I just bought a used PowerShot SX-20is which did not come with a memory card I put in a new memory card and I get "memory card error" message. It won't allow me to take a picture and I've tried formatting the card but that only turns the camera off with the same message. Can anyone help?
Sounds like the camera is toast, it should not turn ff when performing an in camera format. I would return it to the place you bought it from.
First, please ensure that your memory card is compatible with your camera. Your camera will accept the SD and SDHC memory cards. It is not compatible with the larger SDXC memory card standard. Next, please check to see that the memory card is not locked. If you look at the edge of the memory card, you'll see a very small switch. To unlock the memory card, slide the switch forward, towards the side of the card with the metal contacts. If your memory card is one of the compatible types and is not locked, I recommend trying another brand/ model memory card. If the camera won't accept this memory card, unfortunately, your camera will require repair to correct this issue.
That is a good call on the SD card format.. Jake, did you purchase a 64gb or larger card likely labeled SDXC? You need to get the really old SD or SD HC these cars will be between 2 and 32 gb. That said, the camera should NOT turn off like that as far as any behavior i have seen. It shoud simply ignore the newer exFAT formatted cards. Your camera is a little over a decade old and you can pick up used for about $50. Repair will exceed the value of the camera, standard labor is 80-100 an hour. I still think you should return the camera based on it shutting off as you mentioned. We can definitely help with ideas on replacement cameras if you end up going that route.
As far as I can see, your camera is a bit of an old piece which only supports a maximum of a 32 GB storage memory card. If you are trying to use a memory card with more than that of storage then it is not going to be readable by your camera. Plus as told by @Ellinor William check all the vitals to see if you still face the same issue. Hope this Helps!
