Format command usually relates to the media card, and effectively wipes the media for future re-use.
However, all is not lost UNTIL you overwrite the formatted card. (Format doesn't really wipe the card, it just removes the indexes, thereby making the space available for future use).
If the card is freshly formatted, then you can usually recover the pictures by using commercial products such as "Undelete". These work by recreating the indexes, and are usually very effective if the card has not been used since formatting.
Costs and results vary - but if you look up "undelete software" on google, you will be offered an array of possibilities - from freeware (no cost) through to around $50.
First thing to do is to stop using that card until your recovery has been performed.
Photo shops (camera stores, or processors) see this kind of error most days, and will be able to sort you out, if it all seems too daunting.
Answers & Comments
Format command usually relates to the media card, and effectively wipes the media for future re-use.
However, all is not lost UNTIL you overwrite the formatted card.
(Format doesn't really wipe the card, it just removes the indexes, thereby making the space available for future use).
If the card is freshly formatted, then you can usually recover the pictures by using commercial products such as "Undelete". These work by recreating the indexes, and are usually very effective if the card has not been used since formatting.
Costs and results vary - but if you look up "undelete software" on google, you will be offered an array of possibilities - from freeware (no cost) through to around $50.
First thing to do is to stop using that card until your recovery has been performed.
Photo shops (camera stores, or processors) see this kind of error most days, and will be able to sort you out, if it all seems too daunting.