Card Readers: The Good & The Bad

[Tom V]

For reading CompactFlash cards from my Nikon Coolpixes (3 different ones), I had a MicroTech PhotoAlblum P card reader that used SCSI (Macintosh) and it was lousy. It cost about $275 and it only worked about 30% of the time. It required a complicated software driver. I sold it with a CoolPix to a newspaper a few years ago - and was upfront about my trouble with it. They have no trouble with it. I see that they still sell variations of this reader - I would steer clear.

I have laptop (Macintosh PowerBook) that has a PCMCIA slot that can read CompactFlash cards with a cheap adapter ($1.75 to $14.00). I still use this system most of the time. No driver needed. This works 100%. I then transfer the files from the laptop to my desktop via ethernet.

I bought a Lexar 64mb card that was bundled with a Lexar JumpShot CompactFlash card reader. It was a good deal: $45 at Best Buy. The driver was supplied on a mini-CD that cannot be read in slot-loading CD drives, but is available on the internet. This small simple gizmo had a conveniently long USB cord and worked 95% of the time, and when it did not read the card correctly, all I had to do was reinsert the card. I sold the Jumpshot reader with my last Nikon CoolPix.

I have tried using the Fuji Hyper-Utility software for transferring files from the camera to the computer via FireWire one time so far, and it seems ok. The software is peculiar and I am not used to it yet.

I have seen lots of little readers with NO cord, just a plug that makes you use the reader behind the computer, right on a hub, or in one end of the keyboard - yuck!

For USB, I think it is hard to beat the Lexar JumpShot. But for FireWire I am open to ideas. Anyone have suggestions on a good FireWire card reader? (Or warnings on bad ones!)

[Duck]

I have a Sandisk CompactFlash Card reader... it simply plugs into a USB slot... works almost as fast as a 5200 hard drive... Much better than downloading from the camera...

A friend of mine just sent his S2 back to Fuji... He had his S2 pluged into this computer via Firewire... and he must have expierenced a power surge, it fried the camera... he sent it back to B&H for a full refund... His advice now is do not plug your camera into anything that has more power than the camera can handle (computer, hair dryer, car battery... so on)...

[NIKKOR]

Tom & Duck (or should it be "Duck" --- Tom's coming !!!)

I have the Lexar Firewire reader that works great.....
I've seen this priced from $49.00 to $75.00 (so look around before you by) I bought before the S2 came out so that I could down load my 1 gig microdrive from my S1. The usb reader I had was painfully slow for transfering 1 gig of files (about 25 minutes).

I originally bought the Microtech firewire reader but could not get it to work on my Win 2000 system.....sent it back.

Don

[Duck]

Don, I think it should be Duck and Run... lol

I went with the 512mb card... I do landscape as well as portrait photography. I had heard that the Microdrive was susceptible to vibration and could be damaged during transportation... Nothing better than spending 4 to 5 hours taking pictures just to come back with a damaged card and no way of downloading images… the CompactFlash has no moving parts and is better for field use… However, when the 512mb card becomes too small, I might go for the Microdrive for portrait work… Then again, would I ever take 200 images during a studio photo shoot… (maybe)
:D

[NIKKOR]

Duck

There's lots of talk about the "fragile" micro drive.....
I've had mine for about 1 1/2 years now -- It has traveled alot with me and has never failed..... I do think about it failing as I use it and that reinforces my decision to look at large size cf cards.
But there is nothing like shooting and shooting with one card and every time you look you still have lots of room left...
Check out the prices on Micro Drives now--they are very affordable
Don

[Topngu]

tomdonduck...
I rather to cary 10 smart card... if i screew 1 i still have 9 letf...:)
Micro drive is good if you know how to handle them...don't sqeeze them at middle when you pull out...don't drop them...
they 'll shift all picture out of focus... ;) ..just kiddy....
Sm. card record faster...

[NIKKOR]

How fast / slow are Smart cards compared to compact flash cards ???

[Blade]

http://www.beststuff.co.uk/images/hama_universal_card_reader_usb.jpg

I use the "HAMA Unit,
No prolems with it at all, comes up as x4 drives on my system as well so allows me to drag/drop between one and the other for file swapping.

Kind regards all

[Tom V]

I got tired of the modern convenience of copying my files from the Compact Flash card through my PCMCIA slot into my PowerBook (Apple laptop), then transfering via ethernet to my G4 (Apple desktop computer), then deleting them off the PowerBook.

I looked at Tallyns.com at their Firewire Compact Flash Reader (FWCFR) which is labeled "Lexar" and costs $88.95.

I went on eBay and found a FWCFR that looks virtually the same and the bidding starts at $9.99. There are "Buy It Now" options for $20.00. I bought one with "Buy It Now" with USPS Priority Mail ($10) and it should arrive soon.

The eBay seller of these FWCFR has more of them. He has an eBay store that can be found at the following URL:

http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=12759982

I will give a report on how it works in a few days. I expect that it will work just like the $88.95 + tax + shipping model from Tallyns.

:)

[SSonnentag]

I'll be waiting for your report on the Firewire reader, Tom. I have a combo reader just like Blade's, only labeled differently. I've seen several companies selling these 6-in-1 readers. I really like mine, but I'd like the speed that I'm hoping the firewire will give. :) Let us know Tom!

Shawn

[Topngu]

Hello...
What ever card reader you had...USB,FIREWIRE...
Remember this: before you PLUG IN...or PULL OUT from
your "S2".... CAMERA MUST TURN OFF !!!
or :o :mad:

[Tom V]

Generally,

Card readers are Firewire, USB or SCSI devices that plug into your computer. They can read the data on a Compact Flash card, Smart Media, or Memory Stick, etc. Card readers can read one variety of memory card, or in some models read 2 or more varieties of memory card. You use them by plugging them into your computer, (or a hub, or daisy chaining them into a line of devices) and inserting your camera's memory card into them for the computer to read. The card generally shows up in your computer as a removable drive (like a floppy, CD or hard drive). You do not plug your camera into the card readers.

You should always make sure your camera is done writing to the card and switch the camera off before removing the memory card. Memory cards can become hot with extended or intense use - so be careful! I was suprised how hot my IBM 1GIG Microdrive got - and I dropped it on the floor.:rolleyes: (The Microdrive survived just fine.) Always make sure your camera is off when you insert the memory card in the camera.

Generally, you can plug the Firewire and USB card readers in while the computer is running, but depending on the requirements of your equipment or software, you may need to plug the card readers in before turning on the computer. SCSI card readers are not hot-swappable.

To remove the memory card from a card reader on Macintosh computers, you first must drag the card's icon to the trash. When the computer is done dismounting the card, and the card reader's activity light (if any) stops showing activity, the card can be safely removed. - Disclaimer: This is how it has worked on all the card readers I have ever used - your situtation may be different due to your specific equipment, software or karma requirements.

You should not change, rename, create, erase, save, or rearrange files or folders on the memory card in your computer. You should not format or initialize the card in your computer. To do so could make the card unreadable in your camera. Do all your file erasing and formatting to your memory cards in the camera. If you have to do something to a file or folder, do it to a file or folder you have copied to your hard drive - not on the memory card.

On a Windows computer - I have no idea what you do to remove a memory card from a card reader.

[Marvo]

Hi Tom, Don, Duck et al....
Just for the record, when transfering from the camera to a G4 400 via firewire I'm getting;
Smartmedia card to G4: 70Mb per minute.
Compact flash card to G4: 60Mb per minute

Can anyone give us a reading for Micro drive to Computer via Firewire;
i) from camera
ii) from card reader
I'd also be curious to know what transfer rates you're getting with CF card to Computer via firewire card reader. I'll bet Tom's in the lab testing that as I speak/type!

Marvo.

[Tom V]

I have gotten my FireWire card reader that I ordered from an eBay auction. It took 3 short days from auction to plugged in and working. It works fine. The box included the reader, a software disk with drivers and Firewire enabler 2.2.2, etc. I have used it only a few times, and data just pours through it like the dickens. FAST! It is considerbly faster than my USB or SCSI readers were. I have not had a chance to document the speed difference with a USB reader, or my PCMCIA slot on my PowerBook, but I will someday.

Conclusion: You can save yourself a lot of money buying this from eBay rather than a photo store. $20 (or less) vs. $90.

[Mike Flood]

I haven't used the Lexar Jumpshot reader although I do own one Lexar (256meg, 12 X) CF card.
The Jumpshot reader will only work with Lexar CF cards and they must bear the lable "USB Enabled"

[turbo-944]

I just returned from an evening wedding. I shot on IBM 1GB microdrives and have just finished downloading to my PC from the Lexar firewire reader. I didn't check the time until the last drive, and it wasn't quite full. 228 files totaling 960 MB in 5 minutes flat. Not bad. I found the reader at Sybercom Information, Inc. the drive was $37 with free UPS GROUND shipping. This is the same drive that was referred to earlier from Tallyns @ about 80 bucks... The following is the link to the Sybercom site. If for some reason it doesn't work just go to sybercom.com...

http://www.sybercom.com/cgi-bin/sybercom/crcw011001.html?mv_pc=PriceWatch

Hope this economical option helps!!!


Dan.:) :D :cool: :eek:

[kai]

the first time:
with the camera off, took out the card (ridata256), insert it into the card reader (sandisk). the file transfer would not go on. I/O device error (or something like that) using windows explorer (win2k).

i plug the card back into the S2 and all images (shot in RAW) are still in. so i re-inserted the card back to the reader and view the images via the fuji viewer and all's fine and transfer was done via fuji viewer.

the 2nd time:
after the first card (ridata256) is finished transfering images (jpeg), i took it out and inserted another card (ridata 256 again) and the error came out "delayed write error - data might be lose blah blah" so tried to view the images via fuji viewer. only 1 image is workable now, while everything else is with a "?".

re-inserted it back to S2 and "card not initialized" came up. so i tried to view again using the pc.. still would not transfer (I/O device error).

had to delete the images using the windows explorer. but it left all the image names in place with 0 bytes on each file. had to format the cf card with the pc to clear everything.

now, i tried shooting in various format, max'out the cf and tried to transfer again with the 2 cards.. no error msgs at all! everything is fine. but i was thinking perhaps i ejected the card much too soon before the session is closed...

i guess it can tell if its a paid gig or just plain testing huh? :(

[Blade]

Hi guys..

Have read this a few days ago.. and thought it might be of interest.

For those in the UK i have e-mailed sales and they promise to get back to me with details when it is available in the UK.

Kind regards

http://www.sandisk.com/consumer/sixinone.asp

[mrrjm]

This isn't scientific but I think that it took about 8-10 mins to transfer 300+mb from my 1gb microdrive. USB. I'll time the next large file transfer.


Ray

[Swampy]

Originally posted by kai


now, i tried shooting in various format, max'out the cf and tried to transfer again with the 2 cards.. no error msgs at all! everything is fine. but i was thinking perhaps i ejected the card much too soon before the session is closed...

i guess it can tell if its a paid gig or just plain testing huh? :(

Windows could have been doing something in the background at the time. One of those "invisible" Microsoft things that you never know about. Basically, you ejected the card while it was polling the card for some reason. You had no idea. When you put the next card in, it probably thought it was the other one and tried to correct "the problem", which destroyed all of your photo's. It's generally a good idea to do one of the two things with the memory card readers:

1. Stop the reader, yank the memory, plug the reader back in, throw in the next memory card.

2. Pull the memory, wait a few minutes, insert next card.

You shouldn't have any problems with waiting 10-15 seconds between switching though. One thing you want to MAKE SURE of, is that you close any application that had this "drive" open. This would include windows explorer, My Computer, the Fuji software, Photoshop, etc. This will help prevent Windows from polling the device unneccesarily.

Everyone should try it on thier own systems, maybe load the memory up with a bunch of "I don't care" images and mess around and try and "break it" to see what the fault might be. It has been my experience that people just don't "Feel" thier computers out very much and just expect things to work (in windows that is - Mac's generally DO work. :)) (I don't own a MAC and probably never will BTW.)

Ie: You would think that you could click on the windows Start button 1000 times in rapid succession and it would pop up 500 times and pop down 500 times back and forth. It's a button. Right? Well, some older machines (especially with Windows 95/98) would sometimes blue screen if you tried something like this. They've since made it much more stable now though of course. Just an example of "Feeling" your system out.

Swampy