How to Format Memory Cards on the OM System OM-5

It’s always best practice to format memory cards in the camera that you’ll be using them in. That sets the card up with the filesystem, folder hierarchy, and, in some cameras, a database file, so that the card is just how the camera expects. And it greatly reduces the risk of unexpected errors and unpleasant surprises.

The OM-5 has two options for deleting data from the SD card.

• All Erase. This deletes the images and videos but will preserve any files you have locked (this is something you can do when viewing images on the camera’s back screen).
• Format. This wipes all data on the card and freshly prepares it for use. This is the option I’m focusing on here.

On the OM System OM-5, you can find the memory card format function under:

Setup Menu (wrench/spanner icon) > Card Setup > Format

You’ll get asked to confirm that you want to erase all the data. If there’s still data on the card that you want to keep, this would be a good time to select No and download that data.

And, finally, once you select that, you’ll get the progress bar as the format process performs.

Things worth knowing

The format function on the OM-5 is only a high-level format, which means it’s only wiping the file allocation table and referencing data, not the actual data itself. That makes it easier to recover photos and videos from the SD card if you need to, but it also means that the data is still there.

Much of the time, that’s all you need. But if you’re shooting sensitive material, you might want to take the SD card/s out of the camera and submit them to low-level formatting on your computer to fully wipe the data.

SD cards for the OM System OM-5

I’ve put together a much more detailed post on recommendations for SD cards for the OM System OM-5 separately. But here’s the short version.

The OM-5 has one SD card slot.

You can use SDHC or SDXC cards. As a practical matter, SDXC cards are probably the more logical choice simply because that designation applies to SD cards with storage capacities of 64GB and up.

The SD card in the OM-5 is a UHS-II slot. So to take full advantage of the camera’s capabilities, it makes sense to use a UHS-II SD card in this camera.

How to format SD cards with a computer

While it’s best practice to format the SD cards in the camera, it is still possible to format memory cards using a card reader and computer. You get a lot more flexibility that way, but also some extra risk if things aren’t set up just how the camera wants them. It’s also sometimes a good troubleshooting step if you’re having issues with a memory card.

There are some things to watch out for, particularly when it comes to choosing which filesystem to use. So I’ve put together guides on how to format SD cards on Mac and how to use the free SD Card Formatter app for Windows or Mac.

OM System OM-5 price & availability

The OM-5 body has an MSRP of $1200. It’s also sold with a 12-45mm f/4 PRO kit lens for $1600.

Check the current price and available at:

• B&H Photo
• Adorama
• Amazon
• Best Buy

OM System OM-5 camera accessories

These are the model numbers for the official accessories for the OM System OM-5.

• Battery: BLS-50 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• External Charger: BCS-5
• USB-AC Adapter: F-5AC AC wall adapter
• Grip: ECG-5
• Remote: RM-WR1 wireless remote control
• Eyecup: EP-16 / EP-15
• Flash:
  • FL-LM3 electronic flash (the smallest of the flash units)
  • FL-900R electronic flash unit
  • FL-700WR electronic flash unit
  • STF-8 macro flash
  • FC-WR wireless commander
  • FR-WR wireless receiver

Related

• SD card recommendations for the OM System OM-5