Memory Card Readers

**Lines** · 13-03-2009, 1:13am

I'm not personally keen on hooking up the DSLR directly to the PC and up until the recent purchase of my 50D, it wasn't an issue due to the built in SD card reader in my notebook.

Just wanted to know what do you use if you use one at all? Do the cheap Chinese ones you've picked up from Ebay do the same job as an expensive Sandisk/Lexar job?

Thanks in advance.

Nath.

**trigger** · 13-03-2009, 1:24am

Yes: They read and write fine on the cards the cards
No: Most of them dont read at 45+/mb Sec speeds

So they are ok if you dont mind slow transfer speeds

**I @ M** · 13-03-2009, 7:24am

Originally Posted by Lines

expensive Sandisk/Lexar job?

Nath, reexamine your fears and needs.

I don't consider $50.00 for a Sandisk reader very expensive compared to the cost of a 50D if you are concerned about frying the camera when hooked to the PC.

Buying a camera and lenses can be quite expensive --- but there are so many other "goodies" out there to keep us in poverty as well.

**Harves** · 13-03-2009, 7:32am

I use a portable reader at the moment, but I have one of THESE on order for my PC.

**ricktas** · 13-03-2009, 8:09am

Ive got a built in one in my main PC and a sandisk firewire one that I use attached to my laptop in need (i generally don't edit photos on the laptop).

**Roof** · 13-03-2009, 8:15am

i have a Swann, was about $70 (300000 in one card reader) and it is a very good little thing i also have one of these usb stick cardreaders that came with the card that i bought also very good it is a sandisk micromate.....in the laptop i use the inbuild reader and again nothing wrong with it........

i think the cheapie's might not be that fast but don't think there's anything wrong with it.

just my 2 cents....just remember what you pay is what you get

**Seesee** · 13-03-2009, 9:37am

The card reader on my PC is pretty slow, so lately I've ben plugging the camera directly into the PC and it whizzes them quickly onto my PC.

**Lines** · 13-03-2009, 10:32am

Originally Posted by I @ M

Nath, reexamine your fears and needs.

I don't consider $50.00 for a Sandisk reader very expensive compared to the cost of a 50D if you are concerned about frying the camera when hooked to the PC.

Buying a camera and lenses can be quite expensive --- but there are so many other "goodies" out there to keep us in poverty as well.

I understand in the whole scheme of things, the cost of a card reader is just a drop in the ocean. Much to my partners dismay, I didn't even bat an eyelid when I bought the 70-200. It's not so much about frying the the camera it's just that I find it more convenient to pull out the memory card than to find somewhere secure to set the camera down when out and about.

I was just interested as to what others were using and whether there was much difference apart transfer speed between a no name multi-card USB ($5) job and say a wizbang Sandisk/Lexar firewire unit ($100+). For example, I'll be devastated if I skimped and got a kamikaze cheapie that upon use would fry my memory card whilst simultaneously taking out my notebook and remotely destroying my camera that I'd stored safely in it's bag. Unlikely but possible.

I think I'll aim for a middle of the road Lexar Pro UDMA Dual slot reader unless anyone else has a better recommendation.

Nath.

**Nanny** · 13-03-2009, 10:36am

I plug my camera into the PC it is faster

**Jcas** · 13-03-2009, 10:48am

I had a little cheapie and it was so slow, i just got this little one to try and it's brilliant.

Fast as well as very portable.

**bigbikes** · 13-03-2009, 11:34am

I just put my card into the printer card readers (it has 4 sizes) Ive never had a problem, maybe a tad slower but it works for me .

**JM Tran** · 13-03-2009, 11:44am

Originally Posted by Nanny

I plug my camera into the PC it is faster

not that ideal for long term usage particularly for professional work and environment

I use card readers ever since I had my first DSLR 5 yrs ago, because I dont need to have the camera out and on and wasting battery etc. Not to mention I shoot in CF and SD cards I dont need to have 2 or 3 cameras out - where a multi card reader will suffice.

Not to mention when I am working on the job, a card reader allows me to have 1 card uploading into the laptop or comp while I can still keep shooting simultaneously - plugging your camera in to upload and make your client or subject wait, especially for wedding and studio shoots - is embarrassing.

Other factors I found to be useful is when I travel and am able to upload my photos via card reader onto comps at internet cafes or at hostels for facebook and emailing. Also when I would like a friend's photo but they use a Sony camera and memory stick - the multi card reader will be able to take it, and vice versa, without having to plug our cameras in.

**wideangle** · 13-03-2009, 12:11pm

I use the Sandisk 12 in 1 card reader which I have had for around 4 years now it goes everywhere with me and is very handy being a 12 in 1 as I can transfer memory cards from different formats. Think it retails for around $46 and in the scheme of things it ain't that much more than an ebay 'special' that may or may not die down the track.

**crafty1tutu** · 01-09-2010, 10:34pm

I bought a cheapie off Ebay and it works fine, although as people say - a bit slow. I leave it plugged into the computer and just put my CF card in when I want to transfer photos.

**jbee** · 01-09-2010, 11:08pm

I Use a SanDisk All-in-One CF SD MMC USB Card Reader Extreme IV and its very fast indeed, I also use fast cards which helps.
Connected to my netbook when travelling it was very handy I could download a full 4gb card in no time on it.

jb

**cupic** · 11-09-2010, 6:27pm

I have just bought a Lexar Pro UDMA reader to go with a Lexar Professional 233X 8Gb UDMA card.The thing is that the computer doesnt recognize the card only shows removable disk E and F.I had a live agent online from Lexar but nothing.How do a format the card to the computer?I have Win XP pro.
Never thought I would have to format a card to a computer
cheers

**BUGSnBIRDS** · 11-09-2010, 6:39pm

Interesting... I received mine last week and while the computer iMac registers the card, the light never goes off so I cannot remove the card unless I unhook from computer so suspect something not right also.

I'm using Scandisk extreme cards.

**cupic** · 11-09-2010, 6:48pm

While I had the CF card in the reader I inserted a SDHC into the SD section of the dual reader and no problem or issues,while the CF continues to be not read at all as if its not in the reader at all

cheers

**BUGSnBIRDS** · 11-09-2010, 7:09pm

Mine is the Firewire version. i can read the card fine - it's the fact that the light never goes out even once I've ejected the drive.

Wouldn't have thought you'd need to format any card, CF or SDHC. IF CF works fine then sounds like SDHC slot is faulty? Obvious question - the card is inserted correctly?

**Rod038** · 11-09-2010, 7:30pm

I just bought a card reader on Ebay for 22 cents posted. I hope it works I dont want to have to send it back.

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