Dynamode USB-CR-6P

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating

The Dynamode USB-CR-6P universal card reader is a nifty,affordable device for the photographer with a portable laptop setup who uses lots of different types of memory card. Downloading images has got to be one of the dullest aspects of digital photography – but using a card reader to speed up the process saves not only time but also prevents wear and tear on your DSLR, too.
While it’s tempting to splash out on the first card reader that takes your memory cards, it pays to invest in a universal reader like the Dynamode USB-CR-6P that will take all types of memory card and is compatible with your mobile phone, MP3 player, PDA (personal digital assistant) and compact camera cards, too.
The USB-CR-6P takes a stupendous number of different cards – reputedly 55 in total. The list includes all the usual suspects – CompactFlash, SD, MemoryStick Duo and xD – but it’ll take lots of less common ones too, such as Microdrive, Mini SD and the teeny-tiny Micro SD card. Thankfully it reads the new SDHC (high capacity) cards as well, which aren’t compatible with earlier readers.
The great thing about the USB-CR-6P is its diminutive size; it’s just a couple of centimetres longer than a matchbox but the case feels pretty solid. The slots are secure enough, but can catch a little when inserting SD cards. Oddly, some cards must be inserted upside-down. It works flawlessly on both Mac and PC without drivers. For £5.86 it’s an amazing product that will complement any portable laptop setup. Desktop PC users may prefer something heavier, but it’ll cost a lot more.

Specification

Transfer speed Up to 480Mb per second
Card compatibility CF, xD, SDHC, MicroSD and MiniSD (55 card formats in total)
Operating systems Windows Vista and Mac OS 8.6 or higher
(backwards compatible with Windows ME/2000/XP)