1.)

Ensure that your digital camera batteries are of a recommended type and are sufficiently charged. If the batteries run out whilst writing to your digital camera card data loss can result. 

2.)

Ensure that the camera has finished writing to the camera card before attempting to either remove the card from the camera or switch the camera off. 

3.)

It is safest to format your card in the camera. When formatting on a PC some systems could place an incompatible format on the camera card making it unrecognisable to the camera. 

4.)

Do not attempt to take pictures in too rapid succession — check the camera manufacturers recommendation. On some models it could cause corruption of the camera card. 

5.)

Do not attempt to take too many pictures on a camera card. In some cases when the card becomes full critical data structures may be overwritten causing the card to no longer be recognised. Whenever possible transfer the contents of your camera card to your PC before the camera card gets too full. 

6.)

When using a card reader for transferring your images ensure that the card is not being accessed before removing the camera card. Check your card readers documentation to see if an ‘eject’ facility is available, if it is always select it before removing camera card. 

7.)

Create backups of your pictures at regular intervals. 

8.)

Double check that you have backed up your photos and that they open correctly before deleting images from your camera card.  

9.)

Take care in handling of your camera cards use a storage case for the card when it is out of the camera. Avoid touching the exposed contacts on camera cards. 

10.)

Avoid exposing your camera cards to strong electromagnetic fields e.g. loudspeakers take particular care of where you store your cards. It could potentially cause damage.