What does CHA mean - Nikon D90 Digital Camera with 18-105mm lens

Nikon says this about CHA:


When a Memory card is inserted into a D-SLR camera, the camera checks the card for compatibility and usability. There are three possible results of the test:

1) Camera detects valid Memory card, displays number of remaining images in top LCD

2) Camera displays "FOR" in top control panel LCD. The camera has detected a valid disk partition map, but was unable to read the first sector of the Memory Card. Formatting the memory Card using the cameras format option, should resolve this condition and allow the Memory card to be used.

3) Camera displays "CHA" in top LCD. The camera has detected an invalid partition type or is not working properly. Reformatting the memory card may allow it to be used. If an approved memory card causes the camera to display the "CHA" indicator contact the memory cards manufacturer for assistance.

(Nikon's list of "approved" memory cards can be found here.)

Please note that the default disk format used in Windows XP is FAT32 and if a card is formatted with this setting on an XP system, a D1 series camera will report "CHA". Reformat the card as "FAT" to use in the D1 series camera.


When the CHA error is shown, typically the camera will freeze and require that the battery be removed from the camera before it can take another picture. After that picture has been taken, the camera freezes up again for many owners.

Some owners have success removing and either re-seating or inserting a new memory card in the camera.

Some owners have success clearing the error by removing the lens and then reinstalling.

The key to these "fixes" is that they don't all work for everyone. You might need to return the camera to Nikon for repair. You can arrange for Nikon service here.

I hope this helps and good luck. Please rate this reply. Thank you.