Do SD cards "wear out?"

**DW58** · 03-03-2017, 10:09 PM

Can you indefinitely re-use SD cards without loss of IQ? When shooting at or near home I'll end up with 20-60 or so shots on the card. I review in camera and delete the obvious. Then upload to computer and save what I like. Then delete all images from the card. Occasionally I reformat the card. Is there a point where I'll begin to lose IQ? Seems to good to be true that this could go on forever.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Unregistered User 8 · 03-03-2017, 10:28 PM - **1 Like**

Very good question DW. From what I have seen on the forums, the short answer to do they wear out is YES. But every bodies experience is different. I have not had any issues yet ( maybe just jinxed myself ). Over time, with removing and inserting the card, I think the contacts will wear out, and some cards will become corrupted. I did a little investigating on line and found this link. I hope that you and others might find it informative.

How to Fix SD Memory Card Errors: The Definitive Guide

emalvick · 03-03-2017, 10:44 PM

I've had cards get corrupt after years of use. Not often and more often with cheap brands I no longer buy.

I've also had the cards flat out fall apart. Nothing lasts forever.

**DW58** · 03-03-2017, 10:47 PM

Thanks pjv. Am replying before I check out the link you provided. Thank you. Just recently began to think about this. Had been using the same card for quite some time and switched to a new one about two weeks ago. Using SanDisk Extreme 64's if that matters.

Unregistered User 8 · 03-03-2017, 10:49 PM

Originally posted by DW58

Using SanDisk Extreme 64's if that matters.

That is a very good one buddy.

**DW58** · 03-03-2017, 10:56 PM

Originally posted by emalvick

I've had cards get corrupt after years of use. Not often and more often with cheap brands I no longer buy.

I've also had the cards flat out fall apart. Nothing lasts forever.

Good news!!!. My oldest card is just over a year old. Guessing that number of images is more important than age though. Correct? They can't last too long or people wouldn't keep buying 'em.

Of course technology keeps moving ahead doesn't it?

Adam · 03-03-2017, 10:59 PM

SD cards do have a limited number of read/write cycles. To extend their longevity, each card has reserved space to make up for broken/degraded, and this is automatically handled under the hood. All in all, this means that you can expect a good card to deliver years of heavy use. Many high-end cards have lifetime warranties, which says something about the manufacturers' confidence.

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

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Marcel K · 03-03-2017, 11:12 PM

The write protection lock of one of my sd cards got broken off (mechanically) after a few years. Could still read but not write anymore. I tried to put sticky tape (like the old cassette tapes&#128540

, but that didnt fix it. Probably a one off...

edmundrt · 03-03-2017, 11:13 PM

No moving parts = little chance of failure! But obviously an SD card is an inherently small and flimsy thing, so care is required to keep them in good condition. But they should go for years, and when they start to go downhill it should be obvious - corrupted files and read errors that can't be fixed by formatting.

To give an answer to your suggestion, there shouldn't be any loss of image quality over the life of a card - it will just stop doing its job at some point. And SanDisk Extremes will generally do very good service.

**DW58** · 03-03-2017, 11:31 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Adam

SD cards do have a limited number of read/write cycles. To extend their longevity, each card has reserved space to make up for broken/degraded, and this is automatically handled under the hood. All in all, this means that you can expect a good card to deliver years of heavy use. Many high-end cards have lifetime warranties, which says something about the manufacturers' confidence.

Originally posted by Marcel K

The write protection lock of one of my sd cards got broken off (mechanically) after a few years. Could still read but not write anymore. I tried to put sticky tape (like the old cassette tapes&#128540

, but that didnt fix it. Probably a one off...

Originally posted by edmundrt

No moving parts = little chance of failure! But obviously an SD card is an inherently small and flimsy thing, so care is required to keep them in good condition. But they should go for years, and when they start to go downhill it should be obvious - corrupted files and read errors that can't be fixed by formatting.

To give an answer to your suggestion, there shouldn't be any loss of image quality over the life of a card - it will just stop doing its job at some point. And SanDisk Extremes will generally do very good service.

Thank you all for the speedy replies. I dove head first into the digital age of photography and I'm finding out there's some basic principles I've missed along the way. No better place to learn than right
here.

E-man · 03-03-2017, 11:39 PM

I find that I outgrow the capacity of a card before it actually wears out. Defective no-name cards are more of an issue for me. Like others, I mainly stick with SanDisk.

**DW58** · 03-03-2017, 11:59 PM

Originally posted by E-man

I find that I outgrow the capacity of a card before it actually wears out. Defective no-name cards are more of an issue for me. Like others, I mainly stick with SanDisk.

More info. Thank you.

35mmfilmfan · 03-04-2017, 06:35 AM

I've posted on this before (and got shouted at !) - I never format or re-use a memory card. After each day's shooting, I set write-protect on the card, then the images are immediately copied to PC via a built-in card reader, then checked with Irfanview.
I then replace the card in the camera, ready for the next day out. When the card (32GB comparatively inexpensive) is almost full, it is gracefully retired, the entire contents copied to a different hard drive, the card is stored safely and replaced with a brand new one. After all, 35mm film was not re-usable, so why treat SD cards differently ? It seems false economy to me to re-use a card when there is an easy alternative.
(Cowers in cellar, waits for flak to fly !)

**mattt** · 03-04-2017, 06:54 AM

My understanding is memory on SD cards is fugitive over long periods.

AldaCZ · 03-04-2017, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan

I've posted on this before (and got shouted at !) - I never format or re-use a memory card. After each day's shooting, I set write-protect on the card, then the images are immediately copied to PC via a built-in card reader, then checked with Irfanview.
I then replace the card in the camera, ready for the next day out. When the card (32GB comparatively inexpensive) is almost full, it is gracefully retired, the entire contents copied to a different hard drive, the card is stored safely and replaced with a brand new one. After all, 35mm film was not re-usable, so why treat SD cards differently ? It seems false economy to me to re-use a card when there is an easy alternative.
(Cowers in cellar, waits for flak to fly !)

I haven't heard about this kind of usage !

03-03-2017, 10:28 PM - 1 Like	#2
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Very good question DW. From what I have seen on the forums, the short answer to do they wear out is YES. But every bodies experience is different. I have not had any issues yet ( maybe just jinxed myself ). Over time, with removing and inserting the card, I think the contacts will wear out, and some cards will become corrupted. I did a little investigating on line and found this link. I hope that you and others might find it informative. How to Fix SD Memory Card Errors: The Definitive Guide Last edited by Unregistered User 8; 03-03-2017 at 10:34 PM. Reason: typo

03-03-2017, 11:12 PM	#8
Marcel K Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 82	The write protection lock of one of my sd cards got broken off (mechanically) after a few years. Could still read but not write anymore. I tried to put sticky tape (like the old cassette tapes&#128540, but that didnt fix it. Probably a one off...

03-03-2017, 11:31 PM - 1 Like	#10
DW58 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Rural Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,064 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam SD cards do have a limited number of read/write cycles. To extend their longevity, each card has reserved space to make up for broken/degraded, and this is automatically handled under the hood. All in all, this means that you can expect a good card to deliver years of heavy use. Many high-end cards have lifetime warranties, which says something about the manufacturers' confidence. Originally posted by Marcel K The write protection lock of one of my sd cards got broken off (mechanically) after a few years. Could still read but not write anymore. I tried to put sticky tape (like the old cassette tapes&#128540, but that didnt fix it. Probably a one off... Originally posted by edmundrt No moving parts = little chance of failure! But obviously an SD card is an inherently small and flimsy thing, so care is required to keep them in good condition. But they should go for years, and when they start to go downhill it should be obvious - corrupted files and read errors that can't be fixed by formatting. To give an answer to your suggestion, there shouldn't be any loss of image quality over the life of a card - it will just stop doing its job at some point. And SanDisk Extremes will generally do very good service. Thank you all for the speedy replies. I dove head first into the digital age of photography and I'm finding out there's some basic principles I've missed along the way. No better place to learn than right here.

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03-03-2017, 10:09 PM	#1
DW58 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Rural Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,064	Do SD cards "wear out?" Can you indefinitely re-use SD cards without loss of IQ? When shooting at or near home I'll end up with 20-60 or so shots on the card. I review in camera and delete the obvious. Then upload to computer and save what I like. Then delete all images from the card. Occasionally I reformat the card. Is there a point where I'll begin to lose IQ? Seems to good to be true that this could go on forever. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

03-03-2017, 10:44 PM	#3
emalvick Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Davis, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,642	I've had cards get corrupt after years of use. Not often and more often with cheap brands I no longer buy. I've also had the cards flat out fall apart. Nothing lasts forever.

03-03-2017, 10:47 PM	#4
DW58 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Rural Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,064 Original Poster	Thanks pjv. Am replying before I check out the link you provided. Thank you. Just recently began to think about this. Had been using the same card for quite some time and switched to a new one about two weeks ago. Using SanDisk Extreme 64's if that matters.

03-03-2017, 10:49 PM	#5
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Originally posted by DW58 Using SanDisk Extreme 64's if that matters. That is a very good one buddy.

03-03-2017, 10:56 PM	#6
DW58 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Rural Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,064 Original Poster	Originally posted by emalvick I've had cards get corrupt after years of use. Not often and more often with cheap brands I no longer buy. I've also had the cards flat out fall apart. Nothing lasts forever. Good news!!!. My oldest card is just over a year old. Guessing that number of images is more important than age though. Correct? They can't last too long or people wouldn't keep buying 'em. Of course technology keeps moving ahead doesn't it?

03-03-2017, 10:59 PM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	SD cards do have a limited number of read/write cycles. To extend their longevity, each card has reserved space to make up for broken/degraded, and this is automatically handled under the hood. All in all, this means that you can expect a good card to deliver years of heavy use. Many high-end cards have lifetime warranties, which says something about the manufacturers' confidence. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-03-2017, 11:13 PM	#9
edmundrt Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Nagoya Posts: 577	No moving parts = little chance of failure! But obviously an SD card is an inherently small and flimsy thing, so care is required to keep them in good condition. But they should go for years, and when they start to go downhill it should be obvious - corrupted files and read errors that can't be fixed by formatting. To give an answer to your suggestion, there shouldn't be any loss of image quality over the life of a card - it will just stop doing its job at some point. And SanDisk Extremes will generally do very good service.

03-03-2017, 11:39 PM	#11
E-man Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 678	I find that I outgrow the capacity of a card before it actually wears out. Defective no-name cards are more of an issue for me. Like others, I mainly stick with SanDisk.

03-03-2017, 11:59 PM	#12
DW58 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Rural Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,064 Original Poster	Originally posted by E-man I find that I outgrow the capacity of a card before it actually wears out. Defective no-name cards are more of an issue for me. Like others, I mainly stick with SanDisk. More info. Thank you.

03-04-2017, 06:35 AM	#13
35mmfilmfan Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 4,329	I've posted on this before (and got shouted at !) - I never format or re-use a memory card. After each day's shooting, I set write-protect on the card, then the images are immediately copied to PC via a built-in card reader, then checked with Irfanview. I then replace the card in the camera, ready for the next day out. When the card (32GB comparatively inexpensive) is almost full, it is gracefully retired, the entire contents copied to a different hard drive, the card is stored safely and replaced with a brand new one. After all, 35mm film was not re-usable, so why treat SD cards differently ? It seems false economy to me to re-use a card when there is an easy alternative. (Cowers in cellar, waits for flak to fly !)

03-04-2017, 06:54 AM	#14
mattt Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Niagara Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,907	My understanding is memory on SD cards is fugitive over long periods.

03-04-2017, 06:55 AM	#15
AldaCZ Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: North Bohemia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,251	Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan I've posted on this before (and got shouted at !) - I never format or re-use a memory card. After each day's shooting, I set write-protect on the card, then the images are immediately copied to PC via a built-in card reader, then checked with Irfanview. I then replace the card in the camera, ready for the next day out. When the card (32GB comparatively inexpensive) is almost full, it is gracefully retired, the entire contents copied to a different hard drive, the card is stored safely and replaced with a brand new one. After all, 35mm film was not re-usable, so why treat SD cards differently ? It seems false economy to me to re-use a card when there is an easy alternative. (Cowers in cellar, waits for flak to fly !) I haven't heard about this kind of usage !