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I just noticed trouble with my 1 gig SD A-Data SD card. The trouble is that the contacts appear to be scuffed by my SD card reader. The card reader is one of those cheapo many-in-one types. However, when I insert the SD card, it feels like a scratch is occuring. It's worked for over 360+ times, but now my SD card is having trouble being recognized.
Is this normal for a card reader to scratch/scuff the copper contacts? I just got a Ridata 2 gig SD card, and it was brand new with unscuffed copper contacts. After a few entries into the SD card reader, there are definitely scuff marks.
If this is not the norm, are there any higher end SD card readers out there that wont do this?
TIA
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Most card readers these days work on the friction principle. The cards are held in the reader by friction on the contacts. I've looked at mine and there are wear marks on the contact, but no real "grooves" worn into the gold/copper contacts (using SanDisk SD Ultra II 1 GB and 512 MB cards)
Sounds like your cheepo reader is indeed wearing the contacts down to almost nothing. I am using a Lexar all in one reader and have had no problems what so ever.
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Not actually interested in the cheapest reader, but one that wont scratch my SD cards! I've gotten used to taking lots and lots of pictures, and dont want to have lots and lots of broken SD cards. I suspect that the SD card manufacturers wont accept that this is 'normal use'...as there is clear evidence that the card's contacts are scuffed...
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been very happy w/ Zio Dazzles here, YMMV
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Very happy with my Multi-card reader from Sam's Wholesale. $18. Sturdily built by Stratitec and includes six different card medias including SD. It is USB.
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Does you camera not have a USB port? I haven't taken the card out of my Sony in months.
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[quote DaviDC.]Does you camera not have a USB port? I haven't taken the card out of my Sony in months.
Readers are faster, much faster.
Can still shoot while copying another card.
USB ports wear out from the plug/unplug cycle. Rather have a broken card reader ($10 to replace) than a broken mini USB port on my camera, usually 100's of $$$ to repait.
Eat batteries while transferring data.
Readers mount as a "volume" so you can recover data, some cameras don't, so you can't recover data.
I also purchased a standalone battery charger ($12) for my Sony InfoLithium batteries. I have tested the USB port when I first got my camera, also used the AC Adapter once, to update the firmware. The plugs and receptacles are small and delicate, and very expensive to repair.
BGnR
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I only use my USB port for emergencies..for all the reasons stated above. I'd rather use an SD card to death rather than my D50. ;-)
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Same here. I have never connected a digital camera to any computer I've used. Card readers are the way to go, especially now that they are so cheap. They used to be $50-$60.
