What Method Do You Use.....

JamesP · 7th February 2008, 21:24

to put you digital image from your camera to you PC?

As above really does it matter wether the camera, an expensive card reader with a dongle at each end of the cable or a cheapo chinese reader is used to transfer images?

Strange question I know but can a digital image be reduced in quality during the transfer process?

Simon · 7th February 2008, 21:50

In theory no. So long as it's basically a data transfer and is done entirely digitally then you ought to be fine.

Now, if you were to be pedantic (which occasionally I am

) then use high-quality cables and equipment as this lessens the chances of data corruption. Use of as little equipment as possible is also recommended. For example, on most cameras you can take the memory card out and put it into a card reader that is connected to your PC. Some cameras though you can just connect a USB cable directly to the PC from the camera, thus eliminating the card reader step. The less steps, again the lesser the chance of data corruption occuring.

Hope that helps

Raistlin · 7th February 2008, 22:01

Camera straight to USB via cable.

mantianak · 7th February 2008, 22:40

Some scanning equipment can be disrupted by various types of signals. When I was at college a mobile phone in the room would cause interference, visible offset lines when scanning film or prints. I’m sure technology has progressed by then but it’s still worth thinking about.

I have no idea if a mobile would interfere with the transfer between memory card and PC. I personally keep all possible interferences far when copying just in case including wifi.

GERFIX · 8th February 2008, 05:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raistlin

Camera straight to USB via cable.

Ditto. Kodak Easyshare for me. No problems at all.

briantilley · 8th February 2008, 09:19

I always use a good-quality (Sandisk in my case) USB-connected card reader. This has the following advantages:

+ the camera battery is not depleted when transferring files
+ data transfer is usually faster (important with 16mb RAW files)
+ any possible risk of damage to the camera is eliminated
+ the camera (with another card in it) is still ready for use

The downside is that removing and re-inserting the card(s) increases wear on the contacts and could lead to problems eventually.

BMC123 · 8th February 2008, 10:56

Whatever comes to hand. if the cable is there, I use the cable if not I put the memory card into the PC or in some cases into the printer directly (it has a card reader as well)

Tom Collins · 8th February 2008, 11:56

I usually plug the camera in with a USB cable, then drag and drop into my pictures. I sometimes use a reader though, as my camera, mp3 player and phone all use the SD cards, so I can interchange info.
Also with the SD card in a reader, it plugs directly into the front of my car stereo.

JamesP · 9th February 2008, 09:09

Thank you for your replies... it looks as though I have bought a faulty Sandisk Multi card reader. I chose this brand as I use the Extreme III CF & SD cards for thier very quick transfer read / write speeds

It can't open MicroSD & normal SD cards telling me it needs formating when the card is fact full.

It can open CF cards but rather seeing EOS_DIGITAL as the removable drive the letters have changed to hieroglyphics, some images are shown some not.

I will have to get a replacement,but test it in the store first.

Since Christmas this is the 4th Item I have purchased from a major brand that has been Faulty or DOA all made in China with the little "Passed" sticker on it. I must be going through an unlucky phase

JamesP · 10th February 2008, 21:10

I took my reader back today, & recieved a refund, although it was a Multi reader I only needed the SD Part as I have a stand alone CF reader that has been brilliant.

Whilst there I noticed a Sandisk Ultra II Plus card, it is unique in as much as it has a built in USB connector, the card is hinged in the centre, once folded the USB adapter is ready to slot into the USB socket.

They wanted £24.99, I have ordered one from play for £11.49 which is half the price of the original reader, so i am happy again.

7th February 2008, 21:24	#1
JamesP Loves to post Rover 75 ConnSE CDTi 131 Starlight Silver Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Truro Posts: 354 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What Method Do You Use..... to put you digital image from your camera to you PC? As above really does it matter wether the camera, an expensive card reader with a dongle at each end of the cable or a cheapo chinese reader is used to transfer images? Strange question I know but can a digital image be reduced in quality during the transfer process?

7th February 2008, 22:40	#4
mantianak I really should get out more....... ZT 190+ Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Poole Posts: 2,413 Thanks: 6 Thanked 22 Times in 21 Posts	Some scanning equipment can be disrupted by various types of signals. When I was at college a mobile phone in the room would cause interference, visible offset lines when scanning film or prints. I’m sure technology has progressed by then but it’s still worth thinking about. I have no idea if a mobile would interfere with the transfer between memory card and PC. I personally keep all possible interferences far when copying just in case including wifi. __________________ http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d1..._signature.png

8th February 2008, 09:19	#6
briantilley Avid contributor ZT 160+ 1.8T Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Marldon, Devon Posts: 198 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I always use a good-quality (Sandisk in my case) USB-connected card reader. This has the following advantages: + the camera battery is not depleted when transferring files + data transfer is usually faster (important with 16mb RAW files) + any possible risk of damage to the camera is eliminated + the camera (with another card in it) is still ready for use The downside is that removing and re-inserting the card(s) increases wear on the contacts and could lead to problems eventually. __________________ Welsh MG Enthusiast

8th February 2008, 10:56	#7
BMC123 Posted a thing or two 2004 1.8 Connoisseur SE, 1999 XJ8 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 1,163 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Whatever comes to hand. if the cable is there, I use the cable if not I put the memory card into the PC or in some cases into the printer directly (it has a card reader as well) __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

8th February 2008, 11:56	#8
Tom Collins Posted a thing or two Mondeo 2.0 cdti Ghia Auto Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Leicester Posts: 1,731 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I usually plug the camera in with a USB cable, then drag and drop into my pictures. I sometimes use a reader though, as my camera, mp3 player and phone all use the SD cards, so I can interchange info. Also with the SD card in a reader, it plugs directly into the front of my car stereo. __________________ In vino veritas [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Does Magna Carta mean nothing to you? Did she die in vain?

7th February 2008, 21:50	#2
Simon Banned - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 10,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	In theory no. So long as it's basically a data transfer and is done entirely digitally then you ought to be fine. Now, if you were to be pedantic (which occasionally I am ) then use high-quality cables and equipment as this lessens the chances of data corruption. Use of as little equipment as possible is also recommended. For example, on most cameras you can take the memory card out and put it into a card reader that is connected to your PC. Some cameras though you can just connect a USB cable directly to the PC from the camera, thus eliminating the card reader step. The less steps, again the lesser the chance of data corruption occuring. Hope that helps

7th February 2008, 22:01	#3
Raistlin Banned 75 CDT Connoisseur SE Auto Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wolverhampton Posts: 8,450 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Camera straight to USB via cable.

9th February 2008, 09:09	#9
JamesP Loves to post Rover 75 ConnSE CDTi 131 Starlight Silver Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Truro Posts: 354 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you for your replies... it looks as though I have bought a faulty Sandisk Multi card reader. I chose this brand as I use the Extreme III CF & SD cards for thier very quick transfer read / write speeds It can't open MicroSD & normal SD cards telling me it needs formating when the card is fact full. It can open CF cards but rather seeing EOS_DIGITAL as the removable drive the letters have changed to hieroglyphics, some images are shown some not. I will have to get a replacement,but test it in the store first. Since Christmas this is the 4th Item I have purchased from a major brand that has been Faulty or DOA all made in China with the little "Passed" sticker on it. I must be going through an unlucky phase Last edited by JamesP; 9th February 2008 at 09:12.. Reason: My Dyslexia is getting the better of me

10th February 2008, 21:10	#10
JamesP Loves to post Rover 75 ConnSE CDTi 131 Starlight Silver Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Truro Posts: 354 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Update I took my reader back today, & recieved a refund, although it was a Multi reader I only needed the SD Part as I have a stand alone CF reader that has been brilliant. Whilst there I noticed a Sandisk Ultra II Plus card, it is unique in as much as it has a built in USB connector, the card is hinged in the centre, once folded the USB adapter is ready to slot into the USB socket. They wanted £24.99, I have ordered one from play for £11.49 which is half the price of the original reader, so i am happy again.