| Author | Thread |
|
|
03/05/2007 02:35:49 AM · #1 |
Do most people on here use a card reader? Do you find it easier to just take out your flash memory, and slap it in a card reader (Which I assume is attached to your PC via USB) Or do you use certain software to transfer your files from your camera to your PC directly from your camera (Or even use explorer)?
If you use a card reader, what do you find the benifits to be and how do you choose the card reader/writer to buy? I saw one that accpted about 6 or 7 different medias for about 30 USD...sound right?
I got my Nikon D80 today, and feeling good...so I have the 'euphoria' needed to spend more money I shouldn't... |
|
|
|
03/05/2007 02:41:02 AM · #2 |
I got a Kigston brand from the local camera shop I only use compact flash so that was the primary one it does sd as well as a couple of others cost me $NZ 25.00I use Picasa to load with.
|
|
|
|
03/05/2007 02:41:08 AM · #3 |
| i use card readers because it is simply faster, easier than reading off the camera. i'd also avoid camera transfer software since it may alter the EXIF - something important if your photo is used in a challenge entry. |
|
|
|
03/05/2007 02:45:08 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by crayon:
i use card readers because it is simply faster, easier than reading off the camera. i'd also avoid camera transfer software since it may alter the EXIF - something important if your photo is used in a challenge entry. |
transferring directly from camera to hard drive via usb doesn't change exif data if the hard drive reads the camera as an external drive, and you use windows folders to view and move the files. right? what you said only refers to specialised software that communicates between the camera and computer.
|
|
|
|
03/05/2007 02:49:59 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by super-dave:
Originally posted by crayon:
i use card readers because it is simply faster, easier than reading off the camera. i'd also avoid camera transfer software since it may alter the EXIF - something important if your photo is used in a challenge entry. |
transferring directly from camera to hard drive via usb doesn't change exif data if the hard drive reads the camera as an external drive, and you use windows folders to view and move the files. right? what you said only refers to specialised software that communicates between the camera and computer. |
you're right (see bolded quotes above) if you merely transfer them as files. beware, however of operating systems that may alter EXIF when it detects an image format and handles the files in a special way. |
|
|
|
03/05/2007 03:15:42 AM · #6 |
i believe you!! LOL
i was just checking to make sure i had MY facts right! :)
|
|
|
|
03/05/2007 06:19:28 AM · #7 |
Easiest option is to buy a Dell 24" widescreen monitor.. comes with a card reader built in ;).
On a more realistic note, I'm not from the US but $30 seems a bit pricey.. on crucial.com they are $12 for SD/CF only, $15 for "8 in 1" or $20 for "12 in 1".
splidge
|
|
|
|
03/05/2007 06:26:51 AM · #8 |
| I would like to use a card reader but have been too lazy to buy one. It is very slow transferring via my camera (especially with the 2gM XD card) so it is also killing my battery as I transfer. I also just use windows explorer to transfer the images, not cause I'm worried so much about the EXIF but becuase I don't like the Oly software and it's just easier for me this way. I create the folder I want and just drag them to it. |
|
|
|
03/05/2007 06:29:20 AM · #9 |
The only reason I use a card reader is because I lost the straight from camera USB patch cable (it is not a normal one) and I already HAD the card reader. Just using the card inside your camera as like another hard drive and cutting/copying and pasting files from that to your internal hard drive alters nothing. (just to verify) You need not spend anything.
But ... if you want, I will gladly trade you my card reader for your D80. ;)
|
|
|
|
03/05/2007 06:38:26 AM · #10 |
So...I am confused by this too. The camera package I am buying (IF it ever gets here!) comes with a card reader. But I have a slot in the front of my pc for sd memory cards and such. So does this mean I already have a card reader built in to my pc?
My camera I have now, I just take the card out & plug it into the slot on my tower.
PS..I probably shouldn't be asking questions this early. :)
Message edited by author 2007-03-05 06:40:24. |
|
|
|
03/05/2007 08:04:56 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by hipychik:
So...I am confused by this too. The camera package I am buying (IF it ever gets here!) comes with a card reader. But I have a slot in the front of my pc for sd memory cards and such. So does this mean I already have a card reader built in to my pc?
My camera I have now, I just take the card out & plug it into the slot on my tower.
PS..I probably shouldn't be asking questions this early. :) |
A card reader built into your PC is fine. A card reader that you plug into a USB port is fine. A card reader treats the card as if it is another disk attached to your computer. You can then use Windows Explorer (pc) or Finder (mac) to copy files to your computer. If you are using this method of transferring files, you are fine.
You should not use camera software to transfer files unless you are absolutely sure files are not being modified.
In effect, what is being said - use your computer's file system to transfer files not software provided with a camera. |
|
|
|
03/05/2007 08:06:58 AM · #12 |
| Ok..thank you! I think I understand now. |
|
|
|
03/05/2007 08:50:46 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by hipychik:
But I have a slot in the front of my pc for sd memory cards and such. So does this mean I already have a card reader built in to my pc? |
Precisely, the slot on your PC has exactly the same function as an external card reader. As long as it accepts the memory card type that your camera uses it will work fine.
Originally posted by hipychik:
PS..I probably shouldn't be asking questions this early. :) |
Never feel that you shouldn't be asking questions. If in doubt, ask away!
splidge
Message edited by author 2007-03-05 08:51:08. |
|
|
|
03/05/2007 02:25:23 PM · #14 |
It's definitely worth it to upgrade to a USB 2.0 card reader, if you don't already have one. Many of the built-in readers aren't USB 2.0 speed, and many cameras (even my D70s, which is described as being a "USB 2.0" camera, but isn't "high speed USB 2.0") won't transfer files really quickly.
I only realized this a week or so ago when I bought a new, SanDisk card reader. I plugged it into my laptop, and I couldn't believe how fast it was, compared to hooking the camera up directly like I normally do. I actually timed it, and the new reader is 6x faster.
Since I was shooting a gymnastics event this weekend, I went out and bought a second reader so I could easily have photos on display on two laptops. I got quite a sweet deal on that reader! I went to Circuit City, and they had them marked at $14.95 minus a $5 mail-in rebate. Well, it turned out that they were *mismarked* (should have been $21 and no rebate), but the manager gave it to me for the $9.95! |
|
|
|
03/05/2007 02:32:59 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by alanfreed:
It's definitely worth it to upgrade to a USB 2.0 card reader, if you don't already have one. Many of the built-in readers aren't USB 2.0 speed, and many cameras (even my D70s, which is described as being a "USB 2.0" camera, but isn't "high speed USB 2.0") won't transfer files really quickly.
|
The same goes for firewire. I was transferring from camera to my laptop (I always get a strange urge to call it a lapdog, sorry) via firewire the other weekend at a wedding and it took about 35 minutes to transfer the 4G card. That nearly killed me. I'd had enough of that, so I got a Sandisk firewire card reader and carried out some tests. A bunch of files that took over two minutes to transfer direct from camera took less than 20 seconds using the card reader.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2026 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 01/02/2026 05:41:50 AM EST.
