How to improve the lifetime of memory cards in mobile phones/digital cameras?

Mobile phones and digital cameras are now indispensable items in the digital life of every person/family.Memory cards are the lifeline of camera mobiles and digital cameras for storing those all important photographs. Here are a few tips to improve the lifetime of memory cards.
 

Delete images all at once:

 
Delete/erase images all at one once, after uploading them to your PC.This will reduce the number of erase cycles, and thereby improve the lifetime of the memory cards.Note that there will be one erase cycle, irrespective of whether you delete one or multiple images.

Remove the hardware safely:

 
When your camera mobile phone or digital camera is connected to your PC, make sure that you remove the hardware using the “Safely Remove Hardware” option in your system tray. Else, there is more likelyhood of your memory card getting damaged.You may as well loose the data stored in it.
 

Delete/erase Images before the memory card gets full:

 
It is always better to regularly remove the images from your memory cards and store them on your PC/computer or burn them on to a CD, rather than waiting until they are full.There is more likelyhood of the memory card to malfunction, if you fully load the cards with images.

Reformat memory cards at Regular Intervals:

 
Well, most of you might be aware of the importance of defragmenting your PC at regular intervals.Memory cards also need reformatting at regular intervals to keep them in optimal condition.Reformatting the memory card will delete images, file names, and other data on the card and will set it up fresh.The frequency of such reformats depend on your usage pattern.If you use your camera frequently, you should consider reformatting the memory card at least once a week. Else, reformatting the memory card once a month,would be advisable. Ideally, reformat your cards every time you download all of your images onto your PC/computer. It is also recommended to format the memory card in your digital camera/mobile phone, rather than someone else’s. In cases when you do reformat your cards on another camera/mobile, make sure you reformat it again on yours after you have all of the images saved on your PC/computer.

Remove the memory Card after turning off the power:

 
It is always best to switch off your mobile phone/digital camera before removing the memory card to either replace it with another one or to use it on a card reader to download the images.

Update the software as and when needed:

 
Manufacturers fix several bugs along the way and are always fine tuning their software. Therefore, it is very important to keep track of those software updates.This is vital to keep your mobile phone/digital camera up to date with any fixes for errors or problems that are identified,as some of these may be related to your memory card as well.

Keep Your Batteries in optimum Condition:

 
Do not let your battery drain down, as it could result in memory card errors. This usually happens when an image is not fully written to a memory card. So recharge the battery regularly or change them over for a fresh set before they completely run down.

Do not switch Off the camera/mobile phone too soon after the shoot:

 
When you’re taking pictures at a constant clip, especially when using the “burst” or “continuous shooting” mode, make sure that you don’t switch off your camera/mobile too soon after the shoot, because you could lose your images and even find yourself with a system error. Cameras need time to write all of the data you’ve taken to the memory card. If you’ve taken numerous images very quickly, your camera will be buffering those images and that requires some time. Some high-end cameras continue to buffer even after they are switched off, but that’s not the case for every camera.

Ensure that you store your memory cards properly:

 
If you are not using your memory cards for a long period of time, it’s best to store them in a plastic casing to give that extra layer of protection. Also, make sure you keep your memory cards away from liquids and extreme temperatures. Also make sure that you do not expose them to electromagnetic currents as well.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Did you enjoy the above tips to improve the lifetime of memory cards? Do share any other tips you know here…