When a camera, such as the Kodak DC280, "supports USB", is any additional hardware required to make the connection to the computer's USB port? In other words, do such cameras come with either built-in or external USB card readers? I'm confused since an online vendor has listed a USB digital film reader as a possible add-on accessory for a USB camera. That would seem redundant, but I'm not sure how the downloading process works.

-- John McHugh (mchughjj@aol.com), December 08, 1999

Answers

Most USB capable digital cameras come with a Cable to connect the camera to the computer.

I can think of only one rease to have a USB card reader when your camera is already USB capable.

If your computer has its USB ports in the back, it would tend to bea pain in the neck to have to pull out the computer and plug the cable in. especially if you are using both ports already and do not have a hub.

However, the newer PCs have the USB ports in front or come with a USB Monitor with its own built in hub.

I suppose it really depends on how your computer is setup.

dave

-- David Erskine (davide@netquest.com), December 09, 1999.

You don't need a "reader." The camera would act like the reader in downloading from an installed memory card. Having said that, using a separate card reader instead of the camera allows you to use the reader instead of the camera to download the memory cards. That's like using a VCR instead of hooking up your camcorder every time you want to check out your tape. Simple hookup, no worry about power adapters or battery drain, camera is available for use, less moving around of photogear to get/replace camera, etc. Front or back hookups, still way more convenient. Reader or camera you would need a cable, I'm assuming you have one but then again printers don't come with them either!

-- Craig Gillette (cgillette@thegrid.net), December 10, 1999.