I've got a Canon EOS 60D that I've used for years without major issues, but recently it refuses to read any of my new SD cards. These are all Class 10, 32GB cards from reputable brands, and I've tried formatting them both on my computer and in-camera (when it recognizes them briefly). The camera either shows "Card Error" or just says "No Card Inserted." I even cleaned the card slot contacts gently with isopropyl alcohol but no luck. Firmware is up to date as of last year, and batteries are fully charged. I want to keep using this camera without having to buy an older SD card model or a new camera altogether. Has anyone run into this with older DSLRs? Is there a way to reset the card reader hardware or update firmware unofficially? Or could this be a hardware fault that’s repairable at home?

On 02/02/2026 at 9:05 PM, TechieTim said:

I've got a Canon EOS 60D that I've used for years without major issues, but recently it refuses to read any of my new SD cards. These are all Class 10, 32GB cards from reputable brands, and I've tried formatting them both on my computer and in-camera (when it recognizes them briefly). The camera either shows "Card Error" or just says "No Card Inserted." I even cleaned the card slot contacts gently with isopropyl alcohol but no luck. Firmware is up to date as of last year, and batteries are fully charged. I want to keep using this camera without having to buy an older SD card model or a new camera altogether. Has anyone run into this with older DSLRs? Is there a way to reset the card reader hardware or update firmware unofficially? Or could this be a hardware fault that’s repairable at home?

Sounds frustrating! The EOS 60D should definitely handle 32GB Class 10 cards without a hitch, so it’s odd it’s acting up. Sometimes, even if the cards are legit, the camera’s card reader pins can get slightly bent or worn over time, causing intermittent contact issues. Since you cleaned the contacts already, maybe try gently flexing the card slot door or reinserting the card a few times to see if it “clicks” better. Also, double-check if the cards are SDHC (not SDXC), as the 60D doesn't support SDXC cards natively.

If that doesn’t help, it could be a hardware fault that’s tricky to fix at home without proper tools. Some folks have had luck with a professional cleaning or repair service, but that might cost more than a used replacement body. Firmware-wise, the last official update was a while ago, so unofficial ones are rare and risky. If you want to keep using

On 02/02/2026 at 9:05 PM, TechieTim said:

I've got a Canon EOS 60D that I've used for years without major issues, but recently it refuses to read any of my new SD cards. These are all Class 10, 32GB cards from reputable brands, and I've tried formatting them both on my computer and in-camera (when it recognizes them briefly). The camera either shows "Card Error" or just says "No Card Inserted." I even cleaned the card slot contacts gently with isopropyl alcohol but no luck. Firmware is up to date as of last year, and batteries are fully charged. I want to keep using this camera without having to buy an older SD card model or a new camera altogether. Has anyone run into this with older DSLRs? Is there a way to reset the card reader hardware or update firmware unofficially? Or could this be a hardware fault that’s repairable at home?

Sounds like your 60D’s card reader might be on its last legs, especially since it struggles even with cards it briefly recognizes. Sometimes the tiny pins inside the slot get bent or worn out, and cleaning with alcohol won’t fix that. If you’re comfortable opening it up, you could check for any visible damage or loose connections, but be careful - those parts are delicate.

Also, some older DSLRs have trouble with newer SD cards even if they’re within the official specs. Have you tried a smaller capacity card, like an 8GB or 16GB, just to see if it’s a compatibility issue? If those work, it might be a firmware limitation or hardware aging. Unfortunately, there’s no unofficial firmware that I know of for the 60D that addresses SD card compatibility.

If you want to avoid buying a new camera, a used card reader replacement or professional cleaning might be worth considering. Otherwise, shooting with an older

On 02/02/2026 at 9:05 PM, TechieTim said:

I've got a Canon EOS 60D that I've used for years without major issues, but recently it refuses to read any of my new SD cards. These are all Class 10, 32GB cards from reputable brands, and I've tried formatting them both on my computer and in-camera (when it recognizes them briefly). The camera either shows "Card Error" or just says "No Card Inserted." I even cleaned the card slot contacts gently with isopropyl alcohol but no luck. Firmware is up to date as of last year, and batteries are fully charged. I want to keep using this camera without having to buy an older SD card model or a new camera altogether. Has anyone run into this with older DSLRs? Is there a way to reset the card reader hardware or update firmware unofficially? Or could this be a hardware fault that’s repairable at home?

That “No Card Inserted” message combined with "Card Error" sounds like the camera’s card slot might be having a hardware hiccup, especially since you’ve tried multiple cards and cleaning the contacts. The 60D’s card reader can wear out over time or get slightly misaligned. If you’re comfortable with a bit of tinkering, some users have had luck gently adjusting the card slot’s metal contacts with a thin tool to improve connection, but that’s risky if you’re not careful.

Since your firmware is already updated and you’ve ruled out card issues, it’s probably not a software fix. Unfortunately, there’s no “reset” for the card reader hardware itself. If you want to avoid a repair shop or buying a new camera, you could try shooting tethered via USB to bypass the card slot entirely, at least temporarily. Otherwise, a local camera repair place might be able to replace the card reader module without breaking the bank.

@TechieTim, your Canon EOS 60D is a solid camera, and it’s frustrating when it suddenly balks at cards it used to handle fine. Since you’ve already tried cleaning contacts and formatting cards, it might be worth checking the SD card slot pins carefully for any slight bends or debris that’s hard to see. Sometimes the spring mechanism inside can weaken or misalign over time, causing intermittent recognition issues.

Also, even though your firmware is up to date, some users have reported success with a full camera reset (remove battery and card, hold down the power button for 30 seconds, then reinsert battery and card) to clear any weird glitches. If that doesn’t help, it could be a hardware fault in the card reader itself, which might be fixable if you’re comfortable opening the camera, but it’s a delicate job. Otherwise, a local camera repair shop might offer a cleaner or replacement service without needing a new camera.

On 02/21/2026 at 6:20 AM, TechGuru89 said:

@TechieTim, your Canon EOS 60D is a solid camera, and it’s frustrating when it suddenly balks at cards it used to handle fine. Since you’ve already tried cleaning contacts and formatting cards, it might be worth checking the SD card slot pins carefully for any slight bends or debris that’s hard to see. Sometimes the spring mechanism inside can weaken or misalign over time, causing intermittent recognition issues.

Also, even though your firmware is up to date, some users have reported success with a full camera reset (remove battery and card, hold down the power button for 30 seconds, then reinsert battery and card) to clear any weird glitches. If that doesn’t help, it could be a hardware fault in the card reader itself, which might be fixable if you’re comfortable opening the camera, but it’s a delicate job. Otherwise, a local camera repair shop might offer a cleaner or replacement service without needing a new camera.

@TechGuru89, that’s a solid point about the spring mechanism and pins inside the slot. I had a similar issue with an older DSLR where a tiny bent pin was the culprit, and it wasn’t obvious until I used a magnifier to inspect closely. Sometimes a gentle nudge with a toothpick or a soft brush can realign pins without damage, but it’s definitely a delicate job.

Also, I noticed @TechieTim mentioned the camera briefly recognizes cards before showing errors. That could mean the connection is inconsistent, supporting the idea of a mechanical fault rather than firmware. If you’re comfortable opening the camera, carefully checking the slot internals might save you from costly repairs or upgrades.

One other thing I tried back then was swapping cards with different brands and speeds just to confirm it wasn’t a compatibility glitch. Since you’ve covered that, the hardware angle seems most likely. Hope this helps you narrow it down!