How to Recover Deleted Videos from Canon Camera
Want to recover deleted videos from my Canon camera? This guide shows step-by-step methods, including free and professional tools, to restore lost footage quickly and safely. Learn how to protect your files and prevent future loss while regaining your precious memories.
Introduction
Ever hit the delete button on your Canon camera and felt your heart sink? We’ve all been there. Losing precious videos feels like losing a piece of your memories. The good news? You can often recover deleted videos if you act quickly and use the right methods. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from quick manual checks to using powerful recovery software.
Understanding Video Loss on Canon Cameras
Common Reasons Videos Get Deleted
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s understand the why. Videos can disappear from your Canon camera for a bunch of reasons:
- Accidental Deletion: Pressed “Delete All” instead of “Delete One”? Happens to the best of us.
- Formatting the Card: Formatting wipes the file index but not the actual data — at least not immediately.
- Corruption or Errors: A failing SD card or sudden power loss can corrupt files.
- Transfer Glitches: Unplugging your camera while transferring files can cause data loss.
Knowing the cause helps you pick the right recovery strategy.
Can Deleted Videos Be Recovered?
Yes — in most cases. When you delete a file, your Canon camera doesn’t instantly erase it. It just marks the space as “available” for new data. Until something overwrites it, recovery is possible. That’s why acting fast matters.
Preparing for Recovery: What You Should Do Immediately
Stop Using the Memory Card Immediately
As soon as you realize videos are missing, stop shooting new footage. Every new photo or video you take can overwrite the deleted files, making recovery harder or impossible.
Don’t Reformat the Card
Formatting the card may feel like a quick fix, but it complicates recovery. Leave the card exactly as it is.
Store the Card in a Safe Place
Take out the SD card and put it somewhere safe until you’re ready to recover. Think of it like preserving evidence.
[3 Ways] How to Recover Deleted Videos from Canon Camera Free
Sometimes you don’t even need special software. Here are a few manual checks worth trying first.
1. Check the Camera’s Trash or Backup
Some Canon models have a built-in trash or “Recently Deleted” folder. It’s worth checking if your videos are sitting there waiting to be restored.
2. Look Into Your Computer Backups
If you’ve previously transferred your videos to a laptop or external drive, dig into your backups. Cloud storage like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox can also be a lifesaver.
3. Use Canon’s Official Software (if available)
Canon’s utilities like EOS Utility or Image Transfer Utility may store cached files or help with file transfer. It’s a long shot but worth checking before going deeper.
How to Recover Deleted Videos from Canon Camera with MyRecover
When manual methods don’t work, it’s time to pull out the big guns: professional recovery software. This is where MyRecover comes in handy. It can scan your SD card at a deeper level than your camera or computer can. They look for the actual file fragments left behind and piece them back together.
- ★Pros:
- Easy to Use: Simple, step-by-step interface anyone can follow.
- Supports Many Formats: Works with MP4, MOV, and more.
- Preview Before Recovering: See your videos first so you know what you’re saving.
- Safe Scanning: Doesn’t overwrite or harm your SD card.
- Works on Many Devices: Handles SD cards, USB drives, and other storage easily.
Step 1: Download and Install MyRecover
Go to the official MyRecover website, download the installer, and set it up on your computer. It’s lightweight and easy to install.
Step 2: Connect the Memory Card to Your PC
Use a reliable card reader to plug your Canon camera’s SD card into your computer. Make sure the connection is secure.
Step 3: Launch a Scan for Deleted Videos
Open MyRecover, select your SD card from the drive list, and run a quick scan. This process can take several minutes depending on the card size.
Step 4: Preview and Filter Your Videos
Once the scan finishes, MyRecover shows a list of recoverable files. Preview the videos to confirm they’re intact. You can use the "filter" or "search" feature to quickly locate all found videos.
Step 5: Recover Your Videos
Choose all the files you want to recover and hit Recover to save them to a different drive (not the SD card).
- You can even recover files from SD card after formatting.
- There is no restriction on SD card brands and types, which means you can perform Olympus or Sony SD card recovery.
Tips to Prevent Future Video Loss
Regularly Backup Your Footage
Think of backups as your safety net. Transfer your Canon videos to your computer or cloud storage frequently.
Handle SD Cards Carefully
Avoid removing the card while the camera is still on, and never pull it out during transfers.
Format Cards Properly in the Camera
When you do need to format, do it inside the Canon camera rather than on your computer. It ensures compatibility and reduces corruption risks.
Conclusion
Losing videos from your Canon camera can be gut-wrenching — but it’s not always the end. By acting quickly, stopping new writes to your SD card, and using the right recovery software like MyRecover, you can often get your precious footage back. Plus, by backing up your videos regularly and treating your memory cards gently, you can avoid future heartaches.