Card Error
Panasonic Digital Camera / Mirrorless
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
A Panasonic Lumix card error means the camera cannot read or write to the memory card. Formatting the card inside the camera and checking the write-protect switch resolve most cases.
Affected Models
- Panasonic Lumix S5 II
- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix GH6
- Panasonic Lumix GH5
- Panasonic Lumix G9
- Panasonic Lumix GX series
Common Causes
- SD card write-protect switch in the locked position
- Card formatted on a computer instead of in-camera
- Card speed class insufficient for the selected video or photo mode
- Card contacts dirty
- Card corrupted due to power loss during writing
- Card capacity not supported by the camera model
How to Fix It
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Check the write-protect switch.
On the left edge of an SD card there is a small plastic tab. If it is slid down toward the connector end, the card is locked for writing. Slide it back up (toward the label end) to unlock. A locked card cannot record photos or video — Panasonic cameras show an error rather than silently failing.
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Remove and reinsert the card.
Turn the camera off, open the card slot, remove the card, and reinsert it firmly until it clicks. An improperly seated card causes card errors even if the card is functional.
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Format the card in the camera.
In the Lumix camera menu, go to Setup → Card Format → select the card slot → Yes. Formatting in-camera creates the correct ExFAT or FAT32 file system and folder structure Panasonic expects. Warning: this erases all files on the card — back up your photos and videos first.
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Check the card speed rating.
For 4K and 6K video recording, Panasonic Lumix cameras require fast UHS-I or UHS-II SD cards. The GH5, GH6, and S-series cameras recommend a V60 or V90 rated card for highest quality video. A slow card (Class 10 / U1 only) will show errors during high-bitrate recording. Check the Panasonic website for the recommended card list for your model.
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Try a different card.
Test with a different SD card that you know works in another device. If the second card works, the original card is faulty or incompatible. If both cards fail, inspect the card slot on the camera for bent or dirty contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Panasonic Lumix say 'This card cannot be used'?
This message means the card type, speed, or file system is not compatible with the camera. Common causes: the card was formatted on a PC with NTFS (cameras need FAT32 or exFAT), the card speed is too slow for the selected recording mode, or the card capacity exceeds the camera's maximum. Format the card inside the camera and check that the card speed meets the minimum requirement for your shooting settings.