Downloading Multiple Card Readers ??

[IraParis]

In an effort to speed up my workflow, I'd like to try stacking some Lexar Pro Card Readers, and downloading from them all.
Would someone be kind enough to explain how this works.
Do the cards download @ the same time, or one after another?
What software is needed ?
Any help / recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[Richard Dickins]

I don't know specifically about Lexar pro Readers, but the card readers I have all appear as drive letters on my system. there is nothing to stop me copying the contents of one drive letter at the same time as another one. In fact I often do this with the CF card and SD card from my 1dMkIII.

No special software is needed if you are just using Windows to do it - I don't know if other software that is typically in use here will allow simultaneous copies though.

[DougAxford]

I don't have Lexars but in my experience I'd rather download 1 at a time. Downloading the second slows both down and the third is even slower and I've had glitches on 3rd or more. If you had to, I'd download each to a separate device (such as a laptop or vault) or drive, then combine.

Why not contact Lexar & get their expert advice on it to be sure. You risk losing images if you're wrong.

[Ken_Bennett]

I use two readers all the time -- a Firewire and a USB 2. They are on different buses so don't slow each other down.

[michaelnotar]

i have used 2 lexar fw 400 readers on my mac. connect to two differant FW ports, not daisy chained, they both seem to be fast/normal.

[Ken Krehbiel]

I download 2-4 cards at a time, all the time, to two hard-drives at a time, with no problems. I use Photo Mechanic, never fails. Lightroom stinks at this.

I have Sandisk readers, but any fairly recent big name card reader should work. I can't believe how many photographers who have the latest $5,000 camera are still using the first card reader they ever bought in '01; hello!, you WILL notice a difference people!

Yes, multiple card readers slows down the the downloading time, but overall it takes less time because I don't have to sit there watching progress bars like some monkey waiting to stick another card in. Different ports using different buses definitely helps as well. I have other things to do; write an invoice, make a quote, eat lunch, check out Pro Photo.

Ken

[JamesBeine]

You might want to look at a software called Backupandburn Pro. (pc only) I use 8 card readers. The files are sequenced by time shot (multiple cameras used) renamed, and burned to different back-up schemes. I am set to burn to the main drive, a remote, and a DVD.