Card reader recommendation? Hello! I read that it is better to download your photos to a card reader and then go from the card reader to the computer. It was said to be better than...

Linda S.

Hello! I read that it is better to download your photos to a card reader and then go from the card reader to the computer. It was said to be better than downloading photos directly from the camera using a USB cable. I have to admit all I've ever done is use the USB cable.

Just in case I should use a card reader, is there one brand that you recommend? I have several that were given out as premiums for marketing events. I don't know if I should trust those or not.

Any insights you could share would be most appreciated. Thank you so much in advance.

crphoto8 Loc: Anaheim, California

Linda S. wrote:

Hello! I read that it is better to download your p... (show quote)

Lexar makes a good card reader. I use the Lexar Pro which is USB 3.0 compliant and has both SD and CF slots. I've used it now for years and it works very well. You can also use your PC's (I'm assuming you don't use an Apple) built in reader for SD cards.

RichinSeattle

I can't imagine what could be wrong with using the USB cable, though my Nikon D850 is fairly slow downloading RAW (NEF) files. Card readers are very handy, especially if your computer doesn't have the appropriate card slot. (Many new ones don't.) I recently bought a reader on eBay but discovered it doesn't take the new XQD cards that some camera makers (e.g. Nikon) are now using, so I'm sticking with the USB cable.

RichinSeattle

I can't imagine what could be wrong with using the USB cable, though my Nikon D850 is fairly slow downloading RAW (NEF) files. Card readers are very handy, especially if your computer doesn't have the appropriate card slot. (Many new ones don't.) I recently bought a reader on eBay but discovered it doesn't take the new XQD cards that some camera makers (e.g. Nikon) are now using, so I'm sticking with the USB cable.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

RichinSeattle wrote:

I can't imagine what could be wrong with using the USB cable, though my Nikon D850 is fairly slow downloading RAW (NEF) files. Card readers are very handy, especially if your computer doesn't have the appropriate card slot. (Many new ones don't.) I recently bought a reader on eBay but discovered it doesn't take the new XQD cards that some camera makers (e.g. Nikon) are now using, so I'm sticking with the USB cable.

USB cable just uses (drains) camera battery. Don't start with a weak battery.
Simpler for me to remove the card than get the cable and hook it all up.
Plus, I download to two computers (laptop and desktop).

I just got a card reader at either Office Depot or Best Buy.
Inexpensive, I think it's made/marketed by ativa.
Got it YEARS ago, works fine. I don't use XQD cards.

All my computers have built-in card readers now.

asaya Loc: Syracuse, NY

Lexar card reader CF and SD card capability

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Linda S. wrote:

Hello! I read that it is better to download your p... (show quote)

Linda I use a Lexar Pro which is USB 3.0 compliant and has both SD and CF slots.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

RichinSeattle wrote:

I can't imagine what could be wrong with using the USB cable, though my Nikon D850 is fairly slow downloading RAW (NEF) files. Card readers are very handy, especially if your computer doesn't have the appropriate card slot. (Many new ones don't.) I recently bought a reader on eBay but discovered it doesn't take the new XQD cards that some camera makers (e.g. Nikon) are now using, so I'm sticking with the USB cable.

Nothing wrong with that. The weak point is not the usb cable but the usb connector on your camera. Any damage to that by a pulled cord or other abuse could render that connector useless. AND expensive to replace.

I use 3.0 Delkin or a Lexar card readers to download my cards and have no problems at all. You just need to verify the card reader you purchase will accommodate the type of cards you use or foresee using.

techwolf Loc: Edgewater, Fl

Anker makes an incredibly compact card reader that is very durable and reliable. It is only $9.99 and takes up virtually no room in your bag or fits comfortably in your pocket. It is the Anker 2-in-1 USB 3.0 SD Card Reader for SDXC, SDHC, SD, MMC, RS-MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SD, Micro SDHC Card (Amazon) and UHS-I Cards. I keep one in each of my camera bags. The gig issue was that many card read readers get hot like the Thermaltake which i had...the Anker stays very cool.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I don't see a downside to using a USB cable to transfer images, but card readers are good, too. That's what I use. I've been using something like this for a while. I have several kinds, and they all work.

https://smile.amazon.com/Reader-Adapter-Micro-UHS-I-Cards/dp/B07L63Z54G/ref=sr_1_52?keywords=card+readers&qid=1581251033&sr=8-52

BillFeffer Loc: Adolphus, KY

Related to using a reader-It should go without saying that one needs to be careful when reinserting the card in the camera. Careless insertion can result in a damaged slot.

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

jdubu wrote:

Nothing wrong with that. The weak point is not the usb cable but the usb connector on your camera. Any damage to that by a pulled cord or other abuse could render that connector useless. AND expensive to replace.

I agree. And want to add three more reasons why to use a card reader.
- Not only is there a chance of damaging the camera's USB sub connector; but there is a possibility that the cable is caught and the camera is dragged and dropped. No matter how remote a possibility, it can happen.
- The battery has a cycle life span. Relying on the battery to power downloads will reduce its lifetime.
- Depending on your computer connections and throughput speed, downloads can be significantly faster using the right card reader.

agillot

been using the INSIGNIA ns-dcr30d3k , work fine , zero issue , inexpensive .

D74M

Linda S. wrote:

Hello! I read that it is better to download your p... (show quote)

Recently bought an Anker model AR200 from Amazon for $10. It’s USB 3.0, about the size of a thumb drive and takes both SD & MiniSD cards. Works great...

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Linda S. wrote:

Hello! I read that it is better to download your p... (show quote)

I use a card reader often. Although both my desktop and my laptop have built-in card readers, very convenient.

To clear up a bit of misunderstanding: You do not download your photos to the card reader and then from the card reader to the computer. Even with an external card reader, it is a one-step process: You pop the SD card into the reader, tell the computer where you want to photos to go to, and in a very short time it's done.

The computer will only accept SD cards, my external also accepts xD cards, CF cards, Sony Memory Sticks and Smart media. (I know, I'm dating myself!).