Imac & card reader

I own a mac desktop and looking at upgrading my camera to the 5d mk2 from the 60d. The 60d uses the sd card which the apple has a slot for that. The 5d uses a flash card which the apple doesn't have a slot for that. What card reader do you use? I'm nervous about changing cuz as soon as you put the sd card in, it goes right to iPhoto which I like. With the card reader, does it go right to iPhoto? Has anyone had issues with using a card reader. I looked google for this and found a forum that showed people having issues with downloading.

I use Sandisk readers -- mine are USB2.0, although you might check on a Firewire reader or, if your iMac has it, USB3.0. USB3 if fast, as is the newer Firewire 800. USB2 and Firewire 400 are pretty matched speedwise as long as you don't have your USB2 port directly supporting USB1 devices. Supporting USB devices can be done if you use a hub that is independently powered (check the specs) but if you use a non-powered hub you can be slowed down to USB1 speeds.

Also know that different readers can differ in their actual speeds, some pretty significantly. I have three Sandisk readers of different models, and the most recent model performs significantly faster than the two older ones. 'Course, the newest readers support the fastest cards as well, although they are more expensive!

I do have a Lexar Firewire 400 reader as well that I occasionally use with no problem...

Can't remember if the iPhoto will open directly but I believe it can be turned on/off (I use Lightroom). I use Lexar card readers (and have used SanDisk and Belkin card readers) with my iMac and have no problems at all.

I have a Sandsisk USB reader. Works well enough.
Speed tests:
http://robgalbraith.co​m …ti_page.asp?cid​=6007-9392

I use a Sandisk Firewire 800 reader. My new iMac only has one Firewire port so it is daisy chained with my two Lacie external drives.

Digital Paradise, where did you buy your scan disk and what did you pay? I'm to much of a computer guy so what do you mean firewire port and daisy chained? I bought my desktop about 6 months ago form the apple store and I have some areas to plug in stuff behind the computer on the lower right. I know I have usb ports but not sure if I have any other types.

if your mac is new it has firewire 800: http://en.wikipedia.or​g …800_.28IEEE_139​4b-2002.29

The plug has a Y logo. I wouldnt worry about daisy chaining yet since you do not have any other firewire devices.

I use a very inexpensive Kingston card reader that I found on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com …r-FCR-HS219/dp/B00109Y2DQ

I use it on an iMac and have not had any problems. You can make any device with images (iphone, 5D II, card reader, etc) open in any application you want. Turn on the device, open the Image Capture application, and set your preferences for that specific device.

mike3767 wrote in post #14046738
Digital Paradise, where did you buy your scan disk and what did you pay? I'm to much of a computer guy so what do you mean firewire port and daisy chained? I bought my desktop about 6 months ago form the apple store and I have some areas to plug in stuff behind the computer on the lower right. I know I have usb ports but not sure if I have any other types.

I purchased it locally but it was quite some time ago. Sorry I can't remember.

imjason wrote in post #14046828
if your mac is new it has firewire 800: http://en.wikipedia.or​g …800_.28IEEE_139​4b-2002.29

The plug has a Y logo. I wouldnt worry about daisy chaining yet since you do not have any other firewire devices.

Thanks. I'll check it out.

mike3767 wrote in post #14046738
Digital Paradise, where did you buy your scan disk and what did you pay? I'm to much of a computer guy so what do you mean firewire port and daisy chained? I bought my desktop about 6 months ago form the apple store and I have some areas to plug in stuff behind the computer on the lower right. I know I have usb ports but not sure if I have any other types.

Read your documentation or look up your model online and you can find out what kind of ports it has. The USB ports are rectangular, the Firewire ports have a "roundish" end, but the docs should tell you what they are. If the USB ports are USB3 or if you have Firewire800 then you have a definite advantage and you should get devices, especially card readers and external hard drives, that match that faster specification.