HELP! Sl-l-l-o-o-o-w-w-w transfer from card to PC

12/22/2008 11:09:10 AM · #1

I've got an HP computer with media slots in the front to read media cards. I am moving files from my camera card to a file on my desktop (as thought this would be quicker than moving to the external hard drive, so will do that later) using the incomputer card reader. I have 1.5 GB RAM and nothing else open, but it's telling me that it will take 88 minutes to transfer these files. Would it be faster going to the external? (I have put the firewire thingy in my Seagate (external drive), but it's just as slow or slower to transfer my pics.

Anyone have any suggestions? This SUX! It's a 4GB card, but nowhere near full, lol.

Anyone know what to do (besides get a better computer??)

12/22/2008 11:20:00 AM · #2

If you have an older computer with USB 1.0 or 1.1, that speed is about right for a full 4Gb card. I have some issues with my USB 2.0 add in card, and mine takes a similar time over USB 1.

Firewire is roughly the speed of USB 2.0. The drive you are copying it to is likely not the slowdown. I think your bottleneck is with the CF card to computer connection.

You can buy a PCI add in card for $20 or so that will give you the faster USB 2.0 speed. Fry's almost always has them on sale. You can also find Firewire card readers. Not as common, but I know Fry's carries them.

Message edited by author 2008-12-22 11:25:11.

12/22/2008 11:40:29 AM · #3

So, the problem is the stupid little card reader slot??? Grrrrrr. THAT I don't know how to change or fix! Having the firewire connection to the external, etc. has nothing to do with how slow...just the dang reader. Would it be faster or slower to put the card back into the camera and use the cable??!! (this is why my stuff never gets worked...it takes so DAMN long to even get the flippin' pics off of my card!!!!) ** Repeats soothing words....Carier, Channel, Prada...LMAO!)

So if I buy an add in card reader, that should help? Does it just plug in or do I have to install it or have it installed?

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

12/22/2008 11:47:50 AM · #4

Not an add in card reader. That would still use the existing USB bus, and if that is the bottleneck, using a different reader wont help. An add in USB 2.0 card is probably what you need.

Something like this:

D-Link USB 2.0 add in card at Newegg

I suspect your computer is using USB version 1, like mine is. If the computer is 5 years old or more it is almost surely using USB 1.x

What model is it? I'm sure I can quickly find the specs.

An add in USB card is not difficult to install. You would have to install some driver software and open the case to put the card in an expansion slot.

Message edited by author 2008-12-22 11:53:14.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

12/22/2008 11:48:58 AM · #5

Originally posted by bergiekat:

...I buy an add in card reader, that should help? Does it just plug in or do I have to install it or have it installed?

Yes, you insert the card into the reader and plug the reader into the computer. The reader's drive should show on your desktop. What you want, ideally, is FireWire 400 which is faster than USB 2. FireWire 800, even faster, requires a special port you are likely only to find on high end Macs.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

12/22/2008 11:56:21 AM · #6

To clarify all the previous: Assuming the slowdown is due to a slower USB 1.x bus, your solution would be either to add a USB 2.0 board, or switch to a firewire card reader.

Also, make sure your card reader supports USB 2.0. There are still some older readers on the market that only support the slower v1.x speed. Most USB 2 devices will have this logo on them, or at least on the packaging:

Message edited by author 2008-12-22 11:59:55.

MattO

Nikon D4

12/22/2008 01:20:27 PM · #7

The card reader itself is likely the concern. I have a USB 2.0 reader, but not all are made the same. I can download either of my cameras quicker using the canon software and the usb or firewire cable by a whole lot. I can download either camera about 4 times faster then using my card reader. Doesnt matter where I take it to the external or the internal drive.

Matt

For clarity my system is only about 1 year old and has all USB 2.0 in it.

12/22/2008 01:27:49 PM · #8

I guess a lot of it hinges on whether her computer has USB 1.x or 2.0. Without kowing the model, we can only make broad assumptions.

Message edited by author 2008-12-22 13:28:27.

12/22/2008 01:41:23 PM · #9

Originally posted by MattO:

Do you mean the EOS utility or do I use the DPP or Bridge? I've never used any of it other than DPP.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

12/22/2008 01:46:26 PM · #10

Believe it or not...the cable to computer is FASTER than the card reader. (Guess I should have placed them on the external hard drive directly!!)

Thank you all for your help. I was always under the impression that the cable was a slower download, but guess not the case with my 'puter!!

Thanks for saving my time! Hugs to all.... *does the happy dance*

Message edited by author 2008-12-22 13:57:55.

MattO

Nikon D4

12/22/2008 01:49:35 PM · #11

Originally posted by bergiekat:

Tried EOS utilities...was told "Camera Window" is not compatible with this camera. (my 40D).
NOW what....this is starting to suk worse with everything I do....

You use EOS utilities not Camera window that is for other class of canon cameras. And yes that is what I use.

Matt

togtog

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/22/2008 02:21:28 PM · #12

Speaking of this topic, for the past month, I've been getting about 5mb per second transfer using my card reader. I'm pretty sure that is slow, even for usb1.1, and this is usb2.0.

Rando D300

12/22/2008 05:12:09 PM · #13

//www.lexar.com/readers/pro_udma_reader.html
1 gig card 1 min 30 sec to transfer