Click to Enlarge Because all three programs offered nearly identical performance, it's difficult to recommend one over another, so price becomes a factor. DataRescue's PhotoRescue 3 is available as a standalone application for $29. Lexar's Image Rescue 3 is available for $30, though it's bundled with its professional level memory cards. SanDisk's RescuePRO is available for $30 and also comes bundled with its Extreme series cards.
From our experiences, it's generally possible to recover most images after deleting in-camera (but not formatting) or formatting the card using a PC or Mac, though chances are if you are formatting your card you intended to do so. A basic memory card format is similar to dragging files to the trash, though advanced options offer more secure methods of deleting data.
Once you realize that images might have been deleted accidentally STOP USING THAT CARD and begin shooting with a new memory card to prevent overwriting data. Be sure to review images in-camera before choosing to format, as memory cards often look identical. Remember, once you overwrite data it cannot be recovered, so remain calm, think, and stop using your card; there's probably still hope
Image Recovery Applications
Though all three applications are easy to use, interfaces vary.
DataRescue PhotoRescue 3 ($29 street)
Simple, three-option menu makes recovering photos simple, though image previews are not available until after the entire card is scanned. Additional features include an advanced recovery option and complete card backup function.
Lexar Image Rescue 3 ($30 street)
Most complex interface of the three, offering options to recover only certain file types (raw, jpg, mp3, etc.) Image preview is only available after a complete card scan. Advanced options include disc image output (for burning recovered images), memory card format and secure erase. The software is compatible with Lexar memory cards and other media as well.
SanDisk RescuePro 3.2 ($40 street)
RescuePro gives you the option to recover photos, videos and other files such as documents and mp3s, as well as erase media with a fairly simple interface. Advanced settings allow you to control how thorough the software searches for lost images. SanDisk only mentions that it works with their own brand cards, though in our tests it was able to recover images from Lexar cards as well.
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