Posted by PorkyMcCaw
This is very important! When you "delete" (not reformat) pictures on your memory card, the system just flags them as overwriteable data. It's all still there... Also, police are never allowed to confiscate and delete your photos https://www.aclu.o...ghts-photographers The cops tend not to know your rights besides your right to remain silent, so they clearly violated your rights on this one...
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Even a 'format' often does not delete the images.. Well. that's not the best way to explain it...
Most times as 'format' ( especially from inside the camera ).. is just erasing the FAT ( File allocation table ). This just tells the camera that the pictures that were there are no longer there and there is more space available.
The files are still there. the missing information from the FAT to show where they are just needs to be replaced.
Now from the PC. it is the same when you format a card, drive.. etc. EXCEPT when you unchecked the 'Quick format' option.. in that case the info is overwritten with '0's and then the files are lost...
'lost'.. is a relative term.. they can still be recovered ( at least from magnetic media ) after a real format.. But it takes time and money.. so.. beyond the scope of what we are talking about here.. just thought I should mention it anyway...
Lesson is.. If the cop is pissed off. and you think that 'formatting' your card from inside the camera will get the cop to let you off without a ticket.. you might as well give it a shot..