Cheap CF Card Reader

[Kwan Khan]

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CM6030/
I used with MBP + FireWire 800, Works well for me and saves me lots of time.
Can be used with Mac or PC computers and true plug-and-play with no drivers required.

Test: MBP Internal HD + FireWire 800 + Full 16G CF Card = 6min and 45 sec (Transfer time)

Same as: Delkin Devices Reader-39 CompactFlash Reader $54.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...DREADER_39_Reader_39_CompactFlash_Reader.html

Is There Any Test (Can someone do test for me) with other CF card reader with Transfer Time?

 

[FredrikL]

Sorry if this is off your topic Kwan,

but I'd like a cardreader that works on a HP laptop

(without FW800, the only FW port is one of those small ones)

...is it better then to go for a cardreader with USB? Isn't usb2 quite fast?
Anyone know of one that'll work for field backup?

 

[Brent Carter]

As we have stated in other threads, proceed with caution when it comes to CF card readers. "Cheap" ones can do damage to CF cards or corrupt footage on them. Remember, our CF cards - esp the 16 GB ones - are running with a lot of horsepower so the reader needs to keep up

Have not used the one you refer to, Kwan, so cannot personally attest to its performance. I just know we have seen some pretty ugly situations as a result of using cheap CF readers. We mostly use this at RED: http://www.lexar.com/readers/pro_udma_reader.html

BC

 

[donatello b]

"I'd like a cardreader that works on a HP laptop"

i use a 1394a/1394b combo pcmia cardbus on my HP ..
1394b is much faster then 1394a ....
if you have a newer HP then get the proper 1394b buscard ( xpresscard)

 

[Brent J. Craig]

Would you send your film to the cheapest lab?

 

[A. Clint Litton]

I've been using the Lexar FW800, and performance has been good, EXCEPT that one of the FW800 ports on the back has gone bad, thereby limiting me from daisy-chaining it. Haven't looked into warranty repair or replacement, but for now, I'm getting by with the one working port.

 

[FredrikL]

Brent, thanks for cautioning...I use 16GB cards...wanna take precautions here...hm?

Brent, thanks for cautioning...I use 16GB cards...wanna take precautions here...hm?

I ordered a cheap 12-in-one reader from sandisk with usb yesterday, but now you gave me cold feet and I cancelled the order. I didn't realize the cardreader could destroy footage...!

I understand the Lexar 800FW is the real thing, but I don't have a FW800 port on my (very new) HP laptop for field backup...(when I get home my MacPro does have plenty 800's, but that doesn't help me in the field)

I could - I suppose - use a FW800 cardbus like Donatello suggests, if its really worth it...
(Thanks for your thought Donatello!).

A cardbus like this and the Lexar FW800-reader - though - will end up at about 160- 180 dollars...sorta steep - but worth it?

What is so great about FW800?
- I realize its fast, but could it really be that muck faster than USB 2? Emptying 16GB couldn't be more than a few - say 8 or so, minutes?

Could a cheaper alternative than FW800 Lexar and FW cardbus be this one - I thought USB2 was fairly fast too:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...W035_001_Professional_UDMA_Dual_Slot_USB.html

Or is a cardbus and Lexar FW800 worth it? Obviously never want to lose any footage. Thanks.

PS: Any tips on (good!) products that could use my small - sized FW400 port?

Fredrik

 

[ALLSTAR]

Why not choose Express34 CF Card Reader?
8GB for 4min, 16GB for 7min, only $35!!

 

[FredrikL]

Thanks Allstar,

seems like a viable option. Have you used it yourself?
Found it even cheaper than that on a quick search...

What Brent says about that certain cheaper options can destroy the cards or the footage seems a little scary and makes one want to be on the safe side.

Another perhaps stupid question: I suppose one needs not only a reader - but also a cf - writer when one wants to upgrade builds...?

F.

 

[ALLSTAR]

I have used it a month already, very happy ! fast and no issues

 

[FredrikL]

On a HP- laptop?

I suppose there is no such slot on a MacPro? (havent gotten my yet, but an usb could be used also an my macpro)

 

[Brent Carter]

PM'ed you back, FredrikL. Personally, I am a Lexar fan so if you are going USB, look at http://www.lexar.com/readers/pro_udma_dualslot.html .

BC

 

[Paul Leeming]

Another perhaps stupid question: I suppose one needs not only a reader - but also a cf - writer when one wants to upgrade builds...?

All "readers" are in fact writers as well. So don't sweat that part, it's just standard nomenclature.

HTH

Paul