Memory Card Readers [Archive] - AusPhotography:: Australia's Premier Photography Forum::

Lines

12-03-2009, 11:13pm

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

12-03-2009, 11:24pm

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, 5:24am

expensive Sandisk/Lexar job?

Nath, reexamine your fears and needs.

I don't consider $50.00 for a Sandisk reader (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Sandisk-ImageMate-Compact-Flash-CF-Card-Reader-USB-2-0_W0QQitemZ280319897640QQihZ018QQcategoryZ43449QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) 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. :D

Harves

13-03-2009, 5:32am

I use a portable reader at the moment, but I have one of THESE (http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=408&products_id=8056) on order for my PC.

ricktas

13-03-2009, 6:09am

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, 6:15am

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, 7:37am

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, 8:32am

Nath, reexamine your fears and needs.

I don't consider $50.00 for a Sandisk reader (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Sandisk-ImageMate-Compact-Flash-CF-Card-Reader-USB-2-0_W0QQitemZ280319897640QQihZ018QQcategoryZ43449QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) 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. :D

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, 8:36am

I plug my camera into the PC it is faster

Jcas

13-03-2009, 8:48am

I had a little cheapie and it was so slow, i just got this (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod2206.htm) little one to try and it's brilliant.

Fast as well as very portable.

bigbikes

13-03-2009, 9:34am

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, 9:44am

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, 10:11am

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.

dbax

13-03-2009, 6:51pm

I've been using one from Dick Smiths, I've had it for about 3 yrs now without any probs, It's got 4 slots and costs about $40
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/49ba1e191265e8e02740c0a87e0106d8/Product/View/XH6315

Harves

13-03-2009, 6:57pm

Lines

13-03-2009, 8:32pm

Stumbled upon a Transcend M3 $15 delivered. Looked up some reviews and it all seems to be good so placed the order. Thanks for the opinions guys and gals.

Nath.

Kym

13-03-2009, 8:51pm

I have a Sandisk reader and a built in one on my work PC. The Sandisk is faster.

NikonNellie

13-03-2009, 10:25pm

I usually plug my camera into the PC but I also have an inbuilt reader and a cheap $20 portable reader I bought from ALDI which works fine. I've never even thought about the possibility of frying my camera from plugging it directly into my computer. Maybe I should use my card reader more?

Roof

14-03-2009, 8:32am

Kym

14-03-2009, 8:56am

DSE... Search for product XH6315
http://search.dse.com.au/search?w=XH6315

Roof

14-03-2009, 9:09am

Man you're good.....i have this one http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/49bae706009ebad6273fc0a87e0106b3/Product/View/XH0411 Very good thing

dbax

14-03-2009, 9:29am

DSE... Search for product XH6315
http://search.dse.com.au/search?w=XH6315

Cheers Kym, It worked for me when I added the link:confused013 ...one of lifes mysteries I guess:D

BUGSnBIRDS

01-09-2010, 12:01pm

Looking for a card reader...and undertook a search first which led me to an old thread

Question time:
Does firewire (and yes computer is compatible) really have advantages in transfer rate over USB?
Was looking at the Lexar version from Cheap Chips as the Scandisk one is difficult to source for a reasonable price. And always used Scandisk so going Lexar is like treading into new territory.
Any experiences to report?

crafty1tutu

01-09-2010, 8:34pm

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, 9:08pm

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, 4:27pm

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, 4:39pm

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. :confused013 I'm using Scandisk extreme cards.

cupic

11-09-2010, 4:48pm

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, 5:09pm

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, 5:30pm

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.:D

BUGSnBIRDS

11-09-2010, 5:32pm

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.:D

Think you can afford to take the odd gamble at that price. Was it a envelope reader :lol:

cupic

11-09-2010, 5:46pm

I know that previously never had to format card to computer always was format card to camera and away you go.But this is driving me bonkers.Anyone has a solution to this?

BUGSnBIRDS

11-09-2010, 8:41pm

I know that previously never had to format card to computer always was format card to camera and away you go.But this is driving me bonkers.Anyone has a solution to this?

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=1458066

Looks like Lexar may have some issues with the units

cupic

11-09-2010, 8:47pm

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=1458066

Looks like Lexar may have some issues with the units

Thanks for the heads up Bugs seems its time for a replacement

cheers

crafty1tutu

12-09-2010, 7:56pm

I had the same problem with mine Cupic, and my daughter typed in the name of the card on google and downloaded the programme. It still didn't read the CF card and I thought I would try it with a SD card, which it read. After this the CF card began reading and I haven't had any problems with it since. Not sure why it suddenly began reading the CF card though.

ricktas

12-09-2010, 8:08pm

I have the lexar UDMA reader now (had it for a few months), and have never had an issue with it. Might be just a faulty batch, by the sounds of it

trigger

15-09-2010, 12:05am

Been considering a Lexar 800 firewire reader for awhile now but just cant justify the $100+ part that comes along with it. I ended up taking a chance and buying a ebay Generic UDMA reader.

Will test it out and post the results here