is another problem.  I have tried a Lexnar 16GB and am still getting the same msg "cannot format. change card."  Tried an 8 I had and will be trying a 4 next.  I looked thru the owners manual for the 50D and it does not have anything in the way of FAQs etc that touch on the subject.  Anyone have any ideas on what the problem could be if it still won't format a new small card?  Have not found anything on the web (but may not be searching in the most effective way).  Thanks again

[deebatman316]

If you have a USB CF Card reader try to format the card on the computer. Then try to format it in the camera. Check the pins in the camera to make sure the pins aren't bent.

-Demetrius

Current Gear: EOS 5D Mark IV, EF 16-35mm F/2.8L III USM, EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM, EF 50 F/1.8 STM, EF 85mm F/1.8 USM, EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM, 470EX-AI & 600EX II-RT

Retired Gear: EOS 40D & Sigma 17-50mm F/2.8 EX DC OS HSM