Do I NEED a card reader?

[potter]

Hi All,

Sorry, this is probably a stupid and basic question, but I have no idea.

I use my laptop for all my photography stuff.. This has a built in SD card reader... Someone I was speaking to the other day said that its better to not use the built in one and to use an external one

Is this true?

 

[neil_g]

you dont NEED a card reader, generally theyre faster.

 

[Jayst84]

I just transfer from the camera. Had two card readers, both broke. 1D transfers files faster than half the card readers I've used as well.

 

[neil_g]

oh and dont bother with cheap card readers, theyre slow. lexar pro if you do get oen.

 

[Tringa]

I've never used a card reader. I think I would eventually damage the card by continually taking it out and putting it back in the camera, so I just use the camera's USB cable.

Dave

 

[neil_g]

I've never used a card reader. I think I would eventually damage the card by continually taking it out and putting it back in the camera, so I just use the camera's USB cable.

Dave

on the flip side you could damage the USB port on the camera by continually taking it out and putting it back in.

card is cheaper to replace

 

[t-m]

You can now get USB3.0 card readers that will be faster if your PC is so equipped, otherwise i'd just use the built in one.

 

[Mank]

I always used the built in card reader on my macbook. Now I have to use CF cards so need to buy a card reader

I dont like having to use software to get the images off my D700.

I see people mention Lexar pro card readers but has anyone used this one from Sandisk?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-Ima...ader/dp/B005GP7WKU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_computers_5

I only ask as it looks quite cool too

 

[potter]

excellent, cheers - I dont think I will worry about one at the moment

 

[t-m]

I always used the built in card reader on my macbook. Now I have to use CF cards so need to buy a card reader

I dont like having to use software to get the images off my D700.

I see people mention Lexar pro card readers but has anyone used this one from Sandisk?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-Ima...ader/dp/B005GP7WKU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_computers_5

I only ask as it looks quite cool too

If you want USB3.0 I brought one of these www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170766164564, I brought a Phottix branded multi card reader and it would stop my PC from booting :thumbsdown:

 

[lennox]

I wouldn't bother getting one if your laptop already has one - the one on your laptop will still be acceptably fast.

 

[inlineadam]

I see people mention Lexar pro card readers but has anyone used this one from Sandisk?

:

I use the Sandisk.

Of course, it looks pretty cool but it's worth the money.

It's quick and solid. You put your card in without fear of bending any pins in it.

No complaints!

 

[Mank]

If you want USB3.0 I brought one of these www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170766164564, I brought a Phottix branded multi card reader and it would stop my PC from booting :thumbsdown:

I cba order from the US of A, but thank you for the recommendation!

I use the Sandisk.

Of course, it looks pretty cool but it's worth the money.

It's quick and solid. You put your card in without fear of bending any pins in it.

No complaints!

Ahh, good stuff! Might get one them ordered tomorrow then!

 

[Nod]

on the flip side you could damage the USB port on the camera by continually taking it out and putting it back in.

card is cheaper to replace

The other potential problem with plugging the camera into the computer is that the trailing cable can be caught by a passing pet/child and could bring the camera crashing to the ground.
While card connectors do have a service life (in terms of connect/disconnect cycles), so do USB connectors.