Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Photo/Video/Audio Solutions • Proven solutions
Have you ever accidentally formatted the SD card and wondered if you could get your video files back? Seems impossible right? The word format actually means erasing all your data. This word can incite panic feelings in people within no time. Whether some kid meddled with your camera or by chance you formatted the wrong SD card, the panic is real. In some cases, the data simply vanishes even when you don't do anything. The improper mounting and dismounting of the SD card can also cause file corruption and your videos/images will not be detected by a computer or your camera for display.
In most cases, you don't need a technician's help. Now that might sound a little fishy. But trust me, it is not. Can you recover Sony video files after formatting card without an Engineer's help? Absolutely! And this article will tell you how.
There are certain things you need to know before I guide you to getting your Video Files back.
To end up with an accidentally formatted SD card is not an uncommon occurrence. Maybe the camera's storage option caused an unwanted format change or you formatted the wrong card by mistake. It is possible to save the file with a new format and the system finds it difficult to locate and recognise the file, especially if the changed format is incompatible. When you use random software on the internet to change the formats, that can corrupt the files too. They won't be saved properly on the SD card and sometimes the card can't read and register them. The most common problem is that - someone meddled with your camera and ended up formatting your SD card.
When you format your SD card accidentally(or willingly), space where the video or image files once existed becomes available to be overwritten. If you haven't overwritten the files or haven't filled the memory card again, there is still a chance for data recovery. Can you recover Sony video files after formatting card even after the files are overwritten? That's a story for another day and trust me when I say it is nearly impossible.
The video files you are able to recover depends entirely upon how much data you have added to the card again. If you have overwritten the card, you can't get any data back because there's none left to recover. So, don't get cheated when engineers gobble up money making fake promises about recovering data from overwritten SD cards.
Yes, it is possible to recover data from an accidentally(fast) formatted SD card. However, there are certain things to keep in mind like not filling the formatted SD card. If you have fully formatted the SD card, the data will no longer be accessible.
Now that we know how you should be careful about not tweaking certain things related to your SD card, let us dig in deeper and see some methods to get back the lost video files. These methods can also be used to get Image files.
When you have the data already uploaded somewhere safe, it is relatively easy to get your data back. If you have backed up your data on a PC or a hard drive, all you need to do is copy-paste and you are good to go. The other two methods need high-speed internet to get your work done. This first step is to download your data on a device and the second step includes copying it to your SD card.
The Manual service can be of two different types.
One - You can use your computer's command prompt system to make the changes yourself
Two - You can take professional help from engineers to sort out the problem
The main agenda of this guide is to help you rectify the problem by yourself. So, we will discuss the first route in detail. However, if none of these methods work, instead of making things worse, we'd suggest that you carry your SD card to a professional. There is nothing much they can do with completely overwritten SD cards but if you are one of those lucky ones who didn't add new videos or images to the card, there is still hope.
As for the first option, you need to connect the SD card to your laptop or computer device. Just like you'd do when you want to transfer video/Image files to your computer.
Step 1: Launch command prompt by typing cmd in the Windows search box and select run as administrator.
Step 2: Type this command: chkdsk G: /f/x/r. Replace G with the drive letter of the formatted SD card and hit enter.
Can you recover Sony video files after formatting the card using a third-party software application? Yes! Why not? Third party applications help you to recover your video files in less time than any other options mentioned till now. Wondershare Recoverit 10 is one of the best in the business because of the three-step process that is way easier to comprehend than the complicated mess that other options offer. It is economical, has an easy interface and supports over 1000 formats. So, it is a safe option for your Sony Cams and SD cards. Here's how you use it.
Step 1: Launch Wondershare Recoverit 10 and select the drive/ device you want to scan. On the bottom right, choose “Professional Video Recover” and click "Start".
Step 2: Once you click "Start" button, it will scan all your internal and external drives automatically. What's more, it can also recognise different camera model, such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, DJI, Fuji, Panasonic, Olympus, Pentax, Leica, etc. Wait for the scan to complete, all your videos will be found once it is over.
Step 3: Preview the videos, select the ones you want to recover and press on "Recover".
1. What is Sony Handycam?
Sony Handycam features Sony's camcorder range. The name emphasizes the "handy" palm size nature of the camera, made possible by the new miniaturized tape format. The Handycam cameras are in sharp contrast to its predecessors, which were large, shoulder mounted cameras.
The first of the camcorders was Betacam for professional use, released in 1983. Beta move BMC-100P turned out to be the first consumer camcorder. With technical advancements with passing time, the camcorders advanced at a fast pace, meeting the requirements of the consumer generation. In 1995, the company launched the first digital MiniDV camcorder VX1000. Later, in mid 2005, Sony's first HDV CMPS camcorder stole the show. It supported 1080i.
Sony later added HDR-HC5 and HDR-HC7 to the growing list. Overtime, the generation of cameras changed. In 2011, the first 3D AVCHD camcorder called TD 10 was released by the company. Next in line NX5, was Sony's first professional AVCHD camcorder. To add to the growing list, In the year 2014 first consumer UHD camcorder called FDR-AX100 was released. With time, Sony improved its technology and kept adding the latest models with different features to take care of users' requirements and beat its competitors.
2. How Does It Excels Other Brands' Cameras?
If budget is something that matters to you, then Sony Handycam will stand out to you.
Some Sony handycams offer 4K video recording even at a low budget. This plus point with Sony cam appeals to most vloggers looking for a budget-friendly option.
Some noteworthy features of Sony camcorders are a nice large lens ring, which can adjust focus or zoom, and Sony's electronic Multi Interface Accessory Shoe (MIS).
3. What Format Is the Sony Camcorder of Handycam Video?
Different models of Sony camcorder support different formats depending upon their specifications and use. Still, some major formats supported by the majority of the device include AVCHD, MP4, DV, XAVC S, XAVC S HD, HDV, MPEG2, MPEG4.
Like people more often say, Prevention is better than cure. It would be wise to create a backup of your SD card every now and then. Who knows when you might lose your videos or when your SD card might get corrupted. Best thing to do is keep the formatted card away and not use it for a while. A recovery software will do the rest. With a variety of software to choose from, it might get confusing. Most people think that they might need a technician to recover videos. It is not as complex as it seems. If you want to get your videos back within a few minutes, Wondershare Recoverit does the job for you. It's just a matter of clicks!
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