CF Card Reader

[ColColt]

I just bought the D200 recently and took about fifty pics so far...gloomy, dark weather doesn't allow for many pictures. I uploaded to the computer via the cord that comes with the camera and wasn't given an option in the pop up box to transfer to My Pictures or My transferred Files but things like Picasa, Paint Shop Pro and others. I elected to transfer to PSP and while the images in the LCD in playback looked fine, most looked underexposed by at least one stop in PSP. I elected not to install the software than came with the camera as I didn't want to use it but rather had preferred to transfer to My Transferred Files.

My question is would a card reader have transferred better and given me the exposures I saw during playback on the LCD? Could someone recommend a good card reader for Compact Flash? I looked at Circuit City's website and there really wasn't a great choice. I saw one good one but it was for a Firewire connection which this computer doesn't have. My D80's card reader (Sandisk) allows connection via a USB cable and this was what I was looking for in Compact Fash but didn't see any.

One other thing I found disturbing. There was no image information in PSPX once images were transferred like shutter speed, aperture, exposure, etc. That was most unusual and never happened before.

[cyclone2]

The method you use doesn't (or at least shouldn't) affect the exposure.
At a guess, your PSP is using a funny colour profile/display profile, something like that.

I prefer to use the cable, other people prefer a reader, I think the main difference is readers can be faster and obviously do not use the camera battery but the file should come out the same at the other end no matter what you do.

[ColColt]

I thought they should look basically just like what I viewed in playback. That's where/when you make any exposure compensation changes is viewing the LCD during playback-not in a program on the computer. Here's an example of what I'm talking about. The view in playback of this image was about spot on and yet, this shot taken off PSPX looks about a stop underexposed compared to the image in playback.

[jcon]

This is what I use.... Firewire is the way to go! Much much faster!!!

http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Item(2015)-SDDRX4-CF-901-SanDisk_Extreme_FireWire_Reader.aspx

The LCD screen does not represent what your computer screen will show. The LCD is fairly bright and innacurate. Because of this, I have dropped the LCD broghtness to -2 to give a more accurate output of the image exposure.

[SpecialK]

The transfer method has no effect on exposure.

If your LCD has brightness adjustments, it may be set too bright. So, on the computer with a "normal" screen, they would look dark. Use the histogram on the LCD to confirm correct exposure.

[ColColt]

The LCD screen does not represent what your computer screen will show. The LCD is fairly bright and innacurate. Because of this, I have dropped the LCD broghtness to -2 to give a more accurate output of the image exposure.

I didn't have this problem with the D80. It was usually right on. I can change the brightness level of the monitor but it's set at 0 right now. It seems to me that's where it should be and should have been calibrated at the factory. I don't know what criteria they go by but as I stated, I look at the monitor in playback to determine how I should set exposure compensation if needed. I took some shots outside a few minutes ago and set it for +.5. It's been overcast most of the day and then I shot the same scene at no compensation. The uploaded +.5 looked better that when set on 0. The sun came out for about ten minutes and I did the same test to discover in bright sunlight, there's no need for compensation and a 0 setting is right...can't figure that one.

The histogram looked good with the setting of +.5 while overcast. I did notice the ones I was complaining about that were dark while viewing the histogram does show underexposure by about .5-1.5 stop and that's why I changed exposure comp. to +.5. Perhaps this is where is should be under similar circumstances.

[cyclone2]

How about taking the same photo with both cameras and comparing the screen?
If the 200 is brighter than the 80 then you know to turn the brightness down.

[tizeye]

How about taking the same photo with both cameras and comparing the screen?
If the 200 is brighter than the 80 then you know to turn the brightness down.

Likewise, launch Windows Explorer and PSP then load the same file in each. Flip back and forth to compare. Will tell you is PSP is calibrated 'wrong'.

[ColColt]

How about taking the same photo with both cameras and comparing the screen?
If the 200 is brighter than the 80 then you know to turn the brightness down.

Actually the D80's screen was a bit brighter. I changed the D200 to +.5 and the exposures looked about the same.


Likewise, launch Windows Explorer and PSP then load the same file in each. Flip back and forth to compare. Will tell you is PSP is calibrated 'wrong'.

They look the same to me. PSP must be right on the money it seems.

[K1W1]

This is what I use.... Firewire is the way to go! Much much faster!!!

It's dead technology even Apple are slowly withdrawing support for it.
If Jobs and Co hadn't been so greedy at the start we may have been living in a Firewire world but shortly Firewire will rank beside all the other "it was a good idea at the time" computer products.

[theMadHatter]

It's dead technology even Apple are slowly withdrawing support for it.
If Jobs and Co hadn't been so greedy at the start we may have been living in a Firewire world but shortly Firewire will rank beside all the other "it was a good idea at the time" computer products.

I don't think it's a dead technology. It's a dying "consumer" technology, but pros still need it. That's why I just bought a new MBP, as the new MB doesn't have FW (let alone FW800).

As for a speedy CF reader, THIS (http://www.lexar.com/readers/pro_udma_reader.html) is the one to get. ;)

[Visual Reality]

I will continue to not promote card readers, when I have a free upload function built right into the camera.

Removes all possibility of a card reader corrupting photos and damage to the card from removing/inserting often.

[ColColt]

I'll take my chances. I'm going for the Sandisk because as I mentioned earlier, this computer has no firewire capability. It looks like it will do the job. I've had no problem with the other Sandisk that uses SD cards and they've been in and out of that little slot countless times. The D200 eats batteries and I don't want to be in the middle of a download and loose voltage.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018OF88G?tag=bobatkinsphotogr&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B0018OF88G&adid=0PR8NHC8GEN3XYCM7Z6G&

[K1W1]

Removes all possibility of a card reader corrupting photos and damage to the card from removing/inserting often.

Yes but the counter argument is would you rather have the possibility of corrupted images or the possibility of a damaged or destroyed camera logic board as a result of a USB port short? :D

Really it's a horses for courses thing for me. People should use the method they are most comfortable with as there is no right or wrong in this.

[Visual Reality]

...and how many cases have you heard of on this forum of corrupted images after transferring from a card reader? ;)

The above point is valid, though, about transferring to your computer when your battery is too low to do the job. That is one case where a reader would be necessary, but how many people only have 1 battery? Everyone should have 2 batteries. Even if they were both nearly dead, I would still rather charge them then spend money on an accessory I don't need.

[achuang]

Speak for yourself, I've used a card reader for 3 years and have had no problems at all. And there is no way I'll ever be transferring images from my camera to my computer unless I'm out and don't have my card reader. Try using USB 1.0 speed to transfer from a D70s and you'll understand why card readers are necessary accessories.

[Visual Reality]

Speak for yourself, I've used a card reader for 3 years and have had no problems at all. And there is no way I'll ever be transferring images from my camera to my computer unless I'm out and don't have my card reader. Try using USB 1.0 speed to transfer from a D70s and you'll understand why card readers are necessary accessories.
I am not saying there aren't circumstances where a card reader is beneficial - obviously you have presented one.

However you still incorrectly label them as "necessary accessories". It is not necessary at all to many people or everyone would use one.

[Rooz]

i use a card reader. no probs here.

[K1W1]

but how many people only have 1 battery? Everyone should have 2 batteries

First of all I only have one battery. With around 700+ shots per charge on the D50 I have absolutely no need of a second one but it gets better you want me to spend $99.00 for an EN-EL3e that I have no use for to save $10 on a card reader I use all the time.
False economy boyoh.


However you still incorrectly label them as "necessary accessories". It is not necessary at all to many people or everyone would use one.

What about houses like ours where we have cameras with CF cards, XD cards and SD cards and micro SD cards? One card reader that swaps between the Macs and the PC's and allows everybody to upload or download stuff as required is a hell of a lot better than a multitude of cables and transfer software programs loaded onto various computers.

[jcon]

I used the supplied cord with my D50 for transfering images to my computer.... had no problems. I then purchased my card reader with my D200, and no longer use the supplied cord with camera.. and the card reader works fine aswell. So it all comes down to personal preference. There isnt a right or wrong answer here guys.

[Visual Reality]

First of all I only have one battery. With around 700+ shots per charge on the D50 I have absolutely no need of a second one but it gets better you want me to spend $99.00 for an EN-EL3e that I have no use for to save $10 on a card reader I use all the time.
False economy boyoh.
So now I'm advocating buying an extra battery to use it instead of a card reader? You're reading me completely wrong here. You know very well why a photographer carries an extra battery, come on now.


What about houses like ours where we have cameras with CF cards, XD cards and SD cards and micro SD cards? One card reader that swaps between the Macs and the PC's and allows everybody to upload or download stuff as required is a hell of a lot better than a multitude of cables and transfer software programs loaded onto various computers.
Again, you guys are taking this way too personally. I never said someone isn't going to have a situation where having one is beneficial. I believe I did start my original post with I...come on guys!

[ColColt]

One thing I didn't like about the camera to computer connection is I wasn't offered a transfer to My Documents/My Pictures or My Transferred files and when I transferred to PSPX, there was no shooting info there like Shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, no Histogram, etc. Don't know what happened there but I've never had that problem with the Sandisk card reader for the D80.

[Visual Reality]

One thing I didn't like about the camera to computer connection is I wasn't offered a transfer to My Documents/My Pictures or My Transferred files and when I transferred to PSPX, there was no shooting info there like Shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, no Histogram, etc. Don't know what happened there but I've never had that problem with the Sandisk card reader for the D80.
That's totally dependant on your software and method you are using...I'm not sure what happened either but I import with Lightroom 2 so I'm not famaliar with PSP.

[K1W1]

when I transferred to PSPX, there was no shooting info there like Shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, no Histogram, etc.

AS VR says that is likely to be an issue with PSPX.
The Exif is embedded into the files and you can't transfer the file without the Exif but some image handling programs then strip the Exif off.
View the files in Irfanview or even look at the properties in Windows Explorer and you will most likely see that the data is still there.

[ColColt]

I have IrfanView(great little program) and will check that and Windows when I get home today. I wasn't offered much as to where to upload and I was lookiing for My Document so I could transfer to My Pictures or Transferred files but, it didn't appear-only a select 5-6 programs I don't use much or at all. PSPX fas the better choice but something went awry during the process. No fear, in a day or two I'll be getting the card reader and hopefully it will work as well as the reader for my SD cards.

[jcon]

I may be misunderstanding you, but if I get this correct, you dont upload your images to a folder, you open them in the program right away? I always open the camera or card reader directory( D:, F: or w/e ) and copy all the images, then paste them into a folder I have created on my desktop. I have n ever used the transfer wizard with Windows.

[Visual Reality]

Some of us need to, for example Lightroom imports all of my files, puts them in a folder of my choice, applies presets of my choice, and converts them to Digital Negatives.

[ColColt]

I may be misunderstanding you, but if I get this correct, you dont upload your images to a folder, you open them in the program right away?

That's pretty much it with the camera to computer method I did. I don't do that with the SD card for my D80 as Sandisk always gives me an option of where i want to transfer the images...usually to My Transferred Files, and then I make a new folder and title it and it transfers to that folder. With the D200 as I had no card reader. I was forced into using the cable from camera to USB port method. However, I wasn't given any option as to where I wanted it transferred just several options of what program I wanted to open. I kept looking for a way but none was there. That's why I'm getting the Sandisk C/F card reader.

[Visual Reality]

ColColt, open up My Computer and just go into the camera, it shows up as an accessible drive. You can copy/paste the images from there if you wish.

[StuartN]

You could also use Nikon's Transfer NX (free download) and that will let you specify the location to transfer your images. It even allows you to transfer to a second location simultaneously for backup purposes.(such as a an external backup drive). It will not strip the EXIF data and if you use the "sister" application View NX (also free download) you can catalog the files.

Still no substitute for a good image processing application like Lightroom or PS, but is free and easy to use. :)

[ColColt]

OK-Just an update on this I bought the SanDisk Extreme CF reader and did not like it at all. It deletes everything on the card once you transfer with no option as to whether I wanted it to do that or not-sucks. I chucked it and ordered the Sandisk ImageMate for CF cards and it works just like the one I have for SD cards in that it at least gives an option as to whether you want it to erase all the files once transferred. I don't know what gives with the Extreme reader but I may use it for a paper weight. I ought to send it back. What if the transfer didn't take place for some reason...I've lost the images on the card. This is what the ImageMate reader gives you... a choice.

[Visual Reality]

ColColt, open up My Computer and just go into the camera, it shows up as an accessible drive. You can copy/paste the images from there if you wish.
What's wrong with doing it this way? Why keep hassling with other methods and wasting money?

[K1W1]

OK-Just an update on this I bought the SanDisk Extreme CF reader and did not like it at all. It deletes everything on the card once you transfer with no option as to whether I wanted it to do that or not-sucks.

Using vendor supplied transfer software is exactly the same as buying a D90 and a 70-200 f2.8 lens then taking every photo in Auto mode.

Dump the software from your PC and just plug the reader in then use plain old Windows Explorer to copy the images off the card and transfer them to where YOU want them to go.
Take control don't merely follow.

[jcon]

I agree with the 2 previous posts. For me, XP reads when I put a card into the reader and asks me what I would like to do... I always select the "open folder" option, then I do as VR suggested above. Worry free and you dont need to worry about useless software.

[ColColt]

I don't use any software to transfer as none came with the TransferMate. You just plug it in and go and a box will come up as I've shown. The problem with the other reader was that it likes to erase your imagaes once you transfer them to wherever. That's why I got the TransferMate. The SandisK Extreme deleted all I had on the card and never gave me an option to keep them. Had the transfer not went through, I'd have nothing althought they did include a small 3" mini disc to lload with the reader whereby you could retrieve any lost files, I prefer having the option of whether I want to eliminate them in the first place without that decision already being made for me.

[K1W1]

You are using some sort of software. That box that you posted an image of is being generated by Sandisk software not by the operating system of the PC.
If you can't remove the software then when the box pops up just kill it and use the standard copy method from Windows Explorer or My Computer.

Try a simultaneous Control, Alt, Delete press then look at the Processes tab and you will probably find some Sandisk software that is being loaded every time you start Windows. If it's not there click on Start and Run and type msconfig into the dialogue box and click okay then look at the Startup tab and see if there is some sort of Sandisk program there.

EDIT:
Do a Google search on TransferMate and you will find that it is an application (about 30MB) that SanDisk ship with the card readers. The excecutable is transfermate.exe and it should be in a directory ../program files/sandisk/