BobT wrote:
I was recently given a HP tower for my older computer and found it has NO SD slot for entering images.
Is there any way that I can download my images now? Can some cameras download directly from the cameras via something like Wii Fii? Or how about some sort of accessrory to simply plug into the tower; where I put the SD card in and it downloads to the computer from there.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
First, are you certain that HP tower doesn't have an SD slot? I've got an older HP desktop computer, have used it for years, but only recently discovered that one of the blank front panels was hinged and there are a number of connectivity options hiding behind it. In this case it's two USB 2.0 and one Firewire, along with microphone and headphone connectors... I had no idea those were there, until I recently had to remove the front bezel to install a hard drive. My computer has a separate module with slots to handle most common types of memory. Maybe your computer has a similar, hinged panel that's hiding memory card slots.
But, even if your computer doesn't have a memory card module... simply get a memory card reader. Get the fastest type your computer can handle... Maybe USB 3.0, if the computer is relatively new.
Or, it you'd prefer, you probably could buy and install a memory card module, or have it installed. (It might give faster downloads, since it connects directly to the motherboard).
WiFi is too slow and too unreliable for anything more than the occasional download of one or two images.
There are USB cables that can connect camera to computer, can be used for downloads, but those are also a bit risky to use. Essentially, you are using the camera as a card reader. But, unlike an actual card reader, the camera needs to be powered up the entire time. If it's battery runs down mid-transfer, you can lose images. Also, most cameras use a micro USB or similar slot to attach those cables. If you wear out or damage that socket, frequently using it for downloads, you will have a very expensive repair. In most cameras, that socket is part of the main circuit board, which requires extensive tear down of the camera to replace, as well as being one of the priciest components of the camera.
In many cases, it also can be a bit of a pain to use a camera as a card reader, if you have multiple memory cards to download.
Best solution is an actual card reader, whether it's built into the computer or an accessory that attaches via a cable.