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I'm looking for the maximum supported CF capacity for the EOS-1Ds with firmware 1.0.3. dpreview simply states "FAT32 (over 2 GB)". Looking around the net there are different statements, both indicating max 8 GB if formatted in the camera and as a hard maximum, but also that 16 and 32 GB has been used successfully[2],[3].

The sources from Canon that I've read are outdated and does not even discuss the maximum capacity.

I can't see why it wouldn't support larger cards than 8 GB if it's formatted with FAT32 which enables larger capacities than 2 GB. Has anyone used a larger card and filled it past 8 GB or knows the actual limit of the camera?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Why not just put a larger card in and try it? The worst thing that can happen is that the camera will not recognize the card. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Commented Jan 27, 2014 at 5:29
  • \$\begingroup\$ @MichaelClark I don't have the camera. I've just found a good deal. I don't want to invest in old overpriced cards if my larger ones won't fit. If someone here has some first hand knowledge it would be great. \$\endgroup\$
    – Hugo
    Commented Jan 27, 2014 at 5:36
  • \$\begingroup\$ This answer may help. I've seen several reports that formatting the card and creating the correct file structure using a computer will enable use of the full capacity of a card of greater than 8GB capacity when used in cameras with firmware that will only recognize 8GB of the card's capacity if formatted in-camera. photo.stackexchange.com/a/45356/15871 \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Commented Jan 27, 2014 at 5:42
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    \$\begingroup\$ If you place a card with greater than 8GB capacity into one of the cameras with an 8GB limit and format it in camera, the camera will only format and use 8GB of the card's capacity. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Commented Jan 27, 2014 at 5:44
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    \$\begingroup\$ And if the camera's firmware has not been updated to v.1.0.3 you will either need one 2GB FAT16 (or smaller) card or create a 2GB FAT16 root partition on a larger card to install the updated firmware. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Commented Jan 27, 2014 at 7:32

1 Answer 1

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I have a Canon EOS 1Ds mark 1, and I have recently put in a 32GB card. It is true that in-camera formatting only allows for an 8 GB partition to be created. However, if I re-partition the card on my computer and create a 32 GB partition, the camera will recognize all 32 GB.

I have tested filling the card beyond 8 GB, and it still seems to work in the camera.

So conclusion, it works, but only if you format on a computer :)

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