With secure digital SD card becoming so popular, like the SanDisk Secure Digital SD Memory Card and the SanDisk Ultra II Secures Digital SD Memory Card which are some of the leading SD memory cards in the market.

The amount of data that can be stored and the tremendous number of images that can be taken on these media, it is vital that some care and general maintenance be done to avoid losing valuable photo's. In the days of roll film you only risked perhaps 36 exposures but with Secure Digital SD Memory Cards you can be risking several hundred images.

This guide is written because there is little or no supportive information about the basic care and maintenance of your SD card to help protect you from image and data loss and to prolong the life of your memory card.

When was the last time you lost some or all of your data? Have you ever had the horror of seeing the terrible error message "Unreadable Media?"

When you are trying to read or upload the contents of your memory card to your computer this message can appear on your screen. Why would this happen?

When you are recording a file to the media card an address is written of that data to a place where that file resides. Sometimes the address file can be corrupted and therefore your images cannot be found. One corrupted image file can cause many other images files to be lost also. One of the most common causes for this scenario is if the camera has been turned off or the memory card has been removed before the camera buffer has completely transferred your files to the memory card.

Conflicts with the firmware on your particular camera and the memory card firmware can also cause some loss of your images, otherwise known as "system error."

Here is a record of the procedures that I do to minimise the risk of loss and to increase the performance of my memory cards. These procedures will undoubtedly help you to.

I have got into the habit of always reformatting my secure digital SD cards in the camera that I intend to use for that card after I have transferred any previous files to my computer and backed up all the files in a few different places. I like to ensure that the memory card is cleared of all old files, file addresses and any possible corrupt data.

I have and use an image rescue program that allows me to recover my lost images. ImageRescue by Lexar can help in several areas' to quickly and easily repair and regain images and other files that might have been lost if not for this image rescue facility.

Purchase multiple cards and rotating all of your cards will ensure that they all get even wear. I have about 20 secure digital SD memory cards, which I number on the back and dot them so I can quickly identify and distinguish between 1GB and 2GB.

Keep up to date with firmware upgrades and news for your camera. Two good resources for this are at robgalbraith dot com and doubleexposure dot com. 

Always store your cards your memory cards in a low humidity and dry place. In excessive conditions try to use de-humidifying crystals when you store or carry your memory cards.

Use the plastic SD carrying case that arrived with the card, it helps to protect it from physical damage and stops dirt and dust from getting on the contacts.

Keep the camera batteries charged so to avoid loosing your images if the photo's have not been fully written to the card and the battery dies.

All cards have a life expectancy after repeated use. They will eventually cause repeated problems or cease to function and perform as well. Don't get angry with your card, it has served you long well, just replace it. The prices of SD Cards Memory Cards are now at the most reasonable prices they have ever been. The relative cheap price for replacing the SD cards is very small compared to the immense value of your photographs. You can find discounted Secure Digital Memory Cards here at: Secure Digital Memory Media Store