Two questions re: file transfer from D-SLR

[micah_marty1]

1. Is it ok to use another cable for file transfer besides the one

provided by Canon (which looks like standard firewire)? The manual

says something like "You will be shot if you don't use the provided

cable," but it's about 10 feet long; needlessly bulky and heavy, esp.

for travel.

 

2. In the Canon File Viewer Utility program, I can't get the

"Model-specific processing mode" box (center of second toolbar from

the top) to show the camera model. It used to, but now it only shows

"Common processing" and no other options. I've tried it with the

camera connected, without, with files on the hard drive, with files

on the microdrive, etc., etc., but nothing gets back the option of

switching it to the model number (and yes, it fully interacts with the

camera, including setting Personal Functions). I'm sure I'm

overlooking something minor; help, anyone?

 

Thanks. . . .

[beauh44]

Hi Marty - I believe that's a USB cable provided and not firewire. It is a fat cable, but I'm afraid that I've never tried another and would be a wee bit hesitant. Perhaps a USB guru on the list could comment about cable standards. As for the 10D not appearing - I haven't had that happen, but I have had a LOT of weirdness with Canon's software. Ever since installing it from Day 1, after converting my RAW files, I get an error message with garbled characters - something about "cannot convert Powershot image". I'm using a 10D, not a Powershot. It works fine - but I still get that weird message. Best wishes . . .

[micah_marty1]

I should clarify: the camera is a 1Ds, and the cable is firewire, not USB. Again, it looks like standard firewire and I'd love to swap it with a 3-footer (or even shorter), but I'm leery of using non-OEM stuff ever since I fried a 1GB microdrive in a third-party card reader (use of which is, according to Canon, supposed to be OK). Thanks. . . .

[richard_tynan2]

I think it may depend on the firewire socket on the 1Ds. If it is a standard type then you may be able to use a different cable.

 

With the D30, I think it's USB socket is Canon specific so you are stuck with their own USB cable.