Memory Card [ Digital Camera ]?

so i went out and bought a new memory card for my camera [ hp photosmart M525 ]. i purchased an SD 512 MG .... i guess it wasnt the right one because when i inserted it into my camera and then turned it on, my camera's screen turned red and it read [ Card Has Wrong Format, Click "OK" to format card ] so i did and it then said [ unable to format ]. so what i wanna know is, what is a format and what type of memory card should i buy for my camera [ hp photosmart M525 ] ???


i already tried locking it and UNlocking it ... it continues to say the same thing [ unable to format ] ... someone please help me.... im sick of being limited to only 10 pics [ w.o the memory card ] im going to florida this summer and i really need to know what's going on with my camera OR memory card!!!!

also i just read something funny, i was looking at what other people had to say about memory cards for hp photosmart M525 and one guy said dont bother getting a 256 or 512 MB which is the two that i own .... omg :O ... he said get a 1GB!!!!

Well first off, formatting is simply erasing information on the card that could be bad for your camera's software and adjusting the settings on the card so that it can work with your camera. I don't know exactly why the camera couldn't format it, but here's a few suggestions.

First, make sure that you're using an "SD" card for your digital camera. I think you're good here, but if you don't know what they look like, I'd do a google.com image search to make sure.

Secondly, why are you using a card with such low memory? You said that the card was 512 MB, but you should be using at least 1 GB or greater, that way you can take all the pics you want and even video footage (if your camera allows it) without having to worry about running out of storage space.

Finally, I'd personally recommend a "lexar" SD card. Lexar is compatible with many of the top camera brands today, and so it should be a good fit for yours.

In summary:
1. Make sure you get an "SD" card
2. Go for one that has 1 GB (gigabyte) of memory or more
3. Look for the Lexar brand (can be found at wal-mart)

**Also check out ecost.com for discounted SD cards

the only thing i know is that format means delete everything sort of to delete all the settings or picks on the memory card

It sounds like there's something wrong with your card. Cards have been known to be defective on purchase. Recommend taking it back, and stating that it will not format.

That being said, 512MB is pretty low (who still stocks these on their shelves?). Hope you didn't pay too much for it. You should try at least 2 GB, they're only going for about $11 these days with shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B...