SD card reader option

Crotal Bell

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3,470
Name
Keith
Edit My Images
Yes
So I had my first play with the Lumix FZ82 bridge camera in the garden today, and then found out that transferring images to the laptop is not a simple plug in and move over affair, unless I failed to set the camera on the right setting ?? (It's all new to me)
Then someone suggested I get a card reader, so I ordered one tonight from the Amazonians and it'll be here tomorrow.

I like the idea of the card reader, the camera can stay wrapped up and out the way, and the card can come downstairs and into the laptop.

Just wondered if card readers are a popular way of doing it for you more experienced photographers?
 
Some laptops have built in card readers
some cameras can connect to pc via usb
my iMac has card slot on rear but I prefer to use a card reader

there may be a setting on camera to enable it to talk to pc check manual
 
Last edited:
As mentioned you can transfer via a usb cable, whichever method you choose just remember it`s always best to format the card once you are done in camera and not via the laptop.
 
Dunno if this will help but... I've had several Panasonics (currently have 3) and all do the same thing, when I plug them into my pc they come up with a little menu with "pc" already selected and I have to then press the select button. The pc then sees them and I can move the pictures across.

Hope that helps.

Other than that... I hope a card reader fixes the issue.
 
In general I have grown up using a card reader....so very much my preferred method even though my current cameras are easier than of old to direct connect.

This becomes more relevant when I have for example removed the card to keep safe whilst I back up the files and have inserted a fresh blank in the camera. NB I only format the cards once I have backed up and copied to the second drive. The formatted card is then ready to be used again in camera, though don't forget to format again in camera ;)
 
Dunno if this will help but... I've had several Panasonics (currently have 3) and all do the same thing, when I plug them into my pc they come up with a little menu with "pc" already selected and I have to then press the select button. The pc then sees them and I can move the pictures across.

Hope that helps.

Other than that... I hope a card reader fixes the issue.

Blimey I didn't even check the camera screen, what a plonker !
 
As mentioned you can transfer via a usb cable, whichever method you choose just remember it`s always best to format the card once you are done in camera and not via the laptop.

Thanks I'll remember to format the card in the camera. I assume formatting just wipes the card clean ?
 
If you make it a rule to leave the door open until it is put back in, it is harder but not impossible :rolleyes: - to set off without.
On balance there's probably less wear and tear taking the card out regularly than trying to connect the cable which always seems a *slightly* fumbly process even with USB C.
 
Last edited:
Apart from the latest cameras that have USB C, the cameras' USB ports are limited to USB 2 so it's usually quicker to use a USB 3 reader and then the limit is the maximum read speed of the card.
 
Whatever else you do with that card, remember to put it back in the camera. I'm sure many of us here have only found it missing when we've just taken our first shot of the day.
I have got into the habit of taking a picture before I go out of the door, that also checks the battery, shots left, camera settings etc.
Not a disaster with raw but shooting a lot of JPEG daylight shots with the WB set to custom is NOT a good idea.
 
I have got into the habit of taking a picture before I go out of the door, that also checks the battery, shots left, camera settings etc.
Not a disaster with raw but shooting a lot of JPEG daylight shots with the WB set to custom is NOT a good idea.

I try to remember to do this. I try to take two pictures. What I normally do is take an out of focus shot of a white door at minimum aperture just to make sure I'm not taking any dust bunnies out with me. I then take a picture at a normal aperture just to make sure everything looks right. All this also lets me check the battery and that the card is working.
 
A bit of 'personal opinion' on this but I always 'off load' photos when I get home and then format the card (fresh start) but you need to be consistent... A quick note on car readers themselves, I see lot's of people talking about the 'speed' of them but unless you're actually working in a time sensitive environment (sports photography for instance) I wouldn't fall for the marketing, just go have a cup of tea while they transfer :)
 
Back
Top