A friend of mine had a problem with her harddrive after trying to download pictures onto her pc via the card reader. Apparently the problem was caused because she did not reformat the card everytime the photos were downloaded in this way. The camera's manual only suggested that reformating may be done whereas it appears it had to be done.

She understands that downloading via usb whilst slower wouldn't have caused the problem.

Although I don't have a digital camera myself I don't recall reading anywhere about having to reformat the card when transferring in this way. Is reformatting a standard practice and why does a problem arise if reformatting does not occur?

I have never formatted a card ever on any type of card media.

The easiest way it just to connect the camera via the USB lead and access it as an external device.

A card reader is usually USB anyway so it would make no difference. Formatting the card would make no difference to the hard drive. Sounds like unlucky coincidence to me. Might be worth checking the card reader connection leads are secure.

Formatting the card is best done in the camera using the option in the cameras menu. The reason for formatting is it will make the card a little quicker by creating a new file table. There are different types of format and doing it in the camera makes sure it stays compatible.

I would always use a card reader in preference to a USB lead to the camera for file transfer.

the camera formats the card for its own purpose ... shouldnt have caused a prob with harddrive at all. i use a card reader with no probs at all doesnt affect card in anyway