8. Using a new Compact Flash Card

The Nikon brand supplied compact flash card is formatted ready for immediate use. However, when you purchase an additional card there is a chance that it may not have been formatted. In this case set the camera will display a message to tell you that the card should be formatted. To format the card and prepare it for use, either follow the on-screen instructions or set the camera to M-REC mode, turn on the Menu and select Format.

IBM Microdrive™

IBM's Microdrive™ CF card is a high capacity format which makes use of rotating magnetic disk, rather than a solid state memory to store images. The drive is slightly higher than a conventional (so called type one) card and will not fit into any of the Coolpix range of cameras. This drive has a higher power consumption and is less resistant to mechanical shock than the solid state type.

Compact Flash Capacity

The largest capacity compact flash card which a Coolpix camera can accept is limited by the file directory system, rather than any specific limit of actual memory in Megabytes. For example the later Coolpix cameras can record up to 999 images in 999 folders: nearly one million images on one card.  The coolpix 900, which did not have the ability to create multiple folders is limited to 999 images.

Compact Flash Compatibility

Nikon Coolpix cameras adhere to the Compact Flash card standard, and Nikon own-label cards are available which are fully checked and supplied with Nikon waranty. Other brands of CF card may function acceptably, but just as is the case with film in film cameras, the quality of the components used in the camera media are beyond Nikon's control.

• It is prudent to always use cards from a reputable manufacturer or supplier.
  
• Added 29th Jan 2001: some high capacity CF cards may incorporate internal memory management and allocation protocols that cause compatibility issues. Please check with the manufacturer before purchase.