Panasonic Lumix Card Data Error — Fix Guide

What Does This Error Mean?

'Card Data Error' on Lumix means the SD card's file system has corrupted data — the camera can't make sense of the directory structure.
Power off, remove the card, try in a computer to recover any important photos.
Once data is safe, format in the camera (Menu → Setup → Format Card).
If Card Data Error returns after format, the card is failing and should be replaced.

Affected Models

Panasonic Lumix GH5/GH6
Panasonic Lumix S5/S5 II
Panasonic Lumix G9
Panasonic Lumix G100/G110

Common Causes

File system corrupted from improper card removal
Card pulled while access light was on
Sudden power loss during write
Card past write cycle limits
Card incompatible with this Lumix body

How to Fix It

Power off the camera.

Turn off completely.
Wait 10 seconds before opening the card compartment.
Don't pull cards from a powered camera — risk of further corruption.
Test the card in a computer.

Eject and insert into a computer.
Can it read the file structure?
If yes, the camera may have a temporary glitch — try formatting in the camera after backing up.
If the computer also can't read it, the card needs recovery software.
Recover photos with software if needed.

If important photos are on the card, use recovery software (PhotoRec is free and very effective for SD cards).
Recover to your computer's drive — not back to the same card.
Once photos are safely on your computer, you can format the card.
Format in the camera.

Menu → Setup → Format Card → confirm.
This rebuilds the file system fresh.
Card Data Error often clears after format.
If it returns after format with a fresh card, your camera's card slot is the issue, not the card.
Replace the card if format fails.

If formatting fails or the error returns immediately, the card is at end of life or has a hardware fault.
Replace with a fresh card.
Lumix bodies need fast cards: V30 minimum, V60 for 4K, V90 or CFexpress for high-bitrate 4K and 6K.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my photos?

Probably not, if you handle it carefully.
The data is usually still there — only the file system is corrupted.
Recovery software typically retrieves 95%+ of photos from corrupted SD cards.
Don't format until you've tried recovery on important shots.

Why does Card Data Error happen at random?

Most often: the card was pulled mid-write at some point, even briefly.
The corruption may not show until the affected sector is accessed.
Always power off the camera before removing cards.
If you have to pull a card without power-down, it's a coin flip whether you'll see Card Data Error later.