Can I swap memory cards from camera to camera?

[bilbomoody]

I am in a location now where I do not have access to my camera's original USB cord and the computer does not have a drive for my memory card. There is another camera here though that does have a USB cord, can I swap the card from my HP Photosmart E317 to the Konica Minolta DiMage Z2 and use it to transfer pictures to the computer via its USB? Are most cards compatible or does the software involved make swapping cards without formatting them a moot point? :confused:

[D Thompson]

If you have a usb cable for the other camera, why don't you use it for your camera and transfer them?

[David Metsky]

If you have a usb cable for the other camera, why don't you use it for your camera and transfer them?
Cameras usually have proprietary connections for the camera end of the USB connection. Cables can't be used for different cameras, for the most part, especially not ones from different manufacturers.

You may be able to swap the cards just to do a data transfer. It might even work to take pictures in the other camera without a format. But I think this is exactly why a $10 USB card reader makes the most sense.

-dave-

[D Thompson]

Cameras usually have proprietary connections for the camera end of the USB connection. Cables can't be used for different cameras, for the most part, especially not ones from different manufacturers.
-dave-
My bad then :o , the ones I've seen look the same. As a matter of fact, the cable that came with my 20D and the one that came with my Jobo GigaOne storage drive are exactly the same. I can use either on either device if I need. I agree with the card reader - only way to go.