If you have a camera with a cradle that lets you download to the computer, you probably don't need a card reader.
A card reader is very handy if you have to connect the digital camera to the computer with a cable. You use up a lot of camera battery time just downloading the photos.
I find the camera software cumbersome.
I have three digital cameras and one digital camcorder. All with different format memory cards.
I use three computers and they all have card readers.
It is so easy just to pop the card out of the camera and plug it into the card reader and use Windows Explorer to move the photos to where I want them. I store the photos in folders for each camera and within folders that have date names (i.e. 20041020Wedding).
Needless to say, I like card readers.
Your mileage may differ.
...
I've heard both sides. Coming from the experts, do you advise to use one or does it really matter?
Val

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