Do memory cards for cameras ever just die?

Question

Like for no known reason ?

Camera keeps coming up with card error .. do i need to by a new card?

And if so why?

Answer 1

The reason you have a card error is probably because you have never formatted it. So, go into your camera's Menu and find the Format option. Check your user guide if you don't know how.

BUT, make sure there are no important images on it, because formatting will delete them all.

Anyway, memory cards are dirt cheap these days, so just buy a new one if you have to. But, remember to format it before you use it the first time, and everytime you need to delete all images from it (usually after you have uploaded them to your computer first). Regularly formatting your card will help prevent card errors...

Answer 2

Nothing last forever. Sometime due to poor QC.

Every card have a max no. of times for read/write. Once you excess that number, error start to occur or it just die.

Did you try to reformat the card?

Answer 3

All memory cards are made with the maximum capacity, but some cards don't have all the memory space available, this occurs in manufacture, so all the smaller cards (4Gb or less) have spare capacity available.

Quality cards such as the San Disc Extreme and Ultra series can use this spare capacity if a page of memory goes down. The card will automatically re-format itself you don't even know its done it. That's one of the reasons they are more expensive, its also the reasons they can guarantee them for life, and why professionals use them because of this built in redundancy.

Cheap cards can't do this re-allocation of memory space their control chip cannot reprogram itself, so when they fail the whole card becomes dead.

You gets what you pay for (usually).

Chris

Answer 4

They're flash memory. Flash memory does go bad eventually.  

Usually a bit at a time, and there's supposed to be compensatory algorithms built in somewhere to keep it from being a problem for as long as possible.  But yes, I could see one "just dying" at some point.

Or maybe your camera's screwed up.  If you can, go buy a new card for it at WalMart or someplace, and keep the receipt.

If the camera does the same thing with a new card, take the new card back and get a refund.  Then you can pitch your camera or call in its warranty or whatever your options are.

Answer 5

you need to format the card

check your camera manual for details

Answer 6

maybe the card is not compatible for your camera. like if your card is sdhc and your camera only uses sd. or if your camera uses memory stick and you use memory stick pro duo. or if you have a camera that uses xd but you have a xd m card.

Answer 7

Memory cards are good for for about one million writes. Yes they can become corrupted in just s few uses. When you format the card, your camera inserts a file so it can read it every time its reinserted. If you accidentally erased this file, the camera will show a card error. Try formatting the card in your camera. It may take a few tries. If no luck, get a new card.

Answer 8

They can die, often from frequent use.  Try the card in a different camera or some other reader.