I have a nikon coolpix s4. I have used a Kodak sd 256mb memory card for years which has worked fine. I am going on a trip and wanted more memory and got a 4gb memory card. When I insert the card into the camera it reads "this card cannot be used." Why can't I use the card?

The S4 works with SD cards, which max out at 2GB. It does not work with higher-capacity SDHC cards.

No. The S4 works with SD cards, which max out at 2GB. It does not work with higher-capacity SDHC cards.

you may need to format the card

According your camera specs listed on dpreview.com:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/nikon_cp4300.asp

your camera must support the FAT 32 file format in order to use a compact flash card that exceeds 2.2 Gb. I question whether a camera 7 years old supports an 8Mb card, but I haven't found any specific upper limit listed online anywhere.

A couple things you might try.. remove the card carefully and check the position of the "lock" tab. Make sure it is fully in the unlocked position - not locked or a point between the two positions. Reinsert and try again.

It sounds lie you're using a card reader to download the pictures - try formatting the card while in the card reader via computer. The card should be completely empty when the format is complete. You can even try copying files to and from the card to make sure its ok and format again. When complete, try again in camera.

If the problem persists, check to make sure the card is on Nikon approved memory card list for use with the Coolpix L1 (provided below):

The following is a list of approved memory cards for the Coolpix L1 digital still camera. These cards have been tested and approved for use with the Coolpix L1.
The L1 uses SD (Secure Digital) memory. Sandisk:

• 64MB, 128 MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1 GB, 256MB*, 512MB*, 1GB*
  

Toshiba:

• 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1 GB, 128 MB*, 256MB*, 512MB

Panasonic:

• 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 1 GB, 256MB*, 512MB*, 1GB*

* - Cards rated for 10MB/s (high speed) Other cards have not been tested. For more details on the memory cards listed above, please contact the manufacturer.

The list came direct from Nikon Support. Other cards may work, but only those on the list are approved. Successful use of other cards can not be guaranteed.


I hope this helps!

Hi there.

This may be easier than you think.<grin>
SD cards can become accidentally locked. Double check your card. Take a look at the side of it. There will be a little switch. Make sure the switch is in the unlocked postion and see if that's your problem. Let me know if that doesn't help.

Rob

Select "Copy" from the Setup menu.

This happenes when you remove the card while read/write process is still going on. Try some professional service who will retive the data for you from the mem card. Hope this helps.

Nikon has tested the following cards and approved their use in the Coolpix 3200:

SD memory cards:
SanDisk 16/32/64/128/256MB
Panasonic 16/32/64/128/256/512
Toshiba 16/32/64/128/256MB

Other brands and capacities of cards may work, but Nikon cannot guarantee their operation. Check with the manufacturer of the third-party card for compatibility information. Nikon recommends keeping one of the approved cards available for troubleshooting.

Multi Media cards (MMC) are not recommended and should not be used.

If you've been using a 512mb sd card and it's worked your extremely lucky. the support was only designed to go to 256mb