Is it the 50D or SanDisk? Someone has to have the solution!

 

<p><strong>Someone has to have the answer.</strong><br>

<strong>Out of the blue, I take photos, which I can see via camera display, I get home, put the card into my PC's card reader and then BOOM-the photos are wiped without my commanding it. <br /><br />Luckily they are there, for the most part. I found this out because i had to buy recovery software and pull my RAW files off that way. I still have image loss and the recovered files come off the card out of shooting order as well. </strong><br>

<strong>I have to take my files off the camera via cardreader becuase I have to use ZoomBrowser. This is because a few months ago, when taking my pix off the card via windows copy and paste or dragging, I'd find 1-5 corrupted images (not permanently corrupted but hit or miss if i could pull them off the card another way with success), then the number of corrupted files increased.</strong><br>

<strong><br />A smart group of facebook canon page people referred me to using ZoomBrowser since it's tailor made to handle Canon files. This ended teh corrupted file problem. </strong><br>

<strong>THEN out of the blue (I've had this same 50D for 3</strong><strong> years) the camera started displaying errors. It happens whether I'm using my 24-70mm or my 50mm or 85mm lenses. </strong><br>

<strong> </strong><strong>It happens when i do everything right (Format in camera before shooting, good batteries, etc). </strong><br>

<strong>It doesn't happen everytime.</strong><br>

<strong>It happened at first when using the SanDisk 8GB card. After reading answers on your forum I flipped out on SanDisk because i had to buy a recovery application to save my photo session because the only thing my PC wanted to do was to format the CF Card and I couldn't even take them direct from the 50D because of the error. </strong><br>

<strong>THe in camera error on display is "Cannot create folder" which happens after I've removed the card from teh camera and put it in my PC's card reader. THe card reader either doesn't see or recognize the card at all , or if it sees it windows suggests formatting it or tells me that there's no files for Zoombrowser to take off the CF Card. When I dbl click my H drive icon (The card reader is drive H) I see nothing or an empty folder. <br /><br />When I run recovery software from this point, it pulls all of the files off, mostly all, and jumbled. </strong><br>

<strong>After reading some forums I was led to believe it was the SanDisk card (the first time it happened I was using an 8GB SanDisk CF Card.</strong><br>

<strong>I returned the 8GB card I had to SanDisk and demanded two new 4GB cards in replacement because I thought the issue was the speed and size of the CF cards. Well guess what, I was using a new 4GB SanDisk CF Card when again, 'cannot create folder', 'card may be corrupted or damaged', 'no files to read on this card', 'please insert card , no card in drive', "format this card"....</strong><br>

<strong> </strong><strong>What is the real answer? Is it my PC's card reader damaging the CF Card's images? I can see them in the camera, then i stick them in the drive and suddenly they're 'not there', 'corrupted' etc. THen i put them back in teh camera and i get "Cannot create folder'. It doesn't seem to be the 8GB card because I used a 4GB card (NEW) today and it still happened.</strong><br>

My CF cards are legit from Staples, not Chinese ebay knockoffs. <br>

<strong>Is it the camera, is it the CF card's compatibility issues with lenses, is it the card reader? Please if any of you out there know!</strong></p>

 

 

<p>Vicki, just to be sure I understand: If you format the CF card in the camera, take some test shots (RAW format), insert the CF card in the PC card reader, you should see in Drive H two folders: DCIM and MISC. If you open the DCIM folder you should see another folder, something like "100 Canon...) The RAW files should be in that folder. You're not getting any of that?</p>

<p>Have you tried the above routine with JPEG shots?</p>

<p>Also, I seriously doubt that the SanDisk cards are the problem, but you could have a problem with the card connection in the camera, like a bent pin. The camera problems you describe could be related. Take a look inside the card hatch and see if anything looks like it's pointed toward left field...</p>

<p>As William suggested, do a few tests (and don't panick).<br>

Are you sure you don't have software running that downloads the pictures and then clears the card? (Adobe software like Photoshop, Lightroom; Google Picasa; others?)<br>

Intermittant problems like these can be difficult to solve. First thing I'd do is download directly from the camera, try a different usb cable if the problem persists and if it's ok then add the cardreader, etc.</p>

<p>Hi William. I have to say that I haven't played with the jpg factor in the last 2 weeks because when I do professional sessions I rarely use jpg quality settings and the problem actually began by not always recognizing CF card in the drive and then some gentle 2nd and 3rd and sometimes 4th attempts seemed to work. Not until I hit the wall and the entire 8GB card was 'gone' did it become impossible to get the files even with further attempts. <br>

In reading dpreview forums and other google searches some folks were saying that SanDisk has a known issue with extreme cards (where something in the card's processors would erase the files in the transfer/copying process-but they're still there, just like if you 'deleted' the photos yourself, they're still there unless you overwrite them with new shots). But many of these folks were talking about the big cards-20 and 30GB. Still it hadn't happened with anything smaller than the 8GB and the 8GB said 'extreme' on the card. SO I mailed it back to SanDisk and bought two new 4GB cards thinking I was safe. <br>

Then I shot pix on friday and yesterday, tried grabbing them via Zoombrowser and found all to be 'gone'. Got the error msgs about 'cannot create folder' on the camera when trying to view the images that way (this was after putting them in the drive, before putting them in the drive I could see one of the card's contents in the display). Nothing I did could reverse my situation so out came the recovery software. <br>

I always assume the problems with the need to use zoombrowser then the current problem had to be connected. But I can say that when I connected the camera to the pc itself i wasn't able to view the files either. I believe that was after attempts to read in the card reader, though. It was the second line of defense because my preference is to extract the files with Zoombrowser because I never had a corrupted RAW file after I started using it. <br>

I'll see if i can get the card reader opened up to look for bent pins . I'm just not sure that would be the answer because I'm really careful about how I insert those things because I need to extract via zoom and the zoom software doesn't seem to be able to extract from the camera.<br>

Also the recovery software can 'see' the images when the card is plugged into the card drive so it can't be a malfunctioning pin.<br>

I'm also going to dbl check on my firmware today, I don't think I have the most recent and perhaps that would deal with the problem? <br>

WHen I open the DCIM folder it's empty (when the card reader 'recognizes' the card-I'm sorry to say I'm unsure of my language because I'm unclear about what's going on. I don't think it's a bent pin issue though because the problem went from not being able to </p>

<p>I would definetly reinstall the firmware. It <em>sounds</em> as if the problem is related to the camera, if, for no other reason, you are <em>having problems creating card folders immediately after an in camera format.</em> (ie. the card has only touched the camera after a format, and is still having problems/errors). I wouldn't expect a bent pin, as you'd be having <em>far</em> more troubles...</p>

<p>If the <strong>card</strong>, OTOH, has been connected to your PC, <strong><em>then</em></strong> you have errors I would be inclined to think it's software on your PC that's activated when you insert the card, and screws around w/ the card (reads/'syncs'/configures/imports/etc.). Some examples I've had problems w/ are: itunes, windows vista/7, windows media player... Of course <em>any</em> piece of extraneous software could be the culprit... <em> </em></p>

<p>Marcus-what do you do when itunes, windows op systems, and a media player mess with your photo importing? I can't get rid of windows, i rarely use itunes at all. There was no extra funky software or new software on my pc when the original issues with corrupted raw files started. <br />I did install a trial version of Nik Sharpener Pro (which is now deactiviated) before the recent 'cannot create folder', 'reformat the drive there's nothing in it' problems. ZOombrowser saved my life when the initial random corruption problems started and now i can't even use it because even if I could see the files in my camera and grab them by connecting the camera via usb to pc, Zoombrowser doesn't seem to have options to take them off the camera, only 'from your pc' and the drives that are permanently connected to the pc. Of course it could be that the pc isn't seeing the camera so zoombrowser wouldn't see the drive represented by the camera....</p>

<p>I'm inclined to agree it's not a bent pin otherwise how could the recovery software read the card. </p>

<p>by the way, i'm sooooo grateful for the earnest time you guys are offering to me. I think we all have to be trained in the technical aspects so much more than we're prepared to. I really try and my husband is an applications manager so often he helps me navigate the way apps work and troubleshooting but he has no training into dslr's, camera file handling, post production work and plug ins so it's hard for me to self help with him often because we're both at a bit of a deficit sometimes. </p>

Have you tried getting your photos off of the camera using a diffferent computer,it's very possible you could have a windows file issue,I

have seen viruses cause this, well as I have seen missing windows files, which cause the folders to not be visible ,you might want to

check that when yu are looking at the drive letter ,when accessing the camera ,that you check on he view folder option to view all

files,from time to time , when new software is installed it overwrite a window file that you need for the canon software or other types, I

have had this happen,on occasion and the only way to get everything back to working order is a full restore, copying evrything on the PC

to. a portable drive , then I run a deep scan for viruses on the portable, before I put any of my picture files back on the PC,There is also a

small program on the canon website that allows you to look at raw files without any of the canon software installed, it only sees raw files,

this works out well if you intend to use photoshops cs to correct any photos. It wouldn't hurt if you also formatted all of your memory on

your camera and do not format on a PC, many times the camera has problems reading the memory if ou don't use the software on he

camera for formatting. I hope this might help.

<p>I haven't tried pulling them off via a diff computer. <br />This is something I will also try today. I recently did a big scrub of the pc using spybot search and destroy and another security program my husband uses at work. He also ratcheted the pc back to a date before I got clobbered by a date so that all settings should be safely untainted. I supposed it's possible that damage still could be done even with those efforts. <br>

But, I think I'm hearing that the initial raw file corruption issue which was solved by zoombrowser/reader software and the subsequent problem I'm writing about are likely connected and I had no issues with a virus or performance when that first weird issue sprung up and zoom resolved it. <br>

*What windows files would relate to the process I'm trying to make happen so I know what to check?<br>

I definitely check 'all files' when i can but in this case I can't even see the DCIM folder and when I can, the computer says there's nothing there and to reformat. The camera will also say at that time, 'cannot create folder' and to reformat. Even though I saw the shots appear in the display when i worked, I'd scroll back and forth to make cuts during the shoot, etc. <br>

*When you mention full restore are you talking about the kind of roll back to a previously pristine state? I don't use a portable card reader, mine is part of the pc. <br>

I only format my CF cards in camera and I do it right before I shoot as well as the night before when I prep.<br>

If you can tell me if the 'full restore' is more or less what we already tried and if you know what type of windows files that relate to reading canon that I shoudl look at. <br />Should i reinstall zoombrowser in addition to updating camera firmware?</p>

<p>I found that reinstalling zoombrowser helped once (I haven't used it in several years), of course I completely uninstalled all the Canon software and reinstalled from scratch, but it solved a problem I was having at the time w/ Zoom & DPP fighting. I haven't ever had a single problem w/ RAWs into LR.</p>

<p>I would also get a USB CF card reader and try using it, Although I don't have a built in CF reader on my box, I've heard numerous people have problems w/ the built in ones, and as part of the system, the problems can be both pervasive, and subtle. If yours is tied in to the motherboard directly (as opposed to through the USB bus - internal units can be either) it will have system drivers which could be tied into the problem... who knows? but a cheap USB one will be about $10+, and will be a whole lot less complicated (to the computer), meaning you should expect to be able to drag 'n drop without complication.</p>

<p>Of course, you said that you format in camera immediately prior to shooting. This means that the 'cannot create folder' error has NOTHING to do w/ your computer. It is (possibly) a memory card controller conflict w/ the Camera's firmware. Do you shoot w/ other brands (or different models) of CF cards? You said Sandisk has a known problem w/ some of their cards and the 50D... I wonder if the new 4gb cards have the same controller (and just the size is different) as your old card?<br>

So I would also try to replicate the problem with a different brand of CF card. If you can, then there is certainly something wrong with the camera's hardware/firmware.</p>

<p>Hey Marcus-Did try a seperate card reader. Same effect, couldn't see the images or couldn't see the folder. <br>

It's reassuring to know that you can eliminate the pc as being a problem. <br>

Do you think reinstalling the drivers for the built in card reader would be worth the effort?<br>

I'll uninstall and reinstall the zoom software. I don't use lightroom right now. I have a 3 year old version and I need to upgrade but I do it all in photoshopcs5 and a few plug ins. <br>

I only ever use SanDisk cards. I used strictly a stack of 1GB cards and then added 4, 4GB cards and never had a problem. Then I got an 8GB card.<br>

Various google results told stories of people using Canon cameras and Extreme and ExtremeIII SanDisk CF cards. One guy saying that the high capacity cards have a known issue of erasing in the process of reading them-a card processor related issue. <br>

But the same problem happened with my new and old 4GB cards-which are hardly super high speed high capacity cards. Also never had a problem with them no matter who I pulled the image files off them. <br>

I had intermittent issues with the CF card being recognized by the computer (and then would take the pix off my camera). I believe this problem was with the 8 and 4GB cards.<br>

Initially no problem then swithin a month of getting the 8GB card, I get the 'cannot create folder' error on the card , suggesting to reformat, couldn't see the pix via card reader, via usb cord and camera connection, couldn't see them at all when clicking on the H drive, etc. <br>

THought it was that card then got two new 4GB thinking happy days are here again. Then I do two shoots this week and used only 4GB cards (new and older ones) and same problem again. </p>

<p>Well, you've eliminated the PC as the <em>key </em>problem (even though it's still potentially related), so I doubt anything you do to it is going to significantly affect the card/camera issue.</p>

<p>I haven't used Sandisk cards in (at least) the last five years, so I have no specific personal knowledge of them and their interaction w/ the camera, but I seem to recall that one of the memory controllers they (Sandisk) used for awhile did have some problems w/ the 50D (Canon's first gen UDMA compatible unit), but don't quote me on that(!), I suspect that a conflict w/ the camera's firmware and the card's memory controller is what is causing the problem. I wonder if it's possible that the camera is remembering the conflict w/ an 8gb card, and triggering a different mode, which is causing the write problem? I don't know enough about the auto mode switching firmware on the 50D to say.<br>

To be honest, the most practical course is to do a hard factory reset (gank all the batts), upgrade the firmware (or reload the current firmware), and see if you can get the camera to do it again. If you can, call Sandisk and discuss it w/ one of their tech guys, if they can't help you (or at least illuminate you to a known problem), then call Canon and try the same. I'd love to know what they say. </p>

 

<p>Reset your camera, reinstall the firmware update, take your CF cards and if possible use them on a different camera, go to your local electronics store and stick the card in, take 20-30 shots bring them home and see if you can open them up with your computer. I would try it with two or three different cameras that take the CF card.<br>

Disable autoplay features in windows, when inserting a card. after you instert the CF card into the computer, right click on the "drive" that the card is in and select properties and see make a note how many files and/or folder are there and how much space is used vs. empty. You could have downloaded some sort of a program on to your card that creates all the issues. <br>

Clean your card slot in your camera, sometimes a piece of dust or dirt can get stuck in the pins and cause a connection issue....blow some air on it while the camera cf card slot is pointing downward and see if anything "falls out".<br>

Those are the steps I would take. The most likely issue here is that there is a corruption with the camera software so, rest and reinstall the updated firmware. <br>

Tom</p>

<p>I had this exact same problem with the Sandisk CF card. It happened twice before I just threw it away and switched to a different brand. I think the problem is with the card because I shoot with a 20D and the exact same thing happened to me but when I used a different brand memory card, that memory card works fine.</p>