non-initialized CF Express card (Type B) not reading with Canon XF Utility via camera (USB-C)

[KaiCabo]

HELP PLEASE! ASAP  (Need to get footage to client.)

Brand new Canon R5C and Sony Tough CF Express Type B (960GB) + 2024 MacBook Pro (M3 MA

Did not initialize the card before recording my first video files. Shot a half day on-location with a client and now trying to upload the footage directly from the camera to my computer via USB-C and the Canon XF Utility. About 50 clips some 4K, some 1080, some long, some short.

The card/camera is not showing up in the XF Utility or in the Finder. I tried Disk Drill & StellarData Recovery to see if they could find the card/camera - no luck. It does not show up in the Disk Utility either.

I do not have a card reader yet but am concerned that it may not work. Looks like this fellow had a similar issue with not much luck. (https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/Professional-Video/Importing-videos-from-Canon-R5-C/m-p/399013) 

Do I need to get a CF Express card reader and just hope it can read the card? Any insight? Thank you.

Kai

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I use a Prograde card reader for both SD and CFExpressB.  I'm not sure how you missed formatting the card before use.  Its written almost everywhere (sorry).  As far as reading files goes, you could get lucky, but I suspect this is going to be a recovery situation.  I hope it works out for you.  

[KaiCabo]

I got excited to test it out before diving into the manual...

What do you mean by recovery situation? Sending it to a recovery specialist?

[Tronhard]

Most of the better card readers offer file recovery software for their cards.  You might consider checking out the Sony site to see if they have that, but it's a bridge we hope you don't have to cross.

Since I am on the subject.  When you remove the card from the camera, make sure the camera is not only off but wait about 10 secs for any handshaking between the card and the camera to complete.

Once you have the card, the reader device should be attached to the PC first, then insert the card.   If you are successful it will be seen as a removable drive in the file manager.  You can access the appropriate folders on the card and copy them to your hard disc as required.  Definitely check that the files get across and try to see if you can read the files from the computer's hard disc.   Be careful in removing the CF Express card afterwards, Windows machines use an Eject feature but I don't know the procedure for a Mac.

[KaiCabo]

Will keep those tips in mind - thanks.

Any idea if you can copy files from the CFExpress B (slot 1) to a SD card (slot 2)?

[Tronhard]

Hi Kai and welcome to the forum:
Does the camera play back the video on its LCD when the card is still on board?  That would confirm that the recording exists, so then it is down to a connectivity issue between the camera and the computer.

Well, if you and your clients depend on the download I would strongly recommend that you always have a back up method of reading your cards. Using a USB connected CF express card reader is the most reliable and likely fastest way to download data from a camera to a computer.   So definitely, I would recommend getting a CF express card reader - a good one - immediately.  With luck it will pick up the files and you will be OK, if not, you have tried.

As an aside, it is always best practise to format every card in the camera it will be used on, especially for video.

[KaiCabo]

Thanks Trevor,

The videos do playback on the LCD screen just fine. I did manage to upload few photos I have taken when I opened Photos (this program seemed to be able to read the card). No videos though. Any more thoughts?

I'm about to order a Sony CFExpress B card reader to match the Sony Tough card - guess I just gotta cross my fingers and see.

And a big lesson in formatting! Will do once I can get these files off.