Why Do Photos Get Placed in a DCIM FoldeR?

  • Photos deleted or lost DCIM folders on Cameras, Smartphones, and other devices can be recovered easily
  • Supports all media file formats of images, videos, animations, etc. (having any file extensions).
  • Displays a preview of the files restored from the DCIM folder
  • Capable to retrieve permanently deleted, lost, corrupt or formatted files and folders
  • Works with various types and brands of memory cards

Everything you need to know about the DCIM Folder!!!

DCIM is nothing but an abbreviation of the Digital Camera Images. When you click snaps using a Digital camera or smartphone camera, it gets stored in the DCIM folder. In case, if there is no folder named DCIM on a camera memory card then it creates one.

Images are Saved to DCIM Folder…. Why?

DCIM folder has a standard layout set by the DCF (Design rule for Camera File system). As per DCF specification, the digital camera should save photos in a “DCIM” directory. So that when you connect the Digital cameras or smartphones to the computer, photo –library software easily identifies and transfers them automatically.

Why DCIM, but not Photos?

There should be a specific standard, otherwise, it might be difficult for software programs to find photos from the connected device. In case, if the DCIM is formatted as per DCF specification. If the Digital camera and smartphones have its own unique pictures folder, then you won't be able to use the card used on one camera in another camera. Hence it it has a standard format then you can connect SD card of one camera to another digital camera and access the photos without rearranging the file system of your camera card.

How safe are the photos on the DCIM folder?

If you are thinking if the pictures are safe in the DCIM folder then you are absolutely wrong. There are a number of reasons due to which you may end up losing photos from this folder.

Case 1: DCIM Folder Corruption

DCIM folder can get corrupt. There is no particular reason for DCIM folder corruption. If you see the one of the following things, then it indicates folder corruption-

  1. One or more pictures in DCIM folder might not be visible
  2. All the photos on the card might go missing
  3. DCIM folder turns to file

What could be done in case of DCIM Folder Corruption?

In the first case, you can take out the pictures that are visible and replace the card. But if the vital pictures are missing or erased from the DCIM folder then you need recover pictures from the DCIM folder using the Folder Recovery application.

Case 2: User Error

DCIM folder might get deleted if you accidentally click the Delete button while working on it or while transferring it to the computer from a digital camera.

Is there any way to Recover deleted DCIM folder?

Yes, with the help of Folder Recovery Software you can recover deleted folder from a camera SD card. Don't worry, here are the simple steps by which you can easily perform DCIM file recovery.

Simple steps to Recover files from the DCIM folder?

Step 1: Download and install the Folder Recovery software. And attach the memory card or camera to the PC.

Step 2: Select “Recover Files” option on the main screen as shown in Figure 1.

Step 3: Specify the drive that represents the memory card/camera card storage. Tap on the Scan button.

Figure 1: Recover Partitions/Drives

Step 4: The tool starts searching for the DCIM folder items by initiating the scan process. The progress of the folder recovery will be visible, refer to Figure 2.

Figure 2: Scanning for Folders

Step 5: Preview the DCIM folder items in File Type View or Data View.

Figure 3: Recovered Folders

Step 6: Preview the recovered files and mark the ones that you want to save.

Figure 4: Preview Window

Step 7: Specify a suitable drive location where you want to save the files restored from the DCIM folder. Click on the Save button.

Figure 5: Save Recovered Folders