I would get a card reader for a couple reasons --

1. you dont have to keep go behind the computer to switch between cables. I dont think the Nikon and Canon have the same sized ports, but I could be wrong

2. prevents the bending of the pins plugging in the cable at the camera end -- my mom did this to hers, so now has no other option than to use the card reader i bought her.

3. Doesn't cause a drain on your cameras battery. Not a huge deal i know, but nothing sucks more than downloading like a thousand pics, and having the battery die.


Best Buy has one for about $20 -- but i'm sure you could find one for around the same price at any electronics dealer