EOS 1D and Win XP

[jadams]

Anyone else having hit or miss problems using the supplied CD and Windows XP? Windows always sees the camera when I connect it, but Adobe/Downloader can only connect to the camera 50% of the time or less.

I went to Canon's site and I see that the WIA driver is still in the works for this model.

Anyone know any workarounds and/or have more information on when I can expect another driver release?

Thanks,
Jasper

[Rudi]

Hi Jasper,

save yourself the trouble and buy a CF card reader (USB, or, if you can, Firewire). :)

[jadams]

I have a USB compact flash reader, but it won't work with all my cards. Any ideas?

It came with a 8MB in the package, and that works fine in both the camera and the reader (but, of course, not enough space).

The remainder are 128MB Sandisk CF cards, and they won't work. I plug it in, get one green flash, and nothing -- Windows doesn't register that the card is there.

Can you suggest any Firewire CF reader brands/models that I should keep in mind? I'd hate to pick one out without any knowledge or advice at all.

[jadams]

BTW- those are some amazing shots on your website! Great work Rudi!

[Rudi]

Hi Jasper,

can't think of any Firewire reader brands off the top of my head, but have a look at www.dpreview.com, go to the forums and do a search. The thread comes up regularly, and I will look it up in the near future when I'm in the market for one.

... and many thanks for the compliments! :)

[jadams]

Thanks for the suggestion.

I went to the store today and bought a PCMCIA Compact Flash Adaptor. It only cost me $12.99 (I was happy). It's MUCH quicker and a zillion times more reliable than Canon's current XP driver.

My main computer is a Dell Inspiron 8000 Laptop, so the PCMCIA adaptor is working wonderful for me. It's easier than a firewire reader, and takes up no desk space. Cheaper too!!

Jasper

[Rudi]

Jasper,

I'm sorry you didn't let me know that your main computer is a laptop, since I use a PCMCIA adapter with my laptop as well... and since I just upgraded my laptop, I intend to network the two computers and mainly download my photos to the laptop. You're right; the PCMCIA adapter is MUCH faster than USB, as well as cheaper and easier. :)

I now have two reasonably fast computers (AMD Athlon XP1600+ with 768 MB RAM and 120 GB on two hard drives for my desktop, and a 1.6 GHz Pentium IV with 256 MB RAM and 30 GB hard drive for my laptop) - it's heaven as far as my digital photography is concerned! :D (Although I intend to purchase an extra 256 MB RAM for the laptop - the desktop spoiled me!).