Why You Should Never Delete Images In Camera

Serendipity on the Streets of New York

There are a few reasons why I never recommend you delete images in camera.

Technical Reasons Not To Delete Images In Camera

1. Unlocking Hidden Details: The small screens on many cameras can't match the clarity and detail of a larger, high-resolution computer monitor or even an iPad or other tablet. A photo that may seem lacklustre on your camera could reveal surprising details or interesting elements when viewed on a bigger screen. By evaluating your images on a more capable display, you open up the potential for discovering hidden details and making more informed decisions.

2. Risk of Accidental Deletion: Cameras often have clunky navigation buttons and user interfaces, making it easy to delete a valuable photo mistakenly. Most cameras lack undo options, making these accidents irreversible and frustrating.

3. Increased Chance of Data Corruption: Frequently deleting files on your camera's memory card can heighten the risk of data corruption. Each deletion can destabilise the filesystem that most camera memory cards utilise, potentially leading to file loss or a card that becomes completely unreadable.

4. Battery Consumption: Scrolling through images and managing deletions can significantly drain your camera's battery. If battery preservation is critical, leaving the sorting and deleting of images might be more prudent until you can plug in or transfer the images to another device.

5. Disruption of File Sequencing: Deleting images can sometimes cause your camera to recalibrate its file numbering system. This can disrupt your organized filing system, particularly if you rely on chronological file names to manage your photo collection.

6. Memory Wear and Tear: Regularly writing and deleting files on a memory card can wear it out faster. Memory cards have a limited number of write cycles, and frequent deletions can shorten the card's lifespan, necessitating replacements more often than necessary.

Artistic Reason Not To Delete Images In Camera: Overlooking Hidden Gems

It's not uncommon for photos that initially appear mundane or flawed to contain unique moments or interesting compositions. 

Street Photography, especially, relies a lot on serendipity.

If you look at the image at the top of this page, it’s one of my favourite street shots from a trip to New York a few years back. However, the image is far from the one I expected.

I had metered for the pool of light in front of me and was waiting for the chap in the cap to enter that space to get my shot. However, the lady with the phone entered the scene, and as I was about to take the photo, she “appeared” to have ruined it. I thought nothing of it and moved on.

Later, while editing, I liked what I saw and kept the photo. It’s a complete fluke, but I may have discarded it had I not reviewed it on my PC back at the hotel.

These are the reasons why managing your photographs on a device equipped with a larger screen and more sophisticated image-handling capabilities is recommended. This practice enables more informed decisions about which photos are worth keeping and which should be discarded.