SD Cards: Photo and Video Recovery from Memory Cards
You returned from vacation and the SD card from your camera doesn't work. Or your GoPro reports the card is corrupted. These small cards often contain irreplaceable memories – wedding photos, children's birthdays, travel footage.
The good news is that photo recovery from SD cards has a high success rate. The important thing is to proceed correctly and not make the situation worse.
Types of memory cards
SD cards (Secure Digital)
Most widespread format for cameras and camcorders.
| Type | Capacity | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| SD | Up to 2 GB | SD |
| SDHC | 4-32 GB | SDHC |
| SDXC | 64 GB - 2 TB | SDXC |
| SDUC | 2 TB+ | SDUC |
microSD cards
Smaller version of SD cards for:
- Mobile phones
- Drones (DJI, Autel)
- Action cameras (GoPro, Insta360)
- Dashcams
- Nintendo Switch
CompactFlash (CF)
Larger cards for professional cameras. More robust construction, higher reliability.
CFexpress / XQD
Newest formats for professional video and photography. High speeds, high price.
Why SD cards fail
Sudden card removal
Removing card during write (camera saving photo, camera recording video) can damage:
- File system
- Allocation tables
- Currently written file
Full card + continued shooting
Some cameras damage existing files when attempting another write on full card.
Wear
SD cards have limited write cycles. Cards used for video (continuous writing) wear faster than cards for photography.
Physical damage
- Broken contacts
- Cracked housing
- Water damage
- Extreme temperatures
Poor quality or fake cards
Market is flooded with fake SD cards:
- Reports 128 GB, has 8 GB
- Data overwrites in loop
- Extremely short lifespan
Symptoms of SD card problems
"Card is corrupted"
Camera or computer reports card error.
What to do:
- DO NOT FORMAT!
- Remove card
- Try on computer via reader
Missing photos
Some photos disappeared, others are visible.
Possible causes:
- Corrupted file system
- Partial overwriting
- Bad sectors
Card not recognized
Neither camera nor computer sees card.
Possible causes:
- Controller failure
- Physical contact damage
- Firmware problem
Photos can be opened but are corrupted
Thumbnails OK, but full size is gray or pixelated.
Cause: Corrupted file data, often due to interrupted write or bad sectors.
Photo recovery from SD card
Scenario 1: Accidentally deleted photos
Situation: You deleted photos by mistake or formatted card.
Recovery chance: High (80-95%)
What to do:
- Immediately stop using card
- Don't insert it back in camera
- Don't take new photos
Solution: Recovery software (PhotoRec, Recuva) or professional logical recovery.
Scenario 2: Corrupted file system
Situation: Card reports error, but is visible on computer.
Recovery chance: High (75-90%)
Solution: Sector copy + file system reconstruction.
Scenario 3: Card not recognized
Situation: Neither camera nor computer sees card.
Recovery chance: Medium (50-70%)
Solution: Professional diagnostics – firmware repair or chip-off.
Scenario 4: Physical damage
Situation: Broken card, damaged contacts, water damage.
Recovery chance: Medium (40-70%)
Solution: Physical repair + chip-off recovery.
Special cases
Drones (DJI, Autel)
Drones use microSD cards for storing 4K video. High write speed = higher demands on card.
Common problems:
- Card overheating during flight
- Vibrations damaging contacts
- Sudden recording stop (dead battery)
Recommendations:
- Use cards recommended by drone manufacturer
- Regularly copy footage
- Replace cards after 1-2 years intensive use
Action cameras (GoPro, Insta360)
Similar problems as drones:
- High write speed (4K/60fps, 5.3K)
- Extreme conditions (water, dust, heat)
- Vibrations
Recommendations:
- Cards min. V30 or V60
- SanDisk Extreme / Extreme Pro
- Samsung PRO Plus / PRO Ultimate
Professional photography
RAW files (20-100 MB/photo) are more demanding on card and recovery.
RAW recovery specifics:
- Larger files = more fragments
- Proprietary formats (CR3, NEF, ARW)
- Higher software demands
Recommendations:
- Dual slot cameras = backup
- Copying after each shoot
- Quality cards (SanDisk Extreme Pro, Sony TOUGH)
Photo loss prevention
Rule: Copy immediately
After each shoot / recording:
- Copy to computer
- Ideally also to cloud
- Only then delete from card
Don't use card as archive
SD card is for transfer, not long-term storage:
- Flash memory can lose data when not used long term
- Mechanical fragility
- Easy to lose
Safe removal
In camera:
- Turn off camera before removing card
- Wait until LED activity goes off
On computer:
- Use "Safely Remove"
- Don't remove during copying
Quality cards
Invest in branded cards:
- For video: V30, V60, V90 rating
- For 4K drones: min. V30
- For professional photo: UHS-II cards
Card testing
Test new cards:
- Copy test data
- Verify it's readable
- Software like H2testw reveals fake cards
FAQ
How much does photo recovery from SD card cost?
- Logical recovery (deletion, formatting): from €80
- Firmware problem: from €120
- Chip-off: from €180
Exact price after free diagnostics.
How long does recovery take?
- Logical recovery: 1-2 days
- More complex cases: 3-5 days
Can I use recovery software myself?
If card is readable on computer, you can try:
- PhotoRec (free, cross-platform)
- Recuva (free, Windows)
- R-Studio (paid, professional)
If card is not recognized, software won't help.
Does water damage SD card forever?
Not always. If:
- You immediately remove card
- Let it dry thoroughly (min. 48h)
- Don't use before drying
...recovery chances are good. Salt water is worse than fresh water.
Need to recover photos?
Did you lose photos from vacation, wedding, or other important event? Diagnostics is free and we'll determine what can be recovered.
Phone: +420 775 220 440 Email: info@datahelp.eu