AboutScott Valentine Expertise Most anything about digital post processing (Photoshop, etc), effects, and image restoration, some technical information about digital imaging systems, light and electron microscopy, optical physics and image analysis. I can help with shooting basics, lighting setups, and getting the most out of your digital camera. I am also an 'expert' here for Photoshop (Computers/Technology > Software > Graphics Software > Photoshop).
Experience I've been an image analyst and advanced amateur photographer for over 6 years. I run an Adobe user group, focusing on digital media, and have lectured on digital image capture systems. Currently, I am an administrator for a rather large instructional Photoshop forum
Organizations Adobe User Groups, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Advanced Imaging Specialists
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Physics, University of California, San Diego
Awards and Honors Winner: Best in Show and several category first place awards - Imaging Professionals of the Southwest Print Competition (multiple years)
Expert: Scott Valentine Date: 10/26/2007 Subject: Flash Memory
Question I recently had a SD Memory Card fail. I contacted the maker's support line for
advice and was told (among other things) that a Flash Memory card should
NOT be left in a digital camera whose batteries are not FULLY charged. Seems
simple, but as a practical matter, surely batteries are constantly losing some
of their freshness throuhgout a day's shooting. To say nothing of the several
days over which the camera continues to work properly on batteries that
slowly discharge to the point when they must be replaced or recharged.
Have you any opimion on this matter ? Thanks JAY
Answer I do have an opinion, Jay, but it's based on observation and empirical information, rather than technical data.
Like you, I find it hard to believe a flash memory card (SD or otherwise) would fail because of battery issues. The moment you take a battery away from its charging source, they begin to deplete (some more than others). I've run many batteries to depletion without ever affecting my memory cards, both SD and Compact Flash.
It may be they were thinking of long term storage, in which case I can't really say. I've done this, too, without problem, but each camera is different. I've also only done this with Compact Flash.
Something to remember about memory cards is that sometimes, they just fail. Manufacturers never want to admit it, but it's true. They will try and find other excuses than spontaneous failure, but in the end it really doesn't matter why they die - they just do. It probably has more to do with shock (electrical or mechanical), heat, and number of read/write operations. I can't rule out voltage variations with cameras, but if the voltage going to a card causes it to fail, consider changing cameras - that just shouldn't happen.
I'm sorry I don't have more information for you. You might think about buying a different brand of card (Sandisk, Transcend, and a few others are very popular - check digital photography magazines and forums for recommendations).
