Each make of digital camera comes with a CD containing software to load so the camera can talk to the computer to offload photographs. if the camera is connected to a USB port on the computer.

If someone had 2 digital cameras of different makes, e.g. an oldish Olympus and a new Fujifilm. and the communication softwares of both cameras were on the same computer, would the two clash? Or would each camera call its own communication software correctly?

(Both cameras would not be linked to the computer at the same time.)

Hi Anthony,

There's no conflict. I still have software from three cameras other than the one I presently use and each would open only with its own software, although I could change that if I wished.

Wayne

 I'd be more comfortable to use windows to transfer files - using proprietary software to do something which is akin to plugging in a USB stick and moving files over to your hard drive isnt something which warrants something running in the background continuously on the off chance you plug your camera in.

I'd get myself a multi-card reader and just have that instead.   That way you can file the photos the way you want to.  A little more effort required, but it is generally a faster transfer than plugging in your camera and transferring files through the camera software/hardware, down the usb cord to a software which processes the files and files them on the Operating System (OS) - something which OS's can natively do.  Plus i read the other day that if you get a power spike/surge (and i assume that is if you dont have a surge protector in your power supply to your computer) and your camera is plugged in you can do a bit of damage to it.

I  stick to using a card reader they are cheap enough, and  the make of the camera doesn't matter

I would just add a few comments. Proprietary software for transfering photo files does not run in the background. It runs only when the camera is plugged in and triggers the O/S to look for software that has been designated to be used for that event. After it does its job, it stops.

Regarding card readers vs USB connections, count the pins or sockets on your cards (50 on mine), then count them on the USB connector (4). Now look at the relative size and robustness of both of them. I would rather risk a bent pin or damaged socket on the USB connector anyday. I remove the card from the camera only when I must, such as a day when I take more than 300 photos. If you are pulling out that card every day or the USB connector everyday, which do you think is more likely to fail?

One last thing, if the USB connector fails, you still have your photos, you just have to buy a new cable or perhaps replace a very common computer socket. If the card pins fail, you have lost your photos or perhaps require the replacement of a 50-pin connector inside your camera. Having an ON/OFF switch replaced on my previous Nikon was free but they had my camera for 8 weeks. There are also some other possibilities that I have not listed. These are my reasons for prefering to use a USB cable to transfer images from the camera to the computer.

Wayne

Yep no clashing problems. I have 7 cameras in total plus my iphone and they all go great!

Agree completely with Inshaala!
Card readers are the way to go.

In general, most of the software that is supplied by the camera manufacturers to "offload" and "organize" your photos is...quite bluntly....crap.

Benefits of using card readers;

1. No need to bloat your computer with poorly written software
2. No risk of computer power fluctuations damaging your expensive DSLR
3. No draining of the camera battery ( Cam needs to be on when connected to PC!!!)
4. You can use your camera to take photos rather than having it tied to your PC

Whaleman's comment concerns only the use of CF cards...and for the most part, bent pins are the result of two things; user error in an attempt to put a card in inproperly...or poor handling practices resulting in "dirt" plugging one of the pin holes.
Similarly, repetitive use of the USB connection on the cam itself could cause failure of the USB connection inside the cam....although, this is just as unlikely as a bent CF pin... 

In the future we won't have to worry about any of this as wireless transfer becomes mainstream...

I use a card reader and download photos from the card fairly soon after any new photos are taken. I will not depend on a card in my camera to be my only source and want a backup fairly quickly.  The card gets rather full before I delete the images and by then I have a primary storage and one back up.  

I have not needed one but has anyone here used a CF card socket cleaner?