A80 and card reader questions

[Maxhome]

I'm pleased as punch with my new A80 (first digital cam, and first real cam that does more than auto-shooting - so my learning curve is steep at present!) but I have a question about transferring images to PC.

I've searched and read a few threads here, and as far as I can see the only advantage of a card reader is speed of transfer. Am I right? I find it convenient to simply plug my A80 in via USB, and the speed of transfer, whilst not quick, isn't bugging me. Do I just continue on, till I get to the point I'm pulling my ears off 'cos I want to transfer 200 pics and it's taking hours? Or are there other advantages to a reader? I did wonder whether the on/off of the little usb port cover might eventually damage it, but presumably what I lose there I save on less opening/closing of the CF door?

Also, is there any disadvantage to using the Zoombrowser software that comes with the A80? It is quick (Photoshop takes 3 times as long to transfer each photo) and I quite like the browse/resize facilities. I assume that whichever way I do the transfer, I end up with exactly the same image info on my PC. Is that right?

Finally, can anyone suggest a decent case for the A80? There doesn't seem to be one specific to it, but I assume all manner of cases will do. A pointer e.g. to Amazon would be great.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

[Conk]

Well, you are about right concerning the card reader. Faster but also it reads cards from other cameras. It also saves battery life if you are not plugging in the A80. I use to transfer right from the camera but bought a card reader simply to save the small usb connection from wearing out. Plugging in and unplugging quite a lot must have some wear and tear after time. Plus like you said, the small cover at some point may let go.
Some people like Zoombrowser and some like Breezebrowser. Personally I use irfanview to view my photos and if I need to, simple editing. Check it out for a free download. http://www.irfanview.com
Lowepro seems to be a fairly popular case for cameras. http://www.lowepro.com/

[stopbath]

The benefit of a card reader lays (I think) in the added option of accessing the card without using the camera. This way you can use the card for other uses (taking modified photos to your print shop, transfering a file to a friends computer...) since the camera only likes to handle it's own files. If you have Windows XP you can directly browse the files but you can't delete them...

I use Zoombrowser and have no card reader. When down loading huge amounts of files, I just let it do it, and I play a simple game, or do something on line and just check on the status. Sometimes I just grab one of the first files downloaded and play with it, while the others down load.

I might buy a card reader in the future, but using the USB port is very easy. (Just plug it in, and turn the camera on. Zoom browser start automatically...) I don't worry about battery drain as the LCD is turned off during computer hookup.

[Alnath]

I use a USB2 card reader rather than plugging my A80 in to the PC. Although it is faster it do it because i am lazy and cant be bothered with the USB cable i'll be honest.

[Maxhome]

Thanks for the comments.

All were helpful. I suspect I'll stick with my direct camera-connect till I get bored with download times. And I think I'll stay with the software I'm comfy with. The more I read, the more I realise I am so far away from the state of the art that it's pointless worrying about some of the advanced stuff :)

The case link was great - will be looking at those this week.