Recover lost and deleted photos from digital camera cards.

What is a destructive format? 

This is a method used by a few digital cameras where the actual files data is overwritten during the formatting process and  with some models also during the file deletion process. 

Because when this occurs the actual data of the file is replaced it makes recovery impossible. 

This method appears to be limited to a few manufacturers. 

With new models appearing all the time it is impossible to be definitive but instances where this has been encountered are as follows: 

 

Fuji models:  Destructive format function on all models encountered. Deletion not destructive on models encountered. 

Sony models: Destructive format function on all models encountered. Deletion not destructive on models encountered. 

Olympus models: Destructive format function on all models encountered.  

Other Makes: The destructive process of format or deletion has not been found 

 

I deleted my photos by mistake. Can I get them back? 

In most cases yes. 

But it does depend on the amount of subsequent use the media has had.  

When a file is deleted the actual files data is not removed. The directory entry that refers to the file is marked as being deleted and the area where the files data resides is made available to the system. 

If more Photos / files are stored on the media they could use the area where the original deleted files resided causing them to be partially or completely overwritten. 

The more files that have been stored on the card since the deletion the greater the chance of this having occurred. 

If no more files have been stored on the card since deletion the chances are excellent. 

 

I formatted my camera card can my photos be recovered? 

Unless your camera is one of those which perform a destructive format then in most circumstances yes. 

Subsequent saving of photos / files to the card since the format took place will however increasingly diminish the chances of a full recovery as more areas of the card are overwritten with new data. 

 

I get a 'Card Error' or 'Card not formatted' message when I put my card in my camera. Can my photos be recovered? 

It is likely that the data in the system area of your card has become corrupted and that the camera is no longer able to recognise the card. 

When you use FlashBack to create the Image of your card you will be able to input the size of the card so that the recovery process can continue as normal. 

 

Why does the software have to create an image first? 

In a nutshell - safe working practice! 

In cases where there could be a problem with the media itself it is highly advisable to retrieve the data from the media at the earliest oppurtunity. If the media is damaged, the data or parts of it may not be accessible upon subsequent attempts. It is therefore essential to get a copy of the data as soon as possible to a 'safe' location so that should the media become inaccessible files can still be recovered. 

By using the Imaging process the card is only read once. All recovery is undertaken by utilising of the Image file created. 

Not only does this represent good forensic practise but it also makes subsequent recovery faster. 

There is the added benifit that the Image file may be written to CD and sent for further analysis if required.