Cameras · two Lumix exFAT cards
Lumix dual-slot files missing from one card
How do I compare incomplete Lumix dual-slot media?
Short answer
First read the slot setting: relay recording continues on the second card only when the first is full, backup recording writes the same files to both, and allocation recording splits files by type. Then list the filename range each card should hold, compare the two, and scan only a card with a real gap.
The situation
One card appears to lack part of the recorded session.
Begin with the slot setting rather than with recovery. Relay recording continues onto the second card only once the first is full, backup recording places the same files on both, and allocation recording sends different file types to different slots.
01 / Diagnose
Work out what actually disappeared
Each of those three modes produces a card that can look incomplete while behaving exactly as configured. Only backup recording makes the pair comparable file for file. Under relay the numbering runs continuously across both cards, and under allocation the split follows the file type, so one card may hold stills and the other video. That setting was made before the session and still describes what you ought to find.
Relay, backup, and allocation modes define different expected filename ranges.
Check the last known path, trash and backups without writing to the original device.
02 / Protect the source
Preserve the best recovery chance
- 1
Read the recording mode for both slots in the camera menu and note it down before anything else is changed.
- 2
Produce a file list for each card with names, types and sizes, and keep both lists side by side for comparison.
- 3
Work out from the mode which files each card should hold, then mark whatever difference remains unexplained.
- 4
Scan only a card with a genuine gap, read-only from a reader, and export the results to a computer drive.
Do not format either card while the comparison is unfinished, and do not merge the contents of both onto one card as a shortcut. A card reformatted under relay recording takes the later half of the session with it, and mixing the sets hides the real gap for good.
03 / Choose the method
Match the tool to the source
For stable, readable exFAT, NTFS and FAT16/FAT32 or uncompressed IMG, DD, RAW and BIN images.
Unconfirmed exports are marked .UNVERIFIED.
Nothing can recover a copy the camera was never set to write, which is the ordinary outcome of relay and allocation recording. File Recovery Hero reads exFAT and FAT cards read-only and exports to another drive; it cannot read camera settings or help with a card that no longer mounts.
04 / Verify
Check the recovered content, not just its name
The comparison holds when every expected file is either accounted for by one of the two cards or explained by the mode. With backup recording the second copy is your reference: identical names and identical content confirm it, and a file present on only one card is the one to investigate.
Keep the source until two verified copies exist. One working preview is not enough.
Sources and technical references
FAQ
Questions about this recovery case
Can two Lumix exFAT cards be recovered in this situation?+
Begin with the slot setting rather than with recovery. Relay recording continues onto the second card only once the first is full, backup recording places the same files on both, and allocation recording sends different file types to different slots. The result still depends on what remains readable on the source.
What should I avoid before scanning?+
Do not format either card while the comparison is unfinished, and do not merge the contents of both onto one card as a shortcut.
Does scanning write to my memory card?+
Your memory card is only read. Nothing is saved to it.
How do I know whether the result is complete?+
The comparison holds when every expected file is either accounted for by one of the two cards or explained by the mode.