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How Do I Get My Pictures From My Camera To My Computer?
Now that you’ve taken hundreds of pictures, just how do you get them to your computer?
Direct Connection
Most cameras provide a way to directly connect the camera to the PC, to allow photos to be transferred to the PC. Some cameras, like the Kodak series, provide a docking cradle that can initiate the download process automatically. Other cameras use USB cable to make the data on the camera appear as a hard drive, allowing you to move photos to the PC.
Be aware, though, that using connecting the camera to the computer to download requires a lot of battery power.
Card Reader
A card reader attaches to your PC and lets you plug in the memory card, treating it like a hard disk. I have a SanDisk Compact Flash reader that reads only Compact Flash memory cards and plugs into the USB port, and it’s worked well for the past several years.
These readers only cost about $25.
Multi-function Card Readers
Mulit-function card readers are the way to go! Over the past year, prices have dropped to under $30 dollars, and most give you at least six different memory slot configurations.
Make sure your card reader supports the following formats for maximum compatibility:
CompactFlash Type I/II IBM Microdrive
SmartMedia MultiMediaCard
Secure Digital
Memory Stick
Memory Stick Pro (1 bit)
Here are some links to popular multi-function card readers:
Another great use for memory cards is to transfer data from your desktop PC and a laptop PC you might have. If they are not networked, you can use a PC-Card Adapter to ‘plug in’ you memory card to the laptop. Remember, the flash memory card can act just like a hard disk, so you can put any file you want on it (Word, Powerpoint, etc.).
More Information
Great article on the different types of memory cards.
Check out Epinions for comments from users on the various brands of memory card readers.
Send comments, broken links, and suggestions to Dave. Ultimate Site for Digital SLR Cameras: UltimateSLR.com Last updated Friday, May 06, 2005 at 07:32 PM
. Other cameras use USB cable to make the data on the camera appear as a hard drive, allowing you to move photos to the PC.
A card reader attaches to your PC and lets you plug in the memory card, treating it like a hard disk. I have a SanDisk Compact Flash reader that reads only Compact Flash memory cards and plugs into the USB port, and it’s worked well for the past several years.
your desktop PC and a laptop PC you might have. If they are not networked, you can use a PC-Card Adapter to ‘plug in’ you memory card to the laptop. Remember, the flash memory card can act just like a hard disk, so you can put any file you want on it (Word, Powerpoint, etc.).