Downloading Pics via cable: So I finally realized that with a cable and the right software installed I can transfer my images from my camera to my computer without having to remove the...

truckster Loc: Tampa Bay Area

So I finally realized that with a cable and the right software installed I can transfer my images from my camera to my computer without having to remove the card. Haven't actually done it yet, but will soon.

My question is this, does it matter much in protecting my camera by using the cable method rather than pulling out the card all the time to upload my images?

My first digital camera used double A batteries and with the constant changing out of the batteries the access door latch wore out. Don't want that access door latch for the cards to break or the contacts to wear down on my expensive camera.

Just wondering what the Inteligencia here thinks about this.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

I have been downloading my photos from camera to computer with the cable for 10 years never never had even a hint of a problem!

truckster Loc: Tampa Bay Area

davyboy wrote:

I have been downloading my photos from camera to computer with the cable for 10 years never never had even a hint of a problem!

That is what I hope to achieve. Thanks for your input.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

truckster wrote:

So I finally realized that with a cable and the ri... (show quote)

The USB ports are known to break, especially into the camera. So, make sure your camera is placed someplace stable without strain on the cable or risk of falling. Off load the images and disconnect the cable, using the Windows USB 'eject', if applicable. Assure the camera has a battery at least 50% charged to last through the off-load process.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

truckster wrote:

So I finally realized that with a cable and the ri... (show quote)

I think the issues you are concerned with are a big nothing. Take this a step further. What about the door to access the cord plug. What about the plug itself. What if that wears out. A million photographers every day pull a million cards out of their cameras and then stick them back in with no problems. Do what you want but your camera will be fine either way and pulling the card is easier than fiddling with the cord and that tiny plug.
...Cam

rcarol

Note that downloading images using a cable attached to the camera is usually much slower than removing the SD card from the camera and installing it into a card reader. That may or may not be important to you.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

truckster wrote:

So I finally realized that with a cable and the ri... (show quote)

I always remove the card to download photos since 2003.
Have never damaged the camera and both use CF cards.

BebuLamar

I don't think I would need any special software for transferring images from camera to computer.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Have done it both ways - three cords for three camera plug types attached to the computer all the time. For me at least, far quicker to plug in a cord. Download time seems about the same, though I am usually downloading comparatively small numbers of images. I'll have to pay attention to time when next I have a quantity of photos. Whatever is easiest for the individual.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Stix of one, half dozen of the other.
Pick one.

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

rcarol wrote:

Note that downloading images using a cable attached to the camera is usually much slower than removing the SD card from the camera and installing it into a card reader. That may or may not be important to you.

I always upload from my cameras to my pc with a cable and it takes no time at all.
I have used a card reader a couple of times and it was no faster.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

edrobinsonjr wrote:

I always upload from my cameras to my pc with a cable and it takes no time at all.
I have used a card reader a couple of times and it was no faster.

Not to get too technical, BUT, cameras use pretty much USB 1 or 2...computers today can have USB 3.0 or 3.1.

There is a tremendous speed difference between USB 1 & 2 and USB 3.x

Depending on what you are downloading there will be a huge difference between 500 41 MB raw files vs 500 6 MB JPG files when using a USB connected camera vs doing the same with a USB 3.x card reader.

I have been transferring images by use of a card reader for many years now, shoot only raw, and will say, yes, the card reader option is definitely faster, way faster.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

As far as wear and tear on the card slots, I don't think it makes much difference in the case of SD cards, but with CF cards, there is the risk of bending a pin in the camera.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

DWU2 wrote:

As far as wear and tear on the card slots, I don't think it makes much difference in the case of SD cards, but with CF cards, there is the risk of bending a pin in the camera.

No bends in 17 years and counting.

truckster Loc: Tampa Bay Area

CHG_CANON wrote:

The USB ports are known to break, especially into the camera. So, make sure your camera is placed someplace stable without strain on the cable or risk of falling. Off load the images and disconnect the cable, using the Windows USB 'eject', if applicable. Assure the camera has a battery at least 50% charged to last through the off-load process.

Thanks for your input. I will keep all your points in mind.