Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Memory Card Reader
As a photographer, managing and storing digital data has become a big part of my day-to-day existence. Likewise, sometimes I prefer to use certain cameras for certain environments, and sometimes, I just like to have an older camera because I’m simply more comfortable with operating it. Of course, over the last two decades, digital cameras and their data storage have changed, and they will keep changing. So, whether I’m getting a new digital camera, or working with an older model, one of the biggest concerns I have is that I have the ability to transfer data from all my mediums to my current computer for editing.
When Apple stopped making a built-in SD card reader on the MacBook Pro, and I was a little disappointed, but I needed to find something new with a USB 3.0 connection to see if I could fix the situation. I went to B and H Photo, where I buy all my equipment, and the salesperson there, Dan, recommended I take home a Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Memory Card Reader. It comes with The Lexar Multi-Card Reader, a USB 3.0 cable.
What’s really nice about this reader is that it comes with a protective plastic casing that the ports pop out of with every use, which prevents damage from dust or the elements taking a foothold. It can also handle, a range of temperatures — just don’t leave it in a humid environment for too long. The one thing I wasn’t absolutely clear about when I purchased this was which systems and types of computers the reader would be compatible with. B&H’s live chat was on call 24/7 to answer all my questions — The Lexar Multi-Card Reader is compatible with Mac 10.4.6 and later, Windows 7 Vista, or XP, but only so long as you have a USB 3.0 port. The USB 3.0 is necessary. There’s are six slots for six different formats: CompactFlash Type II, Memory Stick PRO Duo (PRO-HG [60 MB/s]), Memory Stick Micro (M2) (PRO-HG [60 MB/s]), a micro SDHC slot, SDXC, and xD (M+ [6 MB/s]).
Overall, I found that the reader was very comprehensive in terms of addressing the outmoding of certain technologies. It’s perfect for my purposes. When you insert a card into one of the slots, a blue LED light will blink to indicate the computer and reader are interacting, and the LED when then light up solid as soon as the connection is made. Transfer time across the cable is about 5 gigabytes per second. It’s a bit slow when compared to older built-in card-readers, however, the convenience of being able to load all these formats in one sitting, in one device, is worth its weight in gold to me.
The Lexar Multi-Card Reader is an absolute must-have for any digital photographer who gets attached and nostalgic for their old instruments. Now I’m able to keep working with all the older digital cameras that I’ve come to love over the past two decades. It doesn’t matter what camera I choose, B&H Photo has me covered. Thanks, B&H!
