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View Full Version : Card Reader More Beneficial To Transfer Images?

bayhli
November 23rd, 2007, 08:52 PM
I don't use a card reader to transfer images to my computer. I keep a USB cord plugged into the front of my computer and just plug it into the camera and transfer.

I get the impression that most people use a card reader for this process - what am I missing here?

How is a card reader more beneficial?

Is there anything in particular I should look for when purchasing one or are they pretty basic?

Thanks.
Chuck S.
November 23rd, 2007, 08:57 PM
Pat, they're generally faster and they don't use the camera battery. The one I use accepts about 10 different kinds of cards and cost less than $15. In a pinch, I'll download directly from the camera, but the card reader is so small it fits in the camera bag. Try it...you'll like it!
BillBarber
November 23rd, 2007, 08:58 PM
Just for starters - It's usually faster to use a memory card reader to copy your pictures than to connect your camera to your computer with a cable.
BillBarber
November 23rd, 2007, 09:05 PM
Another thing to be concerned about .. if your camera batteries run out during your "download" you could risk damaging the memory on the card.
SenorSlick
November 23rd, 2007, 09:12 PM
Chuck and bill are exactly right as far as speed, and battery useage. I never use the cable transfer, always the card reader method. Harvey
msbrad
November 23rd, 2007, 09:37 PM
Well, I just ordered one with my camera. I used to use the usb too.
I have read how much better it will be.
m
bayhli
November 23rd, 2007, 09:49 PM
I'll pick one up and give it a try... never knew about damaging the memory with a low battery, that's about the worst that could happen!

Thanks for all your input.
bayhli
November 23rd, 2007, 09:57 PM
Michelle, you are getting a new camera?

Lucky you, which one did you choose?
lexcell
November 24th, 2007, 06:48 AM
Great input everyone. I definitely recommend using a card reader as well.

Depending on the type of card you have, some are actually faster than others...for example, Lexar now has the UMDA version that can transfer the new high speed cards really fast.

That brings up something of note....the really fast cards are faster than most cameras. They do allow the camera to write at it's optimum speed at point of capture but, they really shine when downloading your images to the computer.
msbrad
November 24th, 2007, 07:29 AM
Michelle, you are getting a new camera?

Lucky you, which one did you choose?

YES!!! Santa is bringing it:D.
After a bunch of reading....(I'm even understanding it much better), and tons of assistance and input from every dslr owner who would put up
with all my questions, while I waffled back and forth...

I've ordered canon xti, and the 18-55 lens and the 70-300IS lens.

It is suposed to be del. on Monday, however...the shipping address is incorrect...still working on that.
m
NMarti
November 24th, 2007, 08:25 AM
Wow Michelle - you are gonna be rockin! :D Congrats on the camera and lenses. Sooo... we expect your new stunning shots Monday night right? ;)
BillBarber
November 24th, 2007, 11:20 AM
Michelle, you're going to LOVE your XTi.
bayhli
November 24th, 2007, 11:51 AM
Well, you must have been a very good girl this year!

I hear nothing but good things about that camera so you've made a good choice. Good round-out of lenses too. Exciting!! :)
Not4wood
November 24th, 2007, 12:36 PM
Great input everyone. I definitely recommend using a card reader as well.

Depending on the type of card you have, some are actually faster than others...for example, Lexar now has the UMDA version that can transfer the new high speed cards really fast.

That brings up something of note....the really fast cards are faster than most cameras. They do allow the camera to write at it's optimum speed at point of capture but, they really shine when downloading your images to the computer.

My printer has a card reader port and its also very fast (Canon IP6700D). Is there any kind of difference between all of the ways mentioned?

I have a USB reader that came with my SD 4Gig memory card and I can't really see any change of speed between all three.

Three meaning:
A:USB between my Nikon D80 and puter
B: Printer Card Reader (connected via the faster USB)
C: USB SD Card Reader

Also, I just used for the first time the Adobe (PE5) Multiple-Image DNG downloader to get the latest RAW files from my camera. Did everything on its own and deposited all of the files into the same directory that I pointed it to instead of the "Picture Project from Nikon".

I did see the mention of the arguments about the DNG but I dont see anything bad about it. On top of that the DNG converter kept everything I shot at a higher detail level making/keeping everything at 16 bit for me to work on. My last previous effort had my images at 12 bit from Picture Project instead of the 16 bit from the DNG Converter.
RonH
November 24th, 2007, 01:20 PM
Just a word of warning. For most chips I agree with using a reader.

However if you have a Compact Flash chip (my main camera) you have to be extra careful about the little pins. I got a couple bent one time. Luckily the camera was under warranty and they covered it. Otherwise the cost would have been $300.oo to repair. So I use the camera USB cable when I only have a few images. I only pull the card if it has a lot of pictures.

My backup camera used SD so I always use a card reader.
Chuck S.
November 24th, 2007, 01:27 PM
Ron, thanks for that advice. I've been lucky so far with my cameras that use CF cards, but that does ring an alarm bell with me. At the very least, I'm going to be more careful when reinserting the card in the camera slot; I don't need to spend that kind of $$ to straighten a pin...
Not4wood
November 25th, 2007, 02:31 AM
Both of my Digitals (Nikon D80 and my little Canon P&S) both take SD cards. So I dont have to worry about bending any pins but I'm always careful if I take these cards in/out anyway.

My 4 gig SD card came with a USB reader. Can I use my other 2 gig cards in the same USB reader??
Chuck S.
November 25th, 2007, 05:37 AM
My 4 gig SD card came with a USB reader. Can I use my other 2 gig cards in the same USB reader??

Mark, I can't see any reason why the reader wouldn't work with any SD card regardless of capacity.
lexcell
November 25th, 2007, 10:47 AM
Mark,
Chick is correct. You can use any SD card in your reader.

Bent pins....OUCH! I still recommend using a card reader to save on the wear and tear of your camera and battery.

Plus, Bill brought up an excellent point about the battery dying while transferring. Not only could you corrupt your card, you could loose valuable images.
Chuck S.
November 25th, 2007, 10:51 AM
Plus, Bill brought up an excellent point about the battery dying while transferring. Not only could you corrupt your card, you could loose valuable images.

My first digital (Canon G2) came with the recommendation that you attach the AC power cord to the camera before downloading images. That was too much for me; I bought a card reader immediately.
msbrad
November 25th, 2007, 11:24 AM
Michelle, you're going to LOVE your XTi.

Well, you must have been a very good girl this year!

I hear nothing but good things about that camera so you've made a good choice. Good round-out of lenses too. Exciting!! :)

I've tried to be good:D. And I have learned a bunch in the past 2 years.
Many, many thanks to all you have brought me to where I am now.
I don't think I get to play until Christmas night. I still have my camera (sony f828) and I've been using it on manual, and future SIL has sony A-100...shall still be practicing and playing.
m
Cmcburnett
November 25th, 2007, 02:23 PM
I've tried to be good:D. And I have learned a bunch in the past 2 years.
Many, many thanks to all you have brought me to where I am now.
I don't think I get to play until Christmas night. I still have my camera (sony f828) and I've been using it on manual, and future SIL has sony A-100...shall still be practicing and playing.
m

Michelle, sounds exciting. Nice Christmas gift;)