"The maximum memory card storage capacity can depend on the way data is
organised on the memory card, which is known as the 'format'.
Formatting a memory card completely re-organises the storage space of
the memory card, during this process all pictures on the card are
deleted.

All Nikon digital cameras are compatible with the most popular and
common formatting method for memory cards - FAT16 (file allocation
table), this limits the cameras maximum usable capacity of a memory
card to 2GB. If memory cards with a capacity larger than 2GB are
formatted as FAT16 then only 2GB will be available for use.

A newer version of the FAT file format standard is available called
FAT32 (which is also backwards compatible with FAT16), allowing the use
of larger memory cards with capacities larger than 2GB. Only the
following Nikon cameras support FAT32 allowing the used of memory cards
with capacities over 2GB;
- D2 series, D200, D100, D70, D70s, COOLPIX 8800, COOLPIX 8700 and
COOLPIX 8400.

Using a memory card formatted as FAT32 in a camera that only supports
FAT16, will result in the camera displaying an error message such as
'CHA' or 'This card cannot be used'.

Memory cards supplied with Nikon digital cameras should be formatted in
camera before they are used for the first time, to ensure they are
formatted in the correct file format before use."