Best method for transferring files to hard drive?

[Wadecool]

When I recently purchased my new Nikon D3100, it did not come with a USB cable (which I though was strange) for connecting directly from the camera to the pc or laptop. I immediately ordered a Nikon USB cable, thinking I had to have it to transfer photos off the SDHC card. I now know that I have a built in card reader on my laptop. My question is, what is the best/fastest method of transferring photos from the SDHC card, using the USB cable or the built in card reader? I'm trying to decide if I even need that USB cable for directly connecting the camera to computer. Thanks in advance.

 

[itsmetigress]

I'm sure one of the experts will know which is actually faster but for what it's worth I ended up misplacing the usb for my old camera and bought a card reader now that's all I use. Granted I'm not moving hundreds of pictures at once but it doesn't seem slow to me.

 

[rdunative]

I never use my USB cable. I keep a card reader with my bag at all times. I'm pretty sure there's little to no difference in speed between a USB and card reader. The only thing I can think of that might be faster is USB 3 or FireWire.

 

[My2Girls66]

I use the built in SD reader in my laptop. Works great.

 

[ssanders79]

Get a card reader. They are typically faster than plugging in your camera.

 

[GrillMouster]

Download speed will be determined by the slowest of the following:

• the memory card
• the card reader (internal or external dedicated reader, camera)
• connection (usb, usb2, usb3, firewire 400, firewire 800)

I don't like using the camera to transfer files because it's not fast, I don't like leaving my camera vulnerable laying on the ground or on the desk, and I don't like the fact that the camera has to stay on for the entire transfer.

I don't sit at the computer waiting for images to load. The moment I get home after shooting I insert the card into an external reader, start the transfer, then go do something else. There's always something around the house that needs doing.

 

[MICKEY88]

Download speed will be determined by the slowest of the following:

• the memory card
• the card reader (internal or external dedicated reader, camera)
• connection (usb, usb2, usb3, firewire 400, firewire 800)

I don't like using the camera to transfer files because it's not fast, I don't like leaving my camera vulnerable laying on the ground or on the desk, and I don't like the fact that the camera has to stay on for the entire transfer.

I don't sit at the computer waiting for images to load. The moment I get home after shooting I insert the card into an external reader, start the transfer, then go do something else. There's always something around the house that needs doing.

 

[photo_chick]

I use a USB 2 card reader. It's proven faster than my camera, and I figure it saves just a little bit more battery life along with a little bit of wear and tear on my camera.

 

[coloneldebugger]

I think the many times mentioned card reader is the way to go here. Very simple to use.

 

[Wadecool]

Thanks for the replies. I think the $35 for that USB cable is better spent on something else.

 

[handicap18]

Pretty much all new computers how have a built in card reader. I know Mac's have an SD card reader built in, some Window's PC's will have a 5 in 1 or more card reader. My older PC has a SD/CF/Memory Stick and a few others, card reader built in.

Card Readers are VERY inexpensive and plug right into your USB drive. I wouldn't use the camera for the reasons others stated not to mention it drains the batter.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I went to a Nikon Photography class and the instructor definitely recommended a card reader over the USB connection. I know have a laptop with a card reader and it does transfer faster, especially the photos with the large mps.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I went to a Nikon Photography class and the instructor definitely recommended a card reader over the USB connection. I now have a laptop with a card reader and it does transfer faster, especially the photos with the large mps.