Err 04, Canon
What it means and what to do: it depends on the model; find yours below.
Still seeing Err 04?
Our reasoning, not the source's: If you can, copy every image you want to keep from the card to a computer first.
Delete images you no longer need, or put in a card with free space, as the manuals say.
Formatting the card in the camera also clears it, but it erases every image on it.
If the message stays on a card with free space, write down the error number and contact a Canon Service Center, as the manuals say to do when an error persists.
In the 8 we read
| Camera | What it means† | What to do† | What its manual also says† |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 50D | Memory card is full, preventing image saving. | Replace the card, delete unneeded photos, or format the card. | If errors persist, note the code and contact Canon Service. Restart or reinsert battery to recover. Do not touch contacts with fingers or use solvent cleaners. |
| Canon EOS 5D | The memory card has no more space available. | Delete unneeded photos from the card or replace it. | If the error repeats, write down the code and visit a Canon Service Center. Check if the photo was saved by pressing the display button. Do not touch electrical contacts with fingers and avoid cleaners with organic solvents. |
| Canon EOS 5D Mark III | Images cannot be saved because the card is full. | Replace the card, delete unneeded pictures, or format the card. | Same as “What the manuals also say” below |
| Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | Cannot save images because the card is full. | Replace the card, delete images, or format it. | If the error continues, note the code and contact Canon Service. Do not touch contacts with fingers. Avoid cleaners with organic solvents. |
| Canon EOS 60D | The memory card has no space left to save new photos. | Replace the card for a new one, delete unneeded photos, or format the card. | Same as “What the manuals also say” below |
| Canon EOS 760D | Cannot save images because the card is full. | Replace the card, delete images, or format it. | Same as “What the manuals also say” below |
| Canon EOS 7D | Cannot save images because the card is full. | Replace the card, delete unneeded pictures, or format the card. | Same as “What the manuals also say” below |
| Canon EOS 7D Mark II | The memory card is full, preventing image saving. | Replace the card, delete images, or format it. | If the error continues, record the number and contact Canon Service. Restarting or reseating the battery is advised for some errors. Clean lens contacts if communication fails. |
What the manuals also say
- If the error persists, write down the number and contact Canon Service. Do not touch electrical contacts with fingers. Do not use cleaners with organic solvents (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EOS 60D, Canon EOS 760D and Canon EOS 7D).
Other Canon messages
Sources
- Canon camera instruction manuals (PDF), one per model, checked Oct 6, 2026
Each value is checked automatically against the source it links, on the date shown. How we build these pages
† What it means and What to do and What its manual also says: restated in plain words from the sources linked here; each source has the exact wording.