Camera cannot support 16GB CF Card

[Limsgp]

Not sure if anyone encountered this problem..

I had a Canon EOS350D camera, and according to the specifications, it mentioned "
[Recording media] CF card (Type I or II) * Compatible with Microdrive and 2GB and larger CF cards"

However, when I inserted a 16GB CF card inside and formatted it in camera, it shows only about 8GB available.

There have been various workarounds, like formatting the card using other newer cameras or using HP tools and format on computer.. But the root of the issue is, the camera is not performing per specification..

Can it be considered a defective product that is not within specifications? Maybe the term "defective" is not an appropriate word as the camera can and does take pictures.. but.. is it the consumers mistake to believe that the camera can support and format 16GB cards and uses it's 16GB capacity? Or should the specification on the website (http://support-sg.canon-asia.com/con...000441401.html) be interpreted as "can use 16GB cards but not all it's capacity"?

For a CF card, the drive controller is build into the Card itself unlike SD Cards.. why canon cannot let the camera format CF cards > 8GB..?

[Anson]

What the firmware version you are using?

If may want to update to version 1.0.3: "Improves reliability in communication when using some CF cards."

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosdigit...irmware-e.html

[diver-hloc]

Agree with - Anson

When 350D was around.... there was no such big size CF card yet (biggest I think is 8GB)... try upgrade the firmware

[Limsgp]

I have considered this option before, but has anyone ready tried it and confirm worked?

If upgrading the firmware doesn't correct this issue.. then it's no use if it is a product limitation. But they should have stated it accurately..

I guess the "improve reliability" refers to some CF card like the lexar which is reported to have some problem.. may not be related to the 8GB limitation.

anyway, the latest version on offer is 1.0.3, not sure if someone with this version used a 16GB card before?

Originally Posted by Anson What the firmware version you are using? If may want to update to version 1.0.3: "Improves reliability in communication when using some CF cards." http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosdigit...irmware-e.html

[Frijj]

Camera's of that 'era' had the same limitation. I believe the 20D and 30D are limited to 8GB as well when you format on the camera. I think there was an earlier thread on this and someone said to format as FAT32 on your PC before you use and you should see all 16GB. Just don't format the card on your camera.

[Anson]

Originally Posted by Limsgp I have considered this option before, but has anyone ready tried it and confirm worked? If upgrading the firmware doesn't correct this issue.. then it's no use if it is a product limitation. But they should have stated it accurately..

Since you have already bought the 16GB CF Card, no harm upgrading your firmware right?

[CS TAN]

Originally Posted by Limsgp Not sure if anyone encountered this problem.. I had a Canon EOS350D camera, and according to the specifications, it mentioned " [Recording media] CF card (Type I or II) * Compatible with Microdrive and 2GB and larger CF cards"

To be fair, I think you should put the statement in its correct perspective and perhaps add the following "that are available at the time this statement is released". You cannot possibly expect Canon to test a 16GB CF card when none is available at that time. They might be guilty of not stating the max. GB the camera can support...

[Limsgp]

Well.. too late.. already formatted on camera and the computer shows 2 partition with 1 partition unallocated. Can't delete both partition to recombine them as one. Maybe need to apply 1 of the workarounds mentioned in the first post.

If the manufactured had warned consumers, like the case for SD card based cameras, at least pple can make an informed choice when they buy CF cards.

for those who just bought their CF cards.. if they don't format it in camera there will still be 16GB of space..

It should not be a hardware limitation as the controller is build onto the card (And the fact is the camera can read and write to a 16GB card). If the manufacturer choose to restrict the camera's potential to format higher capacity cards, then the manufacturer should have indicated so to warn consumers. By just specifying FAT32 and "support 2GB or higher" is quite irresponsible isn't it? FAT32 can support way above 2TB I guess.

Originally Posted by Frijj Camera's of that 'era' had the same limitation. I believe the 20D and 30D are limited to 8GB as well when you format on the camera. I think there was an earlier thread on this and someone said to format as FAT32 on your PC before you use and you should see all 16GB. Just don't format the card on your camera.

[Anson]

Originally Posted by Limsgp Well.. too late.. already formatted on camera and the computer shows 2 partition with 1 partition unallocated. Can't delete both partition to recombine them as one. Maybe need to apply 1 of the workarounds mentioned in the first post.

You can do the following:

1. Delete the 2 partition
2. Update your current firmware
3. Format the CF card using your dslr

[zj2000]

Yeah max is 8gb for 350d. I wanted to get the 16gb but luckily asked the tech support before buying.

[Limsgp]

err.. u're using vista? I use XP, and while computer shows 2 partition, can't delete it as mentioned in previous post. Was using computer management tools. delete partition option disabled.

Originally Posted by Anson You can do the following: Delete the 2 partition Update your current firmware Format the CF card using your dslr

[Anson]

Originally Posted by Limsgp err.. u're using vista? I use XP, and while computer shows 2 partition, can't delete it as mentioned in previous post. Was using computer management tools. delete partition option disabled.

I am using a DOS command called FDISK: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348

[cheewooi]

I had this problem on my 350D, exactly the same.

The only way to solve this problem is: I use Nikon body to format the 16GB card. Walla! It can be used on my 350D (16GB CF Card). NEVER use 350D to format 16GB CF Card. When I put in 16GB into my 350D, the remaining picture indicate 999 with RAW.. love it!

Lesson learned.

[ballwackers]

A side comment.. I'm wondering why you want a 16GB card witha 350D :-) How many pics do you want to keep on that card before you take them to your computer?

If you cannot get it work , sell your card (i be the owners of the new 5D MkII are interested) and buy 3 or 4 4GB cards.

[zj2000]

Originally Posted by cheewooi I had this problem on my 350D, exactly the same. The only way to solve this problem is: I use Nikon body to format the 16GB card. Walla! It can be used on my 350D (16GB CF Card). NEVER use 350D to format 16GB CF Card. When I put in 16GB into my 350D, the remaining picture indicate 999 with RAW.. love it! Lesson learned.

Yeah but the 350d was designed to only use up to 8gb CF. Will there be an error if the 16gb card is half full? Imho, better not risk it, better to get 2x 8gb.