The digital revolution in photography has created a double-edged sword. On one hand, we have the freedom to photograph any whim that we find interesting, with the idea that "if I don't like it I can delete it". Most people don't realize the task they are asking those devices to preform. When you delete a photo in the camera, you are basically removing a chunk of data from the memory card. When the next photo comes along to fill that spot it many be a larger or smaller file... if it is larger, the file will be chopped up and the memory becomes fragmented. This is a problem for your desktop computer, imagine the strain you add to the processor that is working in that camera. Think of a row of small cars parked in a line bumper to bumper. Take one of those cars out of the middle and try to fit in a '72 Cadillac... yep you are going to have to unbolt the front end and engine to be able to make it fit. Now take all those left over parts and scatter them down the row till they are tucked in nice and neat, everything is fine till you need to drive it home. I know it seems like the camera should be able to handle it, and it does until it doesn't and then the best you can hope for is some luck and a really good recovery program. It is best to think about your digital media like you did film, once you click the shutter that image is set in line until it is developed (loaded into your computer).
Tips for giving your data the best chance for survival:
1. Never delete photos in camera (load on to your computer to edit).
2. Load images on to your computer and back up files before returning the card to service.
3. When the images have been loaded and backed up, format the card in your camera.
4. When handling cards, be sure to avoid touching the contacts.
5. Store cards in a case when not in the camera.
6. Lastly, print your images. It may not seem like it but digital images can disappear in a blink of an eye. Computers crash every day and given enough time you will suffer from a failure in equipment.
1 comment:
Liked your article on backup but having done data recovery and diverse other computer tasks for oodles of years I do have a few comments.
Defragmentation of media, though always a potential problem, is exascerbated by two specific conditions. Storage media is most often affected by fragmentation when it is almost full or the majority of the stored files are large. To use your analogy, if most of the cars in line are VW Beetles then there is not much that will fit into the emply slot caused by deletion of a beetle (photo). The smaller fragments placed in the empty slots only make things worse. Simultaneously if the media is full, finding space is difficult and again fragmentation increases dramatically.
inadvertently deleted images can often be recovered, sometimes, even after a format. The likelihood of success revolves around how much has been done to the media after the deletion. We've had much success with this.
Finally, with regard to avoiding image loss. Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Remember the seasoned technician's adage. "There are two types of media. Those that have failed and those that will." Magnetic media can demagnetize, flash media is sensitive to static electricity, optical media can warp, abrade or scratch and all are subject to physical damage or failure. Much to the dismay of some they are learning that early DVD's are starting to delaminate. The answer is to simply make several copies and store them in different places. The degree of effort should be in direct proportion to the value you place on the images in question. It's too bad NASA didn't realize this. I'm told NASA still can't find its lost original moon landing videotapes. By contrast will never be forgotten since the evidence is stored in so many places.
A flash drive and CD or DVD in a safe deposit box that mirrors a copy kept at home should be sufficient. I do this as well as having an additional NAS hard drive, on the network, in one of our out buildings.
Best of luck to you all and thanks for the periodic desktop backgrounds. I use them all. Thanks.
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