Canon 400D questions - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

05/15/2007 01:30:28 PM · #1

Hi,

I am looking to buy first DSLR and I decided on Canon 400D :)

I am about to pass the order for it, but I still have some "practical" problems, like: do you need to install EOS utility to upload the pics from the camera on your computer or the usual windows stuff works as well? Since I am going to be travelling I wanna know if I can upload the pics on any computer without the need of a card reader. If so, how long does it gets to upload, for example, 2GB?

Also I am thinking of buying a spare battery. Do you know if other type of batteries (compatible with 400D, of course) are as good as the Canon ones? Do you recommend something?

Thank you,
Bianca

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

05/15/2007 01:40:08 PM · #2

The 400D should come with a mini USB cable and you can hook that to any computer to transfer pics, as it will be recognized as a removable drive on the PC when it is hooked up and set to PC communication mode. Speed-wise I can't help with specifics, but is fairly quick. One thing about transferring via camera, is that is will use some battery power, so make sure you have a decent charge on the cam before starting. Reports on the forums on the battery is stick with original brand names - they seem to hold up better.

Hope this helps.

heavyj

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f1.7 ASPH

05/15/2007 01:40:32 PM · #3

Not sure I can answer them 100 percent. I think all cameras are pretty much the same in that when you connect it to your computer you can use windows explorer to grab the files you want and copy them over. No need for the other software as far as I know.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

05/15/2007 01:46:21 PM · #4

One caution... if you are shooting in RAW mode, you will need the Canon software (or a card reader) to transfer the RAW files via the camera connection. Canon cameras don't connect as "mass storage" devices and so don't support transfer of the RAW files.
In any case, a card reader is recommended (USB 2.0 High Speed for best compatibility with most systems). Your transfer times will be much faster, and there's no RAW file issue to contend with.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

05/15/2007 01:47:32 PM · #5

RAW might be an issue. You won't be able to view the images from any computer without the RAW viewer (Windows). Also, connecting the camera needs the driver installed for it to be recognized.

Since a card reader doesn't take up much space I would take one with you. Best to avoid any camera/computer connection issues if at all possible. Plus, you'll save on battery power.

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

05/15/2007 01:51:05 PM · #6

The USB card readers are great - they are small, fast and have an extension cable if needed. Cheap too!

05/15/2007 01:57:29 PM · #7

thanks guys. so any card reader will do it?

the idea was that if possible I would save money on the card reader and some memory (buy 2GB instead of 4GB) and buy a spare battery instead.

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 13:59:43.

Stiger

Canon EOS-60D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/15/2007 02:21:24 PM · #8

A spare battery will probably run you over 50 bucks. For around $70, you can get the battery grip and use rechargable AAs. And the battery grip makes the camera a little larger and it might be a more comfortable grip if you have larger hands.

pix-al

Canon EOS-5D

05/15/2007 02:24:52 PM · #9

definately get a card reader. They are cheap and will save on your cam's battery.

I have two non-branded batteries for my 350D that I use in the grip. I have found them to be very good, though perhaps I happened across some from one of the better manufacturers?

Valdo

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

05/15/2007 02:27:03 PM · #10

The file transfer issue has been covered very well. In terms of batteries I would suggest you get a spare one, either canon or third party. I bought a third party one and works flawlessly, I will post the brand for you when I get home, but I haven't had any issues.

About the grip, I have the canon one and love it, but if you have small hands you might be alright with the camera as it is.

digitalpins

Canon EOS-60D

05/15/2007 02:27:04 PM · #11

get a usb card reader they work great, that way you dont have to worry about eating up your cameras battery while you are transfering pictures also if you have another card you can continue to shoot.

For batteries goe here and get the batteries trust me these batteries are awesome

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 14:27:14.

Valdo

05/15/2007 02:30:50 PM · #12

BTW the battery will last for about 500 shots or so in my experience. I have never ran out of battery so far. I change batteries every week or so!

05/15/2007 02:49:23 PM · #13

Well, I sometimes take lots of pics and a second battery is really needed. And since I am going to my 10 years high-school reunion (already!!! :-O) I expect to take lots of pics (with flash too) so I would hate it to run out of battery.

I was thinking to buy the battery grip, especially since there is a kit with a battery grip included that costs 70 euros more than the one without, but then the battery grip is not "light". I saw it weighs almost as much as the camera. And I like to travel "light".

The site that digitalpins suggested is in the states so I think shipping that to Europe will cost me as much as a genuine canon battery. But I'll try to find something similar here. Thanks! I will wait for Valdo's answer, he's in Europe :)

As for the card reader, I wasn't able to find a nice small one as Brad suggested, so I guess I will wait until I'll find one like that.

I think the choices you have on cameras and accessories, as well as the prices make me wanna live on the otherside of the Ocean, otherwise I love the old Europe :)

Thanks for your quick answers!

Message edited by author 2007-05-15 14:54:15.

Valdo

05/15/2007 10:21:28 PM · #14

Hi Bianca I bought my spare battery from this seller:

//stores.ebay.co.uk/Broadway-Electronics

They sent it to my place in Manchester, UK it says they send to Europe.

Here is the description of the battery: NB-2LH -2L BATTERY for Canon G7 350D XT 400D XTi S80 GC

Hope it helps.