Camera doesn't like 4GB SD card?

[oboeguy]

We're travelling a bit this summer so a 1GB plus a 256MB SD card doesn't seem like enough (we take lots of pics) memory for the Pentax Optio 4Si. I found a decent deal after rebate on a 4GB card which arrived today in the mail. I put the card into the cam and the camera says "Memory card full", which of course it isn't (checked for sure on PC). What's up with that??

Edit: I have the latest firmware on the camera, BTW.

 

[BassBomb]

sometimes the card is just too new for the item using it... for example, i bought a 512mb SD card cuz it was very cheap at the time, for my Rio Mp3 Player, my cousin got a 1GB card, so just for the heck of it i wanted to see if that would work (since it never explictly stated it supported higher than 512), and turns out it didnt..

 

[oboeguy]

WTF? SD is a standard, no? The camera is all of two years old. Does not compute, IMO, though your conclusion is pretty much the one at which I have arrived as well. Anybody else have an idea??

 

[beggerking]

did you format the card?

 

[oboeguy]

Format? Didn't think of that. Well, I just did and guess what? It seems the camera can only address part of the card, as it says "349" where it displays how many pictures can still be taken. It should be something closer to 1200.

 

[beggerking]

depends on resolution... what resolution are you using?

it is possible that the camera not able to address the whole card though... if it doesn't, you should contact the manufacturer for a (even) newer firmware.

 

[oboeguy]

GRRRRRRRR! I talked to Pentax tech support; what a waste of time. They tried to tell me the 512MB is the biggest card supported. What a load of garbage! It clearly supports at least the 1GB card we have.

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
GRRRRRRRR! I talked to Pentax tech support; what a waste of time. They tried to tell me the 512MB is the biggest card supported. What a load of garbage! It clearly supports at least the 1GB card we have.

thats what i meant

 

[beggerking]

probably won't work.. but you might wanna try partition the SD card using linux or some other software...there is a tiny chance your camera will see multiple drives.

 

[Termie]

Actually, many cameras don't support 2GB+ cards. I've been holding off on buying one of the new high capacity cards because of mixed reviews on their compatability with cameras and card readers.

 

[BenSkywalker]

Officialy the camera only supports 512MB cards, more then likely it is Fat16 so it won't support over 2GB no matter what you do(although up to 2GB should work as long as it is in fact Fat16, can't find conformation but that is the norm for most cameras of comparable vintange and in the same range).

 

[oboeguy]

Ah, so you're saying that if I formatted it with a 2GB FAT16 partition, chances are it would work? I'd like to try that because then I could go for a 2GB if it works. Do I use the normal XP format context menu for this? Thanks for all the help so far!

 

[oboeguy]

So any tools for formatting an SD card? XP is no help. FYI, according to the maker of the card, my camera only supports 1GB. Who would have thought to look? (apparently not I)

 

[beggerking]

I think you need linux.. or try search online...

 

[Steelski]

Even if it did support the 4gb it has to be formatted outside tha camera (in a computer) to get the most from the card.

 

[oboeguy]

Originally posted by: Steelski
Even if it did support the 4gb it has to be formatted outside tha camera (in a computer) to get the most from the card.

Right-o, which is why I would like to be pointed to a workable utility for this without resorting to Linux as suggested above. Any thoughts?

 

[Hikari]

Most cards don't work with anything over 2 unless you buy a high-end one (as in not point and shoot). They only support FAT16 usually, which gives you that limit.

 

[Bull Dog]

Use the Computer Management program (look for Disk Management in it) found in the Adminstrative Tools folder. Or search help for Disk Management