BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

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.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

A memory card reader that plugs into a USB port. ≈$20

(Hopefully the computer has a USB port...)

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

You should be able to download directly from the camera with a cable. You could also get a USB card reader, but I prefer not to have to take the card out of the camera every time.

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

Thanks folks. That's all I need to know.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I connect my camera to my PC with a USB cable. Wi-fi is slower. I use a utility (app, program) that came with my camera. It knows which folder to put the photos into, by date. It is available online from the manufacturer. The serial number of the camera is needed to download it. There are different utilities for different types of camera.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Two options. Connect your camera's USB port to the PC's USB port. Or, get an accessory card reader to plug into your PC. I’m really surprised that your new PC didn’t come with a card slot. My Dell has 4 different kinds.

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

Thanks gvarner,

I will certainly do one of those solutions. This HD tower has no card slots.

Bob

Carl1024 Loc: Kaneohe, HI 96744

I own the Olympus OM-D E-5 M2 4/3 & have no problems downloading. My other Canon & Nikon bodies are 2 big 4 this? very small body
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Brian S. Loc: Oak Park, MI

Hello John:

What is wrong with removing the card from the camera (everytime) to download the images from it?

Just curious,

Brian

pendennis

My Win10 computer automatically recognizes the camera when I attach it using the USB slot. All three of my Nikons came with a cable. Win10 asks what I want to do with the device, and then remembers. You have to keep the camera on, but the download time is very quick, and you can select where it will reside.

I maintain folders for each camera, and I've set the parameters to set up folders based on the file dates.

For me, I don't like removing cards every time I download. Too many chances to fat finger it. Less touching, the better.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

I just seems like extra work when you can just connect the camera directly. When I did studio photography, I was shooting tethered with a cable from the camera anyway.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

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.

Jack 13088 Loc: Central NY

Make that more like $10.

11bravo

Here is the card reader I've used for years. Cheap enough to have several (for each computer, 2nd as a spare, etc). I like white, easy to spot. My travel partner likes hers in pink. I prefer these over a slot as the slot on my laptop likes to grab hold and not let go. As others have said, I don't use the mini-usb connector on my cameras to avoid wear and tear on said connecter. Besides, always have to get out my glasses to properly orient the cable. Just easier with a card reader.

I also recommend getting a couple of short USB extension cables. I have some for the USB connecters on back of desktop, back of laptop docking station, and for the side laptop ports, given they are on the downward slope of the side.

https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-microSDHC-Reader-TS-RDF5W-White/dp/B00FJRS8F8/

Besides "straight" extension cables, also more connections are available:

https://www.amazon.com/Smays-Female-Extension-7-Inch-Centimeters/dp/B00RDWWWSQ/

https://www.amazon.com/Smays-Angle-Female-Extension-Cable/dp/B00OMXRLVW/