Is it okay to format my CompactFlash card as NTFS?

[StattlichPassat]

I have a SanDisk CompactFlash reader and was about to wipe the data from the chip- it looks to be 'FAT' by default. Would there be anything wrong with formatting it to NTFS? This is being used by a digital camera.

 

[BentValve]

I have wondered that myself, why don't you try it and let us know what happens.

 

[smp]

Does your digi use NTFS? I wouldn't think so, but then this is just my guess.

 

[NOX]

Well, I would think there maybe problems because of the fact NTFS is not a widely used format like FAT. The only time I ever use NTFS is when I'm using Win2k (at home) or XP (at work). Just remember that everything you use if you decide to use NTFS must support it. That's why I think in this case FAT is better.

 

[StattlichPassat]

Originally posted by: BentValve
I have wondered that myself, why don't you try it and let us know what happens.

LOL... what about FAT32? This wouldn't speed up anything by any noticable level, would it? CF cards are pretty dog slow when you're working with a hundred files or so. You'd think it would be as fast as the bus on system memory, but I guess it's the USB's bandwidth.

I just formatted with FAT and it still works. Good point on the camera likely not using NTFS though, smp.

 

[ElFenix]

most cameras don't read ntfs. some will read fat 32 (the d60 comes to mind) but only a couple of memory cards require it

 

[StattlichPassat]

I thought you said you were going to have an even better picture in your sig soon!

Guess I'll just keep it 'FAT'- thanks for the help, guys!

 

[cmdrdredd]

couldn't you simply reformat it as FAT if NTFS didn't work?

 

[StattlichPassat]

Hmm... 'spose I could. Nobody thinks of doing this stuff to floppies, just hard drives. Maybe that explains my nervousness.

 

[ozone13]

Most removable media is formatted in FAT12....not FAT16 or 32. The others are correct in thinking that none of the cameras (or most other peripherals, for that matter) would be able to read NTFS.

 

[resinboy]

I formatted through Windows once, and the card was no longer recognized by the camera ( nikon).

Resinboy

 

[bacillus]

Originally posted by: resinboy
I formatted through Windows once, and the card was no longer recognized by the camera ( nikon).

Resinboy

I've had similiar experience so now only format the stick with the camera

 

[PlatinumGold]

why would you want fat32 OR NTFS for CompactFlash

the only reason i can see to use NTFS is if you want the security features. other than that there are not significant advantages are there?? especially considering your compact flash card is not likely to be above 512 mb.

 

[StattlichPassat]

^ True. No need for security or anything like that- just a curious musing.

 

[draggoon01]

what's the size limitation of regular fat format?

 

[yellowperil]

I believe FAT16 has a limitation of 2GB, FAT32 about 32GB, and NTFS is huge (in the terabytes, not sure though).

 

[Alphazero]

NTFS most likely wont work. Generally, you should only format via the device or its software, as many devices use proprietary or non-PC file systems.

 

[jonmullen]

In theory NTFS can support up to 16 exabytes, but only 2 terabytes can be impliminted. Another case of M$ trying to hold us back

 

[corkyg]

Go ahead as long as you don't need it for your digicam. The only good way to format digital camera media is in the camera itself. NTFS on small removables would be an inefficient loser - you would lose at least 25% of your storage space for the MTF reserved area.